You have decided that you need the support and assistance of an experienced wedding planner for your special day.
But you’re uncertain of the type of questions you should ask them.
Let Weddings By Mary offer you some guidance with Top Ten Questions to ask a wedding planner. And I am sure you’ll think of more…..
1. What is your background and experience?
Getting to know any Wedding Planners background as well as them as a person is vitally important.
They’re potentially about work with you on the most important day in your life to date.
You therefore need to ensure that you feel 100% comfortable. And confident about them as a person as well as a trusted & professional Wedding Planner.
2. How many weddings do you take on per year?
This normally depends on whether they are a sole owner or have a team of experienced wedding planners at their disposal.
It will also depend on the wedding service you are wanting from them. It maybe you’re seeking Full Wedding Planning or perhaps Elite Wedding Day Management.
Or you may have already made a start on your wedding planning but with a busy work schedule know you need an expert to take over the planning reins with Bespoke Wedding Planning.
3. Do you only work with preferred wedding professionals?
Every Wedding Planner will have a ‘little black book’ of professional suppliers.
Over the years though, I have built up a trusted network of suppliers. It’s my job as your wedding planner to know who the right fit for my couples will be.
Remember though all final decisions regarding the final choice should always fully remain yours. After all it is your wedding.
4. What do you NOT do as our wedding planner?
It is just as important to know and understand what a Wedding Planner will NOT undertake for you as part of their role.
If there are any these should be clearly set out in their Proposal or Terms & Conditions.
For instance I don’t make any of the arrangements with regard to the legal aspect. The registry office, registrars or church. This is 100% for the couple to organise and mainly for legal reasons.
However, I do keep a watchful eye!
5. What happens in an emergency?
Like myself, many Wedding Planners run their business on their own. That is not to say they don’t have a backup in case an emergency arises. But double check what their emergency plan is. It is best to know from the outset, just in case.
As an Elite Member of the UKAWP and other industry groups I have the backup and support should an emergency arise.
6. What was your most challenging wedding and how did you handle it?
A great question to ask, every wedding planner will have an interesting story or two to tell. I certainly do.
From the power cut that lasted for 4 hours to the ceremony room entrance that flooded just as the bride was about the enter.
“Mary was incredible on the day, we had a power cut! No stress from Mary though, she stayed calm and carried on organising the caterers, DJ, Band, Venue. Everything! Not just a brilliant wedding planner but also a lovely, genuine person.”
7. How do you charge for your wedding planning services?
There does seem to be an industry standard for those couples wishing to invest in a wedding planner.
Full Wedding Planning is based on a percentage of your total wedding budget spend with a minimum fee applicable.
For example Weddings By Mary charges 12% of your total wedding budget spend with a minimum fee applicable.
Fees are determined by each couples specific requirements. Be clear on your specific needs for support from a Wedding Planner.
Remember to ensure you are comparing like for like when obtaining Proposals from more than one wedding planner.
8. How would you describe the weddings you plan?
No doubt you have already checked out a Wedding Planner’s website and social media feeds to gain an insight into the style of weddings they plan. Therefore the feel & style is perhaps already along the lines of what you are aspiring to create.
9. What type of wedding planner are you – creative, logistical or both?
Not all wedding planners are creative and style lead. For example I’m more of a logistical planner. Loving the nitty gritty of the wedding’s logistics. However will always be able to bring to life and create the look you desire.
“Although we had a vision, Mary made it happen” – S&C Full Wedding Planning, 2018
10. Are you able to provide testimonials?
Most experienced Wedding Planners will display testimonials on their website. As well as social media pages plus Google Reviews for potential clients to view.
If not ask to see some or even ask if it is possible to speak to a previous couple.
