Congrats! On the engagement, yes, but also this: you decided to hire a wedding planner.
Having a wedding planner at your side means… Ahh, you can relax.
You won’t have to improvise. No need to cut the cake with the swiss army knife uncle Jack got as a boy scout when Kennedy was president because someone forgot a knife.
Nope—not with a wedding planner.
However, before totally relaxing your shoulders and exhaling relief, you still have to interview and hire your wedding planner.
To ensure your planner exceeds your expectations, we’re highlighting the skills and experiences to look for when hiring yours, and have framed them as 11 questions.
Here’s what you need to ask:
1. Experience
“How long have you been a wedding planner?”
Even if they’re new to wedding planning, some experience is necessary. Perhaps they’ve spent time interning with a wedding planner, or helped a few friends, pro-bono.
Ask to see examples of their work. Many have websites where they showcase their skills – including Instagram and other social platforms. If they have testimonials, those are excellent as well.
2. Budget
“What can I expect from you with a budget of ___?”
Being able to deliver someone’s dream while also honoring their budget is a skill, and the person able to execute that is the person you want to hire. A planner who’s able to separate the wheat from the chaff – showcase and emphasize the parts of a wedding that are most important to you.
3. Preparation
“Do you have a contingency plan in case of rain… or the apocalypse?”
From reserving tents in case of rain to having a trunk full of “just in case” items – like a sewing kit. Part of what makes a good wedding planner is someone with a plan… not only for “I do,” but also for “what if?”
4. Creativity
“What things have you done creatively that you’re most proud of?”
Creativity is the key to unlocking perceived budgetary restrictions. It can be used to bring individual personality to your big day, and it can be used on the fly. When something breaks, or doesn’t go as planned.
Good creative collaboration is such a treat! Perhaps you picked out the perfect bridesmaids dresses, and need help finding décor to accentuate the gowns. A wedding planner in touch with their creative side is a huge help; worth every penny.
5. Problem Solving
“What crises have you faced during a wedding, and how did you fix them?”
The more pieces there are to a wedding, the higher the probability of something going wrong. You want someone who’s felt the pressure and pulled it off, no problem.
6. Communication
“What is your preferred communication style, and how quickly can I expect a reply?”
Communication is key in wedding planning, and you want someone who does it well.
The ideal candidate is present, but you need to respect their downtime too. Knowing someone’s communication style — including when they typically take days off — is important.
7. Listening
“What are some out-of-the-box examples of how you’ve brought someone’s vision to life?”
Being a good listener is just as important as being a good communicator. It’s your wedding, and the planner you hire should understand that – work with you on your dream, instead of carrying out what they think you should do.
If you have a particular idea (or a hypothetical one) don’t be afraid to ask them how they would see it through.
8. Delegation
“Do you have a team you delegate certain tasks to?”
If your wedding planner has a team, ask who will be lending a hand on your big day. That way you can get a hold of them if needed.
9. Connections
“Do you have a list of vendors you work with?”
This can be helpful and save time. Your wedding planner can easily point you toward the vendors they believe can deliver your vision.
Make sure to ask how payment is expected. Do you pay the wedding planner, or the vendors directly?
10. Organization
“What tools do you use to stay organized?”
Planning a wedding requires organization to the nth degree, and you want the Marie Kondo of wedding planning.
If they seem frazzled, ask to borrow a pen after rooting through a purse, or arrive late and don’t address it – this is probably an indication they may not be the one you’re looking for.
11. Passion
“What made you decide to be a wedding planner, and what do you like best about the job?”
A wedding planner who is passionate about bringing couples dreams to life and loves the process, is the wedding planner you want.
Conclusion:
Planning and pulling off a wedding is a skill. By asking the right questions and treating it like a job interview chances are, you’ll land the ideal candidate.