How to Find a Wedding Planner

Once you have decided to work with a wedding planner (also called a bridal consultant), it’s time to conduct a little research. 

One of the best places to find a good wedding planner is through your other vendors, so, don’t hesitate to ask your catering hall, florist, or photographer for recommendations, assuming you have already lined those up. 

However, if you are just starting out with the plans and haven’t booked any aspect of your wedding, spread the word among friends, family and co-workers. Everyone knows someone who is getting married or has gotten married recently!

If you continue having trouble gathering names, check local wedding websites for listings.

Another excellent resource is the Association of Bridal Consultants, where you can search by zip code for a wedding planner. Of course, regardless of how you locate a wedding planner, you have to make sure that the person you end up working with is an industry professional who has had specific training and certification in this field.  

What to Ask During Your Wedding Planner Search:

So the first question to ask a planner is, “What are your credentials?” 

Other important questions to ask on meeting a bridal consultant for the first time include:

• How do you structure your fees?
  Note: Wedding planners can work on an hourly rate, a percentage of the total wedding, or on a flat fee. Typically, they can handle every single aspect of the wedding planning, or assume only a few key tasks. It all depends on your needs and your budget.

• When are your payments due and what is your refund/cancellation policy?

• Can you help us create the wedding theme? 

• How often will we need to meet with you in person? 

• Are you clear about our vision for the reception? 

• Do you have a select number of venues that you work with, or are you open to all in our area?

• What organizational tools do you use, and will you be sharing them with us as we progress with the plans?

• Can you negotiate fees on our behalf, and are you privy to certain industry discounts?

• Will you assist us with all the vendor contracts, and advise us accordingly?

• Are you able to attend our wedding for troubleshooting?