Steps to Choose the Perfect Wedding Planner

Make the most of this special time and savor every moment before diving into wedding planning. When you’re ready to start, the first question you should consider is whether or not you want a wedding planner. If you do, finding the perfect one for you and your partner might feel daunting, but we’re here to guide you through the process and make it simpler.

Discover the process of selecting a wedding planner with this comprehensive step-by-step guide by GS Special Events.

1. Conduct Thorough Research.

• Go to Search Engines 

Discover your dream wedding planner with a quick Google search. Whether you’re looking for local options or prefer to stay close by, find a wide range of vendor websites to explore. From there, you can easily reach out and begin arranging that all important interview.

• Please provide some recommendations.

Unlock the secret to finding the perfect wedding planner. Discover the power of word-of-mouth referrals. Tap into the knowledge of your friends and family to uncover hidden gems in the wedding planning industry. Get first hand recommendations from those who have experienced the magic themselves. Don’t miss out on this valuable insider information.

• Take a look at the Facebook Groups.

Discover a treasure trove of wedding planning resources on Facebook! Join local bridal groups to connect with brides who can offer valuable advice and recommendations, including finding the perfect wedding planner. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to ask real brides for their insights and make your wedding planning journey even more enjoyable and stress free.

• Explore wedding publications online.

Discover your dream wedding vendors in an effortless and organized way. Easily search for professionals in your region using their convenient directory format. As you explore wedding planner websites, Instagram posts, and reviews, make sure to gather ideas and take note of your favorite elements.

Ensure that the individual styles match, they possess the desired level of experience, and their pricing aligns with your budget.

2. Begin making connections.

Ready to take the next step in finding your perfect planner? After thoroughly researching and narrowing down your options, it’s time to make the crucial connection. Reach out today to set up a call or meeting and discover the planner that’s truly tailored to your needs.

Free consultations provide the perfect chance for you to interview potential planners and inquire about any concerns you have. Pay attention to their response time, as well as the quality of their communication. Did they promptly reply to your request? Did their communication meet your standards? Did you feel an instant connection with them?

3. Get Ready For The Interviews.

Now, let’s begin preparing for your interviews. It’s absolutely essential that you convey the utmost importance of your wedding day to both you and your partner.

Maximize your interview with planners by discussing important factors and understanding their approach. Ensure their ability to accommodate and prioritize key considerations. Prepare a comprehensive list of questions to ask every potential planner and make an informed decision.

Discover the Perfect Wedding Planner: Essential Questions to Ask

Find out if your dream wedding date is available and if the planner has liability insurance. Get to know their experience by asking about the number of weddings they’ve planned and if they have a team. Don’t forget to inquire about their assistance with sourcing venues and vendors, and if they have prior experience working with your chosen venue.

Understand their approach to COVID-19 safety by discussing the safety protocols they would implement to protect guests and vendors during your wedding. Prepare for unexpected weather by discussing their contingency plan for inclement weather.

Learn about their involvement in vendor meetings and contract negotiations, and their role in handling any issues that may arise during the planning process. Clarify the scope of their work, including whether they handle design, logistics, floor plans, and day-of coordination.

Discuss your vision for the wedding and see what style, colors, and design ideas the planner suggests. Ensure that important aspects of your day will be covered and ask for materials from previous weddings they’ve planned.

Gain insight into their process by inquiring about the creation of the timeline and floor plan, as well as your responsibilities in the planning process. Confirm who will be on-site for the wedding day and their backup planner in case of emergencies.

Discuss the planner’s availability on the wedding day, from their arrival to departure time. Find out if they offer different packages that can be customized to your needs and if they include services such as rehearsal dinner planning or wedding styling.

Learn about their budgeting process, including the software they use to track expenses and their approach to inputting payments. Discuss if they handle sending out invitations and how they collect payment from you.

Lastly, understand their payment plan schedule, including when the deposit and remaining balance are due. Familiarize yourself with their cancellation and reschedule policy to ensure you are fully informed.

Make the most of your wedding planning process by asking these essential questions to find the perfect planner for your special day.

4. Collect Your Ideas.

Reflect and evaluate your interview to make an informed decision. Consider whether your personalities and the planner’s align. Can you see yourselves working together as a team? Is the planner knowledgeable and supportive, keeping in mind the stress of planning a wedding? Then, do additional research on the planner and their company, review the answers you received, and compare them to other candidates you’ve interviewed.