35 Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner to Help You Decide Who to Hire

You’ve decided to hire a wedding planner to help you plan your big day. Good idea! But how do you choose one? A wedding planner’s job is to bring your vision to life, from coordinating vendors to creating and managing a detailed day-of timeline. Different wedding planners will have different specialties and planning styles, so your first step is to screen them to make sure they’re a fit — creatively and financially.

Don’t worry about coming up with all your wedding planner questions yourself — that’s where we can help. We’ve rounded up the best questions to ask a wedding planner, plus helpful tips on what to consider, both before and after you interview them.

Questions to ask a wedding planner

Start by asking them basic questions about their background in the wedding space. Then move on to questions about pre-planning and execution for your event. Here’s everything to ask your wedding planner at your first meeting.

1. Are you available on my wedding date?

One of the first questions to ask a prospective wedding planner is whether they’re available on your wedding day. If you haven’t selected a date yet, the planner can help you choose one.

2. What type of services do you offer?

Wedding planners offer plenty of different services, from full-service planning where they oversee every aspect of the process, to day-of coordination, which mainly takes the burden off your shoulders on the day you’re getting married.

3. What sets your wedding planning services apart from others?

Ask your wedding planner how their services make them different. Their answer will speak volumes about their level of creativity, attention to detail, and any unique specialties they offer.

4. Do you have references from other couples or vendors?

Before you decide on the best planner, ask for a few references from clients and vendors they’ve worked with in the past. References are a great confidence booster, and they can also give you ideas for your big day that you wouldn’t otherwise have thought of.

5. What’s your experience in the wedding industry?

While it can be a relief to choose someone with a lot of experience, newer planners might have more energy and can be more in step with new ideas. Make sure your chosen planner’s level of expertise fits your comfort zone.

6. What are your company’s values?

Ask your planner about their company’s ethos, and how their mission translates into wedding planning and selecting vendors. It’s so important to work with a team that truly cares about your relationship, and wants to make you happy.

7. How do you approach working with different couples?

A one-size-fits-all wedding planner can leave you feeling underwhelmed. Get a sense of your planner’s adaptability, and whether they can tailor their services to satisfy your specific needs and vision.

Expert Advice: If you’re wondering whether you actually need a wedding planner, see our guide: Do I Need a Wedding Planner?

8. Are there any wedding styles you specialize in?

Find out if your planner specializes in specific wedding themes or styles, such as destination weddings, luxury events, or micro weddings. If your vision falls outside their specialty, they may not be a fit for you.

9. Have you planned cultural or religious weddings?

If you’re planning a cultural or religious ceremony, ask about the planner’s experience handling them. You can also ask how they manage weddings that combine multiple cultural or religious backgrounds.

10. How do you handle unexpected challenges?

You’ll naturally face a few hurdles, from last-minute vendor cancellations to guest list changes. Find out a little about your planner’s problem-solving skills, so you can have the faith that you’ll be in good hands on your wedding day.

11. What is your preferred communication style?

Everyone’s communication style is different. One planner might prefer calls, while another sticks to emails. Remember to share your preferences as well. That way, you’re both on the same page moving forward.

12. When will we meet, and how often will you provide updates?

You may be surprised at how many meetings you’ll have with your planner, whether they’re in person, virtual, or both. Ask how often these will take place, and how you’ll stay updated until your big day arrives.

13. Can you take care of my valuables on the wedding day?

Ask about whether the planner will be comfortable taking responsibility for valuable personal items during the day. For example, can they take charge of the bride's wallet, phone, tips for vendors, or even the rings? Some coordinators will also collect wedding cards and gifts and bring them back to where the couple is staying. That lets the couple enjoy the end of the night without unnecessary worry.

14. How do you address dietary restrictions, accessibility, or accommodations for guests with diverse needs?

One thing that makes a good wedding planner is that they’ll be accommodating to the needs of all of your guests. Ask them how they handle accessibility and inclusion, so your wedding can be as welcoming as possible for everyone.

15. What’s your timeline for the wedding planning process, from start to finish?

Timelines are a must-have in wedding planning. You’ll likely need to follow a checklist of tasks to complete (either with your planner or on your own) before your special day. These will start booking a venue and move on to when to save the dates and go all the way through to registering for wedding gifts.

Expert Advice: Don’t miss a wedding planning detail with our (Printable!) Wedding Planning Checklist: A Complete Guide & Timeline.

16. Do you manage and coordinate all pre-wedding logistics, like rehearsals and venue walkthroughs?

Planning a wedding can get overwhelming fast. That’s why many couples delegate extra responsibilities to their wedding planner, such as touring rehearsals and venues, putting together gifts and favors, and creating beautiful wedding signage.

17. Do you recommend vendors, or do we need to find them independently?

Your wedding planner will likely have a list of trusty vendors they've worked with before, making it super easy to book photographers, caterers, florists, and others. Or, you might have the option to pick your own wedding vendors that aren’t on their preferred list.

18. Do you handle all negotiations and contracts with vendors?

Working with vendors — especially on complicated negotiations and contracts — can be tricky. An experienced wedding planner will know how to get the most for your money, while ensuring what you get matches your vision of your dream event.

19. What about creating, ordering, and sending invitations?

You can’t forget about your wedding stationery, like your wedding invitations, save the dates, and RSVP cards. Some wedding planners will help design the suite's aesthetic, assemble the cards, and mail them out to family and friends — taking all the stress off you.

20. Do you take care of all rentals?

What about everything you have to rent for your wedding day? Someone will need to be in charge of the arrival, setup, and pickup of your rental items. These can include your table and chairs, table linens, lighting, the dance floor, and more.

21. Can you provide an outline of your responsibilities on the day of the wedding?

Starting in the early morning until the celebration is over, have your wedding planner provide a detailed summary of their responsibilities on the actual day. That way, you’ll know how they’ll interact with you and your partner, your wedding party, and vendors throughout the event.

22. How many people on your team will be at the wedding?

Your wedding planner can’t be everywhere at once, so having a supportive team behind might be helpful depending on the scale of your wedding. Ask your wedding planner if they’ll bring any assistants, coordinators, or event designers to help with your event.

23. Will you create a wedding timeline for our wedding party and vendors to follow?

Coordinating schedules for the couple, the wedding party, vendors, and guests requires a ton of preparation. You may even want to keep certain details about the ceremony a surprise. A detailed timeline will keep everyone on track leading up to the day.

24. If I’m planning to make some of my own decorations, will you be able to set them up on the wedding day?

For DIY couples, creating your own signage and decorations adds a personal touch to the event, and also saves you money. Ask if your planner is willing to set up your handmade decor items and pack them after the event wraps up.

25. How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies on the wedding day?

No matter how much you prepare, it’s only natural that problems will pop up on your wedding day. A good wedding planner will be able to adapt to last-minute changes or emergencies, so your event goes off without a hitch.

26. What happens if you can’t be there on the day of our wedding?

Life happens, so there’s a chance your wedding planner may not be there for your wedding day. Ask about their back-up plans and how they’ll make sure you’re fully taken care of if they’re absent.

27. Can you provide a breakdown of the costs of your services, including packages and additional fees?

You don’t want to hire a wedding planner only to realize later that you can’t afford them. Ask them for a breakdown of their services and the various packages they offer, as well as any additional fees, like meals and travel, so there are no surprises.

28. What do you need from us to book your services?

Before they start planning your wedding, your planner will likely ask you to sign a contract and submit a deposit. Ask them what the payment schedule looks like, and most importantly, when the final payment is due.

Read our article What to Look for in a Wedding Planner Contract.

29. Can you work with our budget while still achieving our vision?

Share your wedding budget with your planner, along with your overall vision for your event. Do you want a destination wedding in France? Or maybe a countryside farm wedding? Whatever your vibe is, they may be able to work with you to plan an event you’ll love, at a price you’re comfortable with.

30. Do you carry personal liability and professional indemnity insurance?

You also want to make sure that they’ve taken precautions to protect you, such as securing wedding insurance. Ask about their insurance coverage and what types of scenarios are covered, in case something (or someone) gets damaged or injured.

31. What does your cancellation policy look like?

There's always the chance you might have to reschedule or cancel your event. Knowing your wedding planner's cancellation policy from the beginning will give you peace of mind.

32. Where can I see a portfolio of your work?

Most wedding planners have a website or social media pages filled with photos and videos of their past weddings. Look at their past work to get a sense of their style and creativity. This will help you figure out if their style is a fit for you.

33. Where do you find inspiration? Do you have any ideas to help pull off our wedding vision?

Your wedding planner can get inspiration for wedding planning from all kinds of places, from watching TikTok videos to scrolling on Pinterest. You can also ask if they have any ideas for your event based on your initial talk.

34. How do you stay updated on the latest wedding trends?

Some couples may want a trendy wedding that’s up-to-date on the latest trends in fashion, decor, and food. If this sounds like you, ask your planner how they stay current in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

35. What’s the most unique wedding you’ve ever planned?

Have your wedding planner share the most interesting wedding they've coordinated. You’ll learn a ton about your wedding planner's creativity and how they create one-of-a-kind events for couples.

Things to consider before interviewing wedding planners

Before you hire a wedding planner, have an honest talk with your partner about your wedding wants and needs. Here are a few ways to prepare for your first meeting:

• Determine a budget: First, set a budget range for your wedding (and for the planner) that you can share with potential planners. Think about what you’re willing to spend on various parts of your event, from your wedding planner to your venue.
• Figure out your priorities: Write down any must-haves and non-negotiables, whether it's the venue, a specific theme, or a certain kind of ceremony.
• Set an estimated wedding size: Consider the scale of your wedding. Will you invite 300 people? 50? Some planners specialize in micro celebrations, while others may prefer extravagant events.
• Discuss your vision: Think about your overall vision for the wedding, including any specific themes, styles, or cultural elements you want to include. You can even create a vision board filled with inspiration from wedding magazines, blogs, and social media to give to your planner.

Types of wedding planners you can hire

Whether you want support from start to finish or just on the day of, here are the most common types of wedding planners:

• Full-service wedding planner: These handle every aspect of wedding planning and execution. The costs for full planning tend to be more expensive.
• Partial wedding planner: Partial wedding planners help with certain parts of a wedding. This lets their clients customize the level of support they need.
• Day-of coordinator: A day-of coordinator steps in on the wedding day to oversee logistics, vendor coordination, and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
• Month-of coordinator: Unlike day-of coordinators, month-of coordinators are typically more involved in the planning process. They’ll start working with you a month before the wedding, managing final preparations and coordination.

Things to consider after interviewing wedding planners

After your first meeting, here are some important steps to take before committing to a wedding planner:

• Review their portfolio: Take the time to carefully review the wedding planner's references (and interview them!) and past work, including their social media accounts and portfolio. This will give you a sense of their style and skills.
• Clarify contract details: Before you hire a planner, make sure you understand and agree with everything in the contract, including services, fees, and any additional costs.
• Follow up with additional questions: After your meeting, review your planner’s responses to your questions. Ask follow-up questions before you make a final decision.

Now that you know what questions to ask a wedding planner, it’s time to start your search for the perfect one! If you need help finding someone to execute your magical event, head over to our wedding planner search and find people that align with your budget, location, and style.