five questions to ask a wedding planner

Written By ginkgo + grove

Your wedding is a one shot, once in a lifetime day that you’ll likely spend months (or years!) planning, so it’s important to be thoughtful about choosing your planner or coordinator. While you should always make sure your date + budget are aligned, getting a feel for your planner’s personality, organization, and communication style are just as important.

Here are our top five questions to ask a wedding planner before you book:

  1. Who Will I be Working With?

For many wedding vendors, there is a whole team involved with making a wedding happen. It’s common to see multiple owners, designers, assistants and coordinators, all of which may be in contact with you throughout the process. Make it a point to ask up front who you’ll be working with the most, and who will be there on your actual wedding day.

2. What are your values + Priorities?

You’ll be spending a lot of time with your planner (anywhere between 2-16 months in advance of your day!) and it’s important to find someone that values, celebrates, and prioritizes the same things you do, especially if you are planning on a non-traditional wedding. Whether it’s a goal to only hire diverse vendors or you prefer a simple elopement, don’t shy away from sharing exactly what you envision for your day. Even if you are just recently engaged and in the early stages of planning, discuss your non-negotiables. A good planner will prioritize your wants and needs, rather than imposing their own.

photo by Vein + Vessel

3. What does your process look like?

There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” approach to planning. This depends largely on the scope, location, guest count, and complexity of your day. However, all planners should be able to share what their process generally looks like. Ask how they stay organized, what means of communication they will use (and how often!), and their timeline. Be sure to discuss what kind of support you are specifically looking for. Are you wanting collaboration, or a full-service planner to take the reigns? Every single planner is different, so discuss what type of support fits your needs best.

photo by Vein + Vessel

4. What’s included in your pricing?

No one wants to be surprised by additional fees on their wedding day, so it’s important to be up front and honest about your needs. Each planner will have different packages and inclusions, so pay close attention to what’s covered and what you may need to pay extra for. For example, if you don’t see “end of night clean up” listed as a service, do not assume it’s included! Before meeting with a potential planner, create a detailed list of any services you may need. Need help setting centerpieces? Make sure it’s included. Looking for help with putting together your DIY flowers? You may need to pay extra for that.

An experienced planner will work with you to make sure your essential needs are covered, but it’s key to communicate specifics up front so your planner can best prepare, and so you don’t get slammed with extra fees!

5. What’s covered in your contract? (and yes, they need to have a contract!)

Unfortunately, life happens. People get sick, natural disasters occur, the list goes on. Contracts exist to protect both you and the planner, so here are some things to expect and look for in a contract:

  • description of services

  • payment details and schedule (payment plans should be outlined, when applicable)

  • cancellation + rescheduling policy (this should include what happens if your planner can no longer plan/execute your wedding)

  • insurance (all planners should at the very least have general liability coverage for your event. some venues/vendors may even require it, so be sure to check!)

ginkgo + grove https://ginkgoandgrove.com