11 Essential Questions You Should Ask A Wedding Planner Before You Hire Them
- Christine M.
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Hiring a wedding planner is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the planning process. The right planner can help you stay on budget, ease your stress and ensure your vision comes to life flawlessly. But how do you know if the planner you're meeting with is truly the right fit?
Here are 11 essential questions to ask a wedding planner before signing a contract - plus what their answers should tell you:
What services do you offer?
Why ask: Wedding planners vary in the scope of services they provide. Some offer full-service planning (from concept to cleanup), while others specialize in partial planning or wedding management.
What to look for:
A detailed explanation of each service level and what's included.
Transparency about what's not included so there are no surprises later.
Flexibility to customize based on your unique needs.
Are you licensed and insured?
Why ask: A professional wedding planner should operate as a legitimate business, which includes carrying liability insurance. This protects you, your guests and your vendors in the rare event something goes wrong.
What to look for:
A clear "yes" to being both licensed and insured.
Willingness to provide proof if requested.
If the answer is no, it's a red flag and a sign to keep looking.
How many weddings do you take on per year (or per month)?
Why ask: This question helps you gauge their workload and how much personal attention you can expect.
What to look for:
A planner who balances quality over quantity.
If they book many weddings at once, and that may take place within the same month / season, ask how they manage multiple events to ensure each couple gets the attention they deserve.
Have you planned weddings at our venue (or similar venues)?
Why ask: Familiarity with your venue (or similar spaces) can mean a smoother planning process and fewer surprises.
What to look for:
If they've worked at your venue, they should be able to share insight on layout options, vendor logistics and venue rules.
If not, look for a willingness and confidence in learning the space and its nuances.
How do you handle vendor recommendations?
Why ask: Your planner should guide you toward reputable vendors who align with your budget, style and personality.
What to look for:
They recommend vendors based on your needs, not because of commissions or kickbacks.
They have strong, professional relationships in the industry but put your preferences first.
How do you manage budgets?
Why ask: Your planner should be skilled at helping you prioritize your spending and avoid costly surprises.
What to look for:
A clear process for creating and tracking budgets.
Experience with events in your budget range.
Honesty about what's realistic based on your vision and guest count.
Can you show us examples of your past weddings?
Why ask: A planner's portfolio reveals their design aesthetic, organizational skills and level of detail.
What to look for:
A consistent level of quality and polish in their events.
Testimonials or reviews that highlight both their creativity and professionalism.
Experience with weddings similar in style or scale to yours.
How do you communicate with clients?
Why ask: Clear communication is critical for a stress-free planning process.
What to look for:
Defined response times and preferred communication methods (email, phone, planning software, etc).
Availability that aligns with your expectations, especially if you're planning remotely or have a busy schedule.
What's your contingency plan for emergencies?
Why ask: Even the most perfectly planned wedding can hit a bump in the road. You need a planner who can handle anything.
What to look for:
Specific examples of how they've solved unexpected challenges in the past.
Backup vendor contracts, weather plans and staffing solutions.
A calm, solution-focused demeanor.
How involved will you be on the wedding day?
Why ask: You need to know who will be overseeing your event and handling last- minute details.
What to look for:
Assurance that your lead planner (or an equally qualified team member) will be onsite.
A clear understanding of how many assistants or staff will be present, depending on your wedding size and complexity.
Why do you love what you do?
Why ask: This open-ended question gives you insight into their personality and passion for planning.
What to look for:
A genuine enthusiasm for creating memorable, stress-free wedding days.
Alignment with your values and energy so you feel comfortable spending months working together.
Final Thoughts:
Your wedding planner will be your partner and advocate throughout the planning process. Asking these questions ensures you choose someone with the experience, professionalism and personality to bring your vision to life.
Ready to start your planning journey? At CM Event Design we're licensed, insured and passionate about creating seamless, luxurious weddings for couples who want an extraordinary celebration. Contact us today to schedule your consultation...we can't wait to hear your love story!
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