10 Smart Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Planner
(That Could Save You Thousands)
Hiring a wedding planner is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your engagement and it should feel like choosing a creative partner, not just checking a box. But between glossy websites and sweet phone calls, how do you really know who’s worth your time (and money)?
Here are 10 questions every couple should ask before saying yes to a planner, designed to reveal their process, protect your budget, and help you find someone who truly fits your style and priorities.
1. “What level of service do you offer—and what’s included?”
Day-of coordination, partial planning, full service… the terms get tossed around, but definitions vary wildly. Get the fine print early. A detailed breakdown should outline what’s included, what isn’t, and where extra charges might apply.
2. “How many weddings do you take on per month?”
You want someone who will treat your day with intention, not squeeze it between back-to-back weekends. A planner’s availability directly affects their responsiveness and creative energy.
3. “Have you worked at our venue (or a similar one) before?”
Venues in Temecula wine country or Palm Springs resorts come with specific challenges—heat, lighting, vendor access, timing. A planner with regional experience can save you from avoidable headaches.
4. “Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?”
This is where things can get murky. Ask about travel fees, assistant staffing, setup/breakdown hours, communication limits, or vendor coordination add-ons. If it’s not in writing, it’s not guaranteed. A transparent planner won’t hesitate to show you the full picture.
5. “How do you approach communication throughout the process?”
Is there a shared planning platform? Do you get monthly updates, or are you expected to chase down answers? Clarity around communication style avoids stress and missed details later on.
6. “How do you handle budget planning and vendor payments?”
Some planners provide full budget oversight, others hand you a spreadsheet and wish you luck. Ask how involved they are, and how they help you track spending across vendor payments, deposits, and last-minute expenses.
7. “What vendors do you recommend—and do you receive compensation from them?”
A planner should have a strong network built on trust and performance, not financial incentives. Transparency here is key. You want someone loyal to you, not a commission.
8. “Who will actually be there on the wedding day?”
Don’t assume the person you speak with now is the one who will run your day. Ask who’ll be on-site, how many assistants are included, and whether additional fees apply for longer timelines or large guest counts.
9. “Can you walk me through a wedding day where something went wrong—and how you handled it?”
Every planner has a story, and the good ones will share it confidently. Their ability to problem-solve calmly and creatively under pressure is what truly sets them apart.
10. “What makes your planning approach different from others?”
You're not just hiring someone to manage tasks. You're hiring a creative lead, a calm voice, a logistical strategist. Their answer here reveals how well they know themselves and whether they’ll advocate for your vision.
Final Thoughts:
Wedding planning isn’t just logistics, it’s storytelling, it’s psychology, it’s chemistry. The right planner will feel like a collaborator, not a contractor. Ask the hard questions, trust your gut, and don’t settle for someone who just looks good on paper.
Planning a Souther California wedding and want a planner who brings clarity, creativity, and calm?
[Schedule a consultation with Teardrop Wedding Events] and let’s create something wildly personal.
