6 Key Questions To Ask Your Prospective Wedding Planner Before You Hire Them
Whether you want your wedding to be lavish or on the smaller side, handling every single little detail that goes into the celebration can be seriously overwhelming (and too much to deal with alone).
That’s why, if you’re able to afford it, you might want to hire a wedding planner.
It’s a stellar idea since these professionals know the ins and outs of the industry. They can steer you away from common mistakes, liaise with other vendors so you don’t have to, and reduce the stress you feel during your engagement period, which is supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life.
However, you shouldn’t hire just anyone to spearhead your big day. Before you sign any contracts and say “yes” to a wedding planner, here are some critical questions to ask.
What other weddings have you produced within a similar budget?
If we’re being real, budgets are the backbone of wedding planning. They are typically nonnegotiable, setting the boundaries and guidelines for each facet that goes into your nuptials.
So, it’s important to first understand your budget. Then, you must ensure your expectations are realistic with the amount of money you’re able to spend.
You may find a wedding planner who is able to work within your budget, which is great. But you should always ask to look at their portfolio and specifically browse through ceremonies that align with your price point.
You’ll get to see what they were able to achieve for other couples with the same designated wedding investment and get on the same page about your vision and expectations.
Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Will the process be collaborative?
This next question pertains to work style, and it may matter more to certain soon-to-be spouses.
Some brides and grooms might prefer a hands-off approach, while others enjoy having more input.
Figure out how your prospective wedding planner operates to determine if their style fits with your preferences. If you have mismatched assumptions about how the planning process will go, it can feel one-sided and frustrating in the long run.
Exactly what is included?
Again, there are so many moving parts that go into throwing a wedding. So, it’s best not to make any guesses about what your wedding planner will cover.
Instead, ask them point-blank what services are included in their offerings and what services fall under additional charges. For instance, will they also help handle stationary, build you a wedding website, or manage the rehearsal dinner?
If you’re interested in these services, particularly outside of your actual wedding day, make that clear and determine if your prospective planner can appropriately assist you within your budget.
When can I reach you?
Before you fall in love with a wedding planner, check in on their availability.
Inspiration for your big day can strike at any moment, but that doesn’t mean your planner will always be ready to take your phone call or text. Inquire about whether they hold “office hours” or have time to check in with you on a weekly basis.
Setting a time to catch up, whether that’s even bi-weekly or monthly, can help mitigate any communication confusion and ensure you feel heard in the planning process.
How large is your team?
You’ll also want to learn how big your wedding planner’s team is to better understand how the process will play out and what you can expect.
If your prospective planner runs a solo operation, you’ll only speak with them. However, if your planner has a larger team, you may interact with multiple people.
In this case, ask about their roles and how everyone works together to put together the larger pieces of the puzzle.
How does a rain plan work?
The last thing any bride or groom wants to think about is rain on their wedding day. Nonetheless, it’s a detail that can’t be overlooked, particularly if your nuptials are going to be outside.
Talk to your prospective wedding planner about how they’d put together a rain plan together. For instance, they might opt to include a ceremony tent just in case of a drizzle. Or, in more severe weather scenarios, they may need to rearrange plans more significantly.
Some venues and tent companies also have deadlines for making rain calls. Determine if your planner will be the person making that final decision and how they’d handle it so you can go into your wedding stress-free, no matter the forecast.
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