Relying solely on a wedding planner's website can paint an incomplete picture. While it highlights their best work with polished images and curated descriptions, digging deeper is essential. Connect directly with past clients to hear firsthand about their experiences—how the planner communicated, handled surprises, and managed stress. A skilled planner thrives under pressure, turning potential disasters into seamless moments.
Testimonials offer surface-level insights. Instead, seek unfiltered feedback from couples who’ve worked with them. Ask about the planner’s hands-on problem-solving, reliability, and whether they delivered on promises. This real-world intel will clarify if their approach matches your expectations.
Every planner has a unique rhythm. Some thrive on spreadsheets and strict timelines, while others prefer a fluid, creative process. Align their style with your personality—do you need meticulous budget trackers or a collaborator who adapts as ideas evolve? For example, if you’re a detail-oriented couple, a planner who provides granular updates might be ideal.
Clarify their communication preferences early. Do they favor weekly check-ins or rapid-fire texts? A planner whose responsiveness matches your needs prevents frustrations later. Mismatched communication styles can derail even the best-laid plans.
Seasoned planners bring more than just years—they bring solutions. Look for someone who’s navigated weddings like yours, whether it’s a 300-person gala or an intimate beach ceremony. Ask for case studies: How did they handle a last-minute venue cancellation? What’s their backup plan for outdoor rain? Their war stories reveal their adaptability.
For niche weddings (e.g., destination events), probe their logistical savvy. Have they coordinated with international vendors? Do they know local marriage license quirks? Specialized expertise saves time, money, and sanity.
A planner’s ability to keep you informed is non-negotiable. They should proactively update you, not the other way around. Ask how they’ll share progress—via shared dashboards, monthly reports, or instant messaging. Chaos thrives in silence; clarity prevents disasters.
Peek behind the curtain at their organizational systems. Do they use tools like Trello or Airtable? How do they track vendor contracts? A planner who color-codes timelines and triple-checks details is worth their weight in gold.
Your planner’s calendar should sync with your urgency. If you’re planning a six-month whirlwind wedding, ensure they’re not already juggling three other events that month. Ask for their typical response window—24 hours for emails? Same-day calls? Delayed replies during crunch time spell trouble.
Gauge their crisis-mode demeanor. Can they troubleshoot a cake delivery fail at 7 AM? Their reliability during emergencies matters as much as their Pinterest-worthy designs.
Experience isn’t just about years—it’s about battle-tested competence. Scrutinize their portfolio for proof of resilience: Have they salvaged a rained-out ceremony? Negotiated with stubborn caterers? These stories reveal their grit.
Demand specifics about budgets and timelines. A vague “we stayed on track” is a red flag. Instead, look for exact figures: “We trimmed $5K without sacrificing floral arrangements by repurposing ceremony decor.”
Their past work is a blueprint for your future. Study photos beyond the highlights—are guest sightlines obstructed in reception shots? Did DIY elements look cohesive? Flaws in their portfolio teach more than perfection.
Ask how they’ve tailored plans for diverse couples. A planner who’s orchestrated both microweddings and multi-day cultural celebrations demonstrates versatility.
Beyond checklists, assess their emotional intelligence. Can they mediate family disputes over seating charts? Do they anticipate your needs before you voice them? Soft skills separate good planners from unforgettable ones.
Tech proficiency matters too. Familiarity with tools like HoneyBook or WeddingWire streamlines contracts and payments, minimizing administrative headaches.
Request sample emails or proposals. Are they concise yet thorough? A planner who writes novels for simple queries may drown you in unnecessary details.
How do they handle vendor conflicts? Look for examples where they’ve smoothed tensions between photographers and videographers competing for prime angles.
Ask for their “Plan B” playbook. Did they pivot a tented wedding indoors during a storm while keeping guests oblivious to the chaos? Their crisis-management stories are predictive of your peace of mind.
Resourcefulness is key. A planner who once sourced a replacement band in 30 minutes because the original had a flat tire is someone you want on speed dial.