Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner

Choosing a wedding planner is a big decision, and frankly, not one you want to get wrong. You're handing over a significant chunk of your budget and trusting someone else to bring your wedding vision to life. The difference between finding a brilliant planner and a mediocre one often comes down to asking the right questions upfront.

The thing is, most couples don't know what they should be asking. You might think about obvious things like cost and availability, but there are plenty of other crucial details that can make or break your planning experience. Getting clear answers to these questions now will save you headaches, surprises, and potentially thousands of euros.

So let's cut straight to the chase. Here are the essential questions you need to ask any wedding planner before you sign on the dotted line.

Wedding Planner Questions Concerning Services & Experience

What's included in your packages vs. what costs extra?

This prevents nasty surprises later when you discover that "wedding planning" doesn't actually include things like attending your final venue walkthrough or coordinating your rehearsal. Get a detailed breakdown of what's included and what you'll pay extra for, so you can budget accordingly.

How many weddings like ours have you planned?

Someone who's brilliant at intimate elopements might struggle with your 200-guest celebration, and vice versa. You want a planner who's comfortable with your guest count, budget level, and style. Overall experience is great, but push them and ask about their most relevant experience.

Do you work in [specific region] regularly?

A planner who knows the Dordogne inside out might be completely lost in Provence. Local knowledge matters enormously for things like supplier relationships, venue quirks, and logistical challenges. You don’t want someone who will be effectively learning on the job about your chosen area at your expense. 

What's your backup plan if you're ill on our wedding day?

This isn't pessimistic thinking, it's practical planning. It’s always best to start with the worst-case scenario and go from there. Thus, you need to know there's a qualified team member who can step in if needed, and that this person will already be familiar with your wedding details. Don't just accept "we'll sort something out" as an answer.

Wedding Planner Questions to Ask on Budget & Pricing

How do you structure your fees?

Some planners charge a percentage of your total budget, others use flat fees, and some work hourly. Each approach has pros and cons, but you need to understand exactly how much you'll be paying and when those payments are due.

What additional costs should we expect?

Travel expenses, accommodation during your wedding weekend, and overtime charges can add up quickly. Ask for a complete list of potential extra costs so you can factor these into your budget from the start.

Can you work within our budget of £X?

Be completely honest about your budget constraints. A good planner will tell you straight away if your expectations don't match your budget, which is far better than discovering this halfway through planning.

Do you get supplier discounts that you pass on?

Many planners receive trade discounts or commissions from suppliers (typically 10-15% for bringing them business). Some planners pass these savings directly to you, while others keep them as part of their business model. Neither approach is wrong, but you should know which one they use so you can properly compare total costs between different planners.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner About Communication & Process

How often will we hear from you during the planning process?

Some couples want weekly updates, others prefer monthly check-ins. Make sure their communication style matches your expectations, or you'll either feel neglected or overwhelmed.

What's your preferred communication method?

If you're a WhatsApp person and they prefer phone calls, or vice versa, this mismatch can create frustration throughout your planning process. Sort this out early.

Can we see a typical timeline for planning?

Understanding when key decisions need to be made helps you plan your own schedule and ensures you're not scrambling to make important choices at the last minute.

How do you handle changes to our original plans?

Wedding plans evolve, and you need to know how flexible your planner is when you decide you want a different colour scheme or additional suppliers. Some planners are brilliant at rolling with punches, while others will be far less comfortable with sharp directional changes to your overall vision. 

Questions to Ask Your Planner About Supplier Relationships

Do you have preferred suppliers you always use?

This can be great for reliability and pricing, but you want to ensure you're still getting suppliers that match your style and budget, not just whoever gives the planner the best commission.

Can we choose our own suppliers if we prefer?

Some planners are happy to work with your choices, while others insist on using their preferred network. If you've already got your heart set on a particular photographer or wedding caterers, make sure this won't be a problem.

How do you handle supplier issues on the day?

When the florist is running late or the caterer has a question about service timing, you want to know that your planner will sort it out without involving you. This is exactly what you're paying them for.

Wedding Planner Questions Concerning The Big Day

Who from your team will be there on the day?

If you've been working with the head planner, but a junior team member will actually be running your wedding day, you need to know this upfront. Meet the person who'll be there and make sure you're comfortable with them.

What time do you arrive and when do you leave?

Some planners arrive just before guests, others are there from early morning setup. Some leave after dinner, others stay until the last dance. Make sure their schedule matches your expectations and needs.

Can you give us examples of problems you've handled on wedding days?

You don't want theoretical answers here. You want real stories. Ask them to describe specific situations where things went wrong and how they fixed them. Whether it was a supplier no-show, weather disasters, or family drama, their actual examples will tell you far more about their problem-solving abilities than any generic reassurances about being "prepared for anything."

Asking the Right Questions Will Solidify Your Choice of Wedding Planner

Getting clear answers to these questions will tell you everything you need to know about whether a particular planner is right for your wedding. Don't just listen to what they say. Pay attention to how they answer. All good planners will be happy to discuss these details because they're confident in their approach and their previous experience. 

If you're planning a wedding in Southwest France and need recommendations for trusted wedding planners, we can pass on the details of some of the region's most respected professionals whom we know personally through our work in wedding event production services.

Give us a call on +33 (0)7 66 43 02 11 or drop us an email at bonjour@fete24.com, and we can point you towards planners who might be the perfect fit for your celebration.

While you’re waiting for a response, you can also check out our curated list of wedding planners who cover Southwest France if you want some immediate names to go away and research.