What should I ask a wedding planner?

Planning a wedding can be exciting, fun, and a little overwhelming at times. Finding the right planner helps to streamline the process and take away additional stressors. We want to help you ask the right questions, align your expectations, and get to the fun part!

You’ve already met your perfect match… and now it’s time to find your perfect wedding planner match too!

Are you available on our wedding date?

If you have a date in mind, and especially if you have already booked a venue for a specific date, we recommend that you start by asking about availability. If the planner you are interested in is already booked, at least you will know from the start.

Pro tip: Favorite planner already booked? Asked if they have any recommendations for other planners in the area.

What is the average cost of a wedding?

Figuring out your budget is one of the first steps to making the wedding planning process fun, realistic, and stress-free. Thus, being on the same page about budget with your wedding planner is key. Some planners work primarily within specific budgets and may not have experience or vendor relationships within your price range. 

Our advice: check out this handy tool for crafting your wedding budget and then discuss it with your potential planner. 

What sort of services do you offer?

There is no one size fits all when it comes to your needs from a wedding planner. Ask about different packages, what they include, and what is their specialty?  Are they designers or logistical planners? If your specific needs are different than any of their pre-crafted packages, ask if they can tailor something specifically to your desires and price range.

Do you work with a team?

If you plan to bring in different vendors, such as a caterer or florist, having a wedding planner who works as a member of a larger team to create a cohesive event is essential. Working as a team of vendors can stem from having existing relationships with top vendors in the area, or a general mentality of wanting to work collaboratively.

Our advice: if you have already decided on a caterer or venue, ask them if they have any planners they adore working with.

What will you do to make our special day more relaxing and fun?

There are many great upsides to having a wedding planner, but one of the best things about having a wedding planner is that it allows you and your family to enjoy your big day. Ask a planner about how they can make your wedding stress-free and care-free. If you have specific concerns or stressors, ask a planner about how they might handle them.

How can you help us pull off our vision?

This day is all about you! If you have a vision, inspiration, or dream design, the right planner will help you pull this off. Do they have experience with this kind of design? Do they have any fun ideas that build off of yours? You want to feel confident that your dream wedding can come to life. 

How many people from your staff will be at our wedding? How long will they be there?

This question is essential to make sure that your expectations are in line with what a planner is offering. Will they be the first person to arrive at the venue and the last to leave? See how a planner handles set-up, clean-up and everything in between. 

Do you have any references?

Still not totally sure? It is important to feel confident about your selection of a wedding planner and to be sure that you are getting the services that you are paying for. If you need a little more information about a future planner, ask if they have any references you can check out. 

Check out their reviews!

One of the best ways to see how other couples feel about the potential planner for hire is what they have to say. 

What should I ask a wedding planner?
Experience matters! Ask a wedding planner about their references. 
Photo of Kristina Slocum of Purple Orchid, Events

What should I ask a wedding planner?
Save the Date! Make sure the planner you are interested in is available on your wedding date.
Photo by Jamie Mercurio.
What should I ask a wedding planner?
Team work makes the dream work! The Purple Orchid, Events team will turn your dream into a reality.

We can't wait to get to know you!