9/24/2025 • By Updated Admin
Table of Contents
1.Figure Out What Kind of Help You Need
2.Where to Actually Find Good Planners
3.The Experience Thing Is Complicated
4.Chemistry Matters More Than You Think
5.Looking at Their Work (The Right Way)
7.Actually Call Their References
Before you start calling people, be brutally honest about yourself. Are you the type who color-codes your closet or the type who wears yesterday's clothes? Because that matters.
If you're naturally organized and just need someone to wrangle vendors on the day itself, save money and hire a day-of coordinator. These people show up, make sure your flowers arrive, and kick out drunk relatives when necessary.
But if you're like me - someone who gets overwhelmed choosing what to have for lunch - you need full-service planning. These planners basically become your wedding therapist, decision-maker, and best friend rolled into one very expensive package.
Pinterest is pretty but useless for this. Instagram's better - search your city plus "wedding planner" and see whose work keeps showing up. But the real gold? Ask people.
That couple whose wedding made everyone ugly-cry? Text them right now. Ask who planned it. Your hair stylist probably knows someone good too - these people talk.
I found my planner because my coworker's sister's wedding was absolutely perfect, and I'm not even embarrassed about sliding into those DMs.
Everyone says hire someone experienced, but experienced at what? The planner who's done 500 country club weddings might panic at your food truck reception. And honestly? Some of the best weddings I've been to were planned by newer people who actually gave a shit.
What you want is someone who's planned weddings like yours. Outdoor ceremony? Make sure they've dealt with wind and rain and portable bathrooms that don't horrify your grandmother. Tight budget? Don't hire someone whose cheapest wedding cost more than your car.
You're going to text this person at weird hours. You'll probably have at least one breakdown in front of them. They'll know more about your family drama than your therapist does.
During your first meeting, forget their portfolio for a minute. Do they actually listen when you talk? When you say "casual outdoor ceremony," do their eyes light up or glaze over? When you mention your budget, do they nod or look like they smell something bad?
Sure, look at their Instagram. But also ask to see photos from complete weddings, not just the pretty detail shots. How did the ceremony look? Was the reception space actually functional? Can you see guests having fun, or does everyone look uncomfortable?
Ask about their biggest disasters and how they handled them. Good planners have war stories. Great planners learned from them. If someone claims they've never had problems, they're either lying or they haven't planned enough weddings to matter.
This part sucks, but you have to do it. Wedding planners charge three ways: flat fee, percentage of your budget, or hourly.
Flat fees are easiest to budget for, but make sure you know what's included. Some planners charge extra for every phone call after hour 20 or something ridiculous.
Percentage feels scary because there's an incentive to make you spend more, but good planners know their reputation matters more than squeezing extra money out of one wedding.
Hourly works for partial planning but can get insane fast. I know someone who spent $3k just on vendor research because her planner charged $150/hour and took forever to make decisions.
I know, phone calls are the worst. Do it anyway. Ask specific questions: Did they stay within budget? How did they communicate? What would you do differently?
But here's the secret question that tells you everything: "Would you be friends with this person outside of wedding planning?" If they hesitate or change the subject, keep looking.
I'm not saying become a lawyer, but read the whole thing. What happens if they get sick? Can you fire them if they suck? What's their policy on changes?
Some red flags: requiring full payment upfront (run), vague descriptions of services ("wedding coordination" could mean anything), or contracts that heavily favor them over you.
If something doesn't make sense, ask. If they get defensive about questions, that tells you how they'll handle problems during planning.
After all this research, trust your gut. The planner with the best portfolio might not be right if something feels off. I almost hired someone with amazing reviews because I thought I should, but every conversation felt forced.
Instead, I went with someone newer whose work I liked and who actually seemed excited about my vision. Best decision I made during the whole process.
Your wedding planner should make you feel calmer about your wedding, not more anxious. If talking to them stresses you out during the interview, imagine how you'll feel six months in.
A good wedding planner is worth every penny, but only if they're the right fit for you. Don't hire someone because they're cheap or expensive or because your friend loved them. Hire someone who gets your vision, respects your budget, and makes you feel like your wedding is in good hands.
Because at the end of the day, you want to actually enjoy your engagement and your wedding. The right planner makes that possible. The wrong one makes you want to elope.
And honestly? Sometimes eloping sounds pretty good anyway.
FAQ
1. Why should I hire a wedding planner instead of planning on my own?
A wedding planner saves you time, reduces stress, manages vendors, and ensures your big day runs smoothly. They also help you stick to your budget and bring creative ideas you may not have considered.
2. How do I know if a wedding planner is experienced?
Check their portfolio, client testimonials, and years of experience. Ask about the types of weddings they’ve planned and whether they’ve handled events similar to yours in size and style.
3. What questions should I ask during the first meeting with a planner?
Ask about their availability, services offered, pricing structure, vendor network, past experiences, and how they handle emergencies on the wedding day.
4. How much does hiring a wedding planner cost in India?
Wedding planner fees vary based on experience, services, and city. On average, they may charge between 10%–20% of your total wedding budget or a fixed package price.
5. Should I hire a planner for the full wedding or just for the day?
If you need complete assistance, opt for full planning. If you’ve already planned most details but want smooth execution, a day-of coordinator is enough.
6. Can a wedding planner work within my budget?
Yes, a professional planner will maximize your budget by negotiating with vendors, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and prioritizing your must-haves.
7. How early should I book a wedding planner?
It’s best to book your planner 8–12 months before the wedding to secure their availability and allow enough time for planning.
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