A good planner will welcome every one of these. If anyone gets defensive or vague when you ask, that in itself is an answer. Use this as a checklist for your first enquiry calls or consultations.
Are you available on our date?
It sounds obvious, but it's the first thing to confirm before you fall for someone's portfolio. Popular planners book 12–18 months ahead. Ask too whether they take more than one wedding per day, and if so, who would actually be running yours.
What exactly is included in your service?
"Wedding planning" means very different things to different people. Get clear on whether you're paying for full planning from scratch, partial planning, or on-the-day coordination only — and exactly where their responsibility starts and ends.
Have you worked at our venue before?
A planner who knows your venue already understands its layout, its rules and its quirks. If they haven't, ask whether they'll do a site visit beforehand — a good one always will.
How do you charge — and what's not included?
Fixed fee, percentage of budget, or hourly? Ask for it in writing, and ask specifically what falls outside the quote. Clarity now prevents awkward surprises later.
How many weddings do you take on at once?
You want to know you'll get real attention. There's no single right number, but you deserve an honest answer about how their workload is managed and how reachable they'll be in the busy final weeks.
Can you work with our traditions and budget?
Whether your day involves specific cultural customs, a tight budget, or both, ask directly. A planner who has handled celebrations like yours — large guest lists, multiple events, particular traditions — will say so plainly and give examples.
Who is our day-to-day contact?
Will you deal with the person in front of you, or be handed to an assistant later? Both can work — but you should know who's holding your wedding, and how to reach them.
What happens if something goes wrong on the day?
A supplier cancels, the weather turns, a delivery is late. Ask how they handle the unexpected and whether they carry back-up plans. Experience shows in the calm, specific answers you'll get here.
Can we see reviews or speak to past couples?
Photos show what a day looked like; reviews tell you what it felt like to work with someone. Genuine recommendations and recent testimonials are the truest measure of a planner.
Do we actually get on?
You'll be in close contact for months, often during emotional, high-pressure moments. Trust your instinct on whether this is someone you'll enjoy working with. The best planning relationships feel like a partnership, not a transaction.
The right planner doesn't just answer your questions — they ask you better ones, and you leave the conversation feeling lighter.
At SBW Events we're always happy to talk through every one of these, with no obligation. If you'd like to see how we work, explore our event planning and co-ordination service or start a conversation — we'd love to hear about your day.