Whether you are looking for a full-service wedding planner or a month-of coordinator, it is crucial to feel comfortable and confident with the person you choose to manage your big day. Wedding planners and coordinators oversee countless details and act as the main point of contact for family, friends, and vendors. “Having the right wedding planner or coordinator by your side on your wedding day is truly priceless,” says Katelynn Richins, owner of Eventfully Designed. “Their sense of urgency, transparency, ability to keep cool under pressure, and attention to detail can make or break your event.”
Here are key questions to ask a potential wedding planner or coordinator:
What is your communication style?
Every bride, couple, and family has a different communication style, so your potential planner must be willing to understand and adapt to your preferred method. You also want to ensure you have a clear idea of when your wedding planner will be available for questions or concerns.
Do you have flexibility in packages/planning tiers?
While there are typically three tiers of planning (Full Service, Partial, and Month-Of Coordination), it’s unrealistic to assume every couple will fit perfectly into these categories. If you have specific needs, add-ons, or budget concerns, be transparent with your planner and see how they can customize their approach.
Do you have set check-ins/milestone meetings?
Even if you hire a month-of coordinator, it’s essential that your wedding planner keeps in touch and checks in periodically. Ask your potential planner to explain their check-in and meeting schedule.
Do you offer any wedding planning resources regardless of planning tier or involvement?
Even if you are singularly focused on month-of coordination, ask about additional resources your wedding planner provides to aid in the planning process. These could include preferred vendor lists, timeline templates, and wedding planning tips. Katelynn at Eventfully Designed says, “At Eventfully Designed, we wanted our month-of coordination clients to feel like they have access to full-service resources from the moment they become an Eventfully Designed bride. We created a custom wedding planning dashboard with a full checklist, budget tracking software, floor plan simulator, RSVP and guest tracking, and a wedding website.” Ask your potential planner if they offer similar resources.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and takes months to plan. Ensure you set yourself up for success by hiring the right planner or coordinator!