If you’ve never hired a wedding planner before, you’re not alone—most people haven’t! For many couples, this is their first (and hopefully only!) time planning a wedding, and let’s be real… the market is saturated. These days, anyone can toss "wedding planner" in their bio after coordinating their own big day. But planning your own wedding doesn’t make you a professional. That’s where vetting your planner becomes crucial.
You’ll be working closely with this person for months (sometimes over a year!), so it’s important to find someone you trust, vibe with, and who actually knows what they’re doing. Hiring an experienced, educated, and elite planner (hi, that’s me 👋) can be the difference between chaos and calm on your wedding day.
Here are the top 9 questions you need to ask when interviewing a wedding planner:
1. What is your experience level? How many weddings have you planned from start to finish?
This question helps you understand if you're talking to someone who's handled full-scale wedding logistics or someone who helped a friend once and now has a pretty Instagram page. Look for someone who has experience with events similar to yours—and who can confidently walk you through the planning journey from engagement to sparkler exit.
2. Are you certified or trained in wedding or event planning?
While certification isn’t everything, it shows a level of professionalism and commitment to the craft. A Master Certified Planner (like yours truly) has invested time and education into becoming a trusted expert. That matters when your wedding is on the line.
3. What planning packages do you offer, and what’s included in each?
Not all planners offer the same services. Some specialize in full-service planning, while others offer partial planning or month-of coordination. Get clear on what's included, so you know exactly what kind of support you’re signing up for—and where you might still need help.
4. Do you have a preferred vendor list or vendor relationships?
A well-connected planner can save you time, money, and headaches. If your planner has built strong relationships with photographers, florists, DJs, and more, that’s a huge win. They’ll know who to recommend based on your budget, style, and vibe.
5. How do you communicate with your couples and keep them on track?
Planning a wedding involves a lot of moving parts. Ask how the planner stays organized and how you’ll stay in touch—whether it’s email, a shared planning portal, texts, or regular check-ins. You want someone who’s proactive and keeps you updated without making you chase them down.
6. Have you worked at our venue or similar venues before?
Every venue has its quirks—especially in the Midwest! Knowing your planner is familiar with the space (or at least similar ones) can give you extra peace of mind. They’ll know how to work within the venue’s layout, lighting, and restrictions.
7. How do you handle wedding-day emergencies or last-minute changes?
A great planner has a Plan A, B, and Z. Ask for examples of how they’ve handled sticky situations in the past. The ability to stay calm under pressure is key to making sure your day stays magical even if something doesn’t go as planned.
8. What deliverables can we expect from you before the wedding day?
It’s totally fair to ask what kind of tangible work your planner will provide along the way. Will you get a custom timeline? Design boards? Checklists? Budget tracking tools? Planning shouldn’t happen in a black hole—your planner should be able to show you real progress and keep you in the loop with organized, easy-to-understand materials. (Spoiler alert: I give my couples access to top-of-the-line planning software with everything in one place.)
9. What makes you different from other planners?
This is where personality shines. You want someone who fits your energy, understands your vision, and brings something special to the table. Don’t be afraid to dig into what makes them unique.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding planner is more than just a vendor—they’re your partner, your hype person, your logistics ninja, and sometimes even your therapist. Don’t just go with the first name that pops up on Google. Do your homework. Ask the right questions. And hire someone who makes you feel seen, heard, and taken care of.
And if you’re looking for someone with over 10 years of experience, a degree in design, elite-level certification, and a personality that keeps it fun (even when it gets stressful)… you know where to find me. 😉
Ready to meet your new wedding planning bestie?
Let’s chat about your day, your dreams, and how we can make wedding magic together. Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
