Questions to Ask When Hiring a Wedding Planner

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Wedding Planner

        I'm a little frustrated this year with my planning business.  I've been contacted by so many brides, but it has been very difficult to get them to hire me.  I know the problem...I'm not the cheapest planner!!  I've watched over and over as the conversation breaks down as soon as I tell the bride my prices.  I'm writing to say that brides who have only one criteria (the cost) for hiring a planner are making a big mistake.  Unfortunately, they may not know it until their wedding day.

Here are the questions to ask when hiring a Wedding Planner:

1)  How much experience to you have?  (How many years have you been in business?  How many weddings have you planned?)

      There is nothing like experience to equip a planner to be prepared for anything that can happen at a wedding.  I've had to work through problems like bad weather causing the carriage company to cancel just before the grand exit by the bride and groom from the reception, the groom's father passing out at the reception, the DJ company (that had exclusive rights at the venue) arriving late and without all the equipment promised, unexpected guests arriving for dinner, and many other unexpected crises. The first time that something unexpected goes wrong, a novice planner may not know what to do.  An experienced planner can take most things in stride, acting quickly and professionally to solve the problem--often without most people even knowing that a problem existed.  Furthermore, with experience, a good planner will take all the necessary steps to avoid many unexpected problems happening in the first place.

2)  What are your professional connections?

     A good planner should have memberships in professional organizations.  Not only do these groups offer training and on-going support for the planner, but they provide net-working opportunities that acquaint the planner with many other wedding vendors.  Through a professional association, a planner can suggest highly qualified service providers to the bride.  Look for a planner who uses the designation, PBC^TM  (Professional Bridal Consultant).  This is an earned title, achieved through education and experience.

3) Will you provide a complete design plan; including color swatches, floor plan, samples or photos of decor (like centerpieces), and complete description?

     This question assumes that you are using your planner's services in design.  I am sometimes confused by the brides who have hired a literal potpourri of designers.  The bride hires a florist, a caterer who provides table service and linens, a lighting company, a company to provide table menu cards, and a rental company to hang draping and none of these people know what the others are doing! 

4)  Does your fee include attending meetings with vendors and the venue managers?  A good planner will not only attend these meeting with you, but will help you to negotiate the best price and make sure that the services offered are complete.  Inexpensive wedding planners may not include these services, or will add charges to do them.

The bottom line is; "you get what you pay for".  Make sure that all of the services you want are listed on the contract you sign with a planner.  Do not assume that something will be done by the planner.  Ask about it and get it in writing.