Congratulations on your engagement! Now that the initial excitement has settled, it's time to embark on the beautiful journey of planning your special day. Planning a wedding may seem like a daunting task, but finding the perfect wedding planner can truly make a difference. Selecting a wedding planner is an exciting process where you get to have meaningful conversations with potential planners, ensuring they understand your vision for the dream wedding.
Today, I'm going to share some of the key questions to ask before you hire a wedding planner so you can find your perfect fit that will bring your dream wedding to life!
First, what is included in your packages?
It might surprise you (after all, you don’t plan weddings for a living!) but not all wedding planning packages are created equal. Each planner has a unique approach to the planning process, so it’s important to find a planner that aligns with your vision and your style of working. Consider whether you want a collaborative approach or you want a completely done-for-you service. You want to know what services they offer, from the initial consultation to the day of the wedding. Will your wedding planner help you with design or is that a separate service? Do they create customized timelines and share them with you wedding vendors? Will they come on site visits to your venue with you or tastings with your caterer? Is there a limit to the amount of meetings they will have with you? I provide unlimited meetings as a standard, but it's important to note that its not uncommon for other wedding planners to have a limit on the number of meetings included in your wedding package.
Also, make sure to ask the planner about their usual package and any additional services you might want to consider. It's great to know upfront what else they can offer, as it might spark more questions. Lastly, don't forget to inquire about when the wedding planning "kicks off". For instance, some planners start the process 12 months before, regardless of when you hire them. You’ll want to know that before you hire them!
Do you typically work with weddings within our budget?
When it comes to hiring a wedding planner, you want someone experienced in planning and designing weddings that fit within your preferred investment range. Ask your wedding planner about their experience with weddings of similar scope and budget, as well as how they handle differences in pricing and packages. While a good wedding planner is worth every penny and then some (in our humble opinion!), you also don’t want to book a wedding planner that takes up too much of your overall wedding budget, giving them very little room to work with.
How does the planning process work with you?
It is important to ask your wedding planner about their process. Find out how they prefer to communicate; do they meet with their clients in person, online, or both? Are they available to answer questions through email or phone calls? A reputable planner will be accessible and keep their clients informed throughout the process. You want a planner with the same communication style as you, so that the planning process is as stress-free as possible.
What Does the Wedding Day Of Look Like?
This question might surprise you, but it is important to ask your wedding planner what the wedding day looks like. You’ll want to know if they will bring a team with them and how they handle the setup and design. Does your wedding planner coordinate the flow of the ceremony and reception? Will they or an assistant remain with you throughout the day in case you need anything? It's important to discuss these details with your wedding planner prior to the wedding day to ensure that you get the exact experience that you are expecting as every wedding planner will approach a wedding day differently.
At the end of the day, trust your gut!
Working with your wedding planner over the course of a year is no small feat. You're likely to have a lot of conversations about your vision and your expectations, as well as many logistical considerations to discuss. It's important to hire someone that you like and feel comfortable trusting with this important task. At the end of the day, trust your gut and make sure that you have a good rapport with whoever you hire. Not only do you want to ensure that they have the right qualifications and experience, but you also need to be sure that you are working with someone that you trust and are excited about. Make sure that you take the time to get to know your wedding planner, look at past work, and ask questions to make sure that you are both on the same page.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Wedding Planner
We hope that this list of questions gives you a head start in your search to hire a wedding planner. If you are planning a wedding in Long Island, we would love to learn more about your wedding day vision. We understand how important this day is, and we strive to make sure that your wedding day is as perfect for you as it can be. To get a feel for our style, browse our portfolio here or come say hello on Instagram! When you’re ready, get in touch with us here and we can get started!
