The thought of planning your wedding is surely something exciting when you’re newly engaged. Sometimes, that excitement can fade into stress and anguish when you realize just what it means to plan such a lavish event.

If you decide, after organizing your thoughts into what you want for your big day, that actually executing this dream is too much for you, this might be the perfect time to start interviewing wedding planners. Not all planners are the same and not all personalities with vibe with yours. Just because someone is organized and does a lot of business, doesn’t mean they’re the one for you. Keep in mind that this is the person that has to want your dream for you just as much as you do. You have to get along with them, be able to communicate with them and like them. This is not the person you want to pick willy-nilly. Take your time, do your research, interview and then decide if this is the person who can truly bring your vision to life.

Here are some helpful questions to ask your potential sanity saver before you pick:

  1. Are you available on my wedding day? Simple and to the point. You want to make sure they can and will be there when your day arrives.
  2. Do you have a team that works alongside you and will you be there, or will you send them? If they will not be there for your day and will be instead of sending their team, you should speak with and get to know the team, or at least the team lead for your day. If you’re not happy with not having the head planner there, tell them so. If they can’t accommodate your request, you should politely thank them for their time and move on to the next planner on your list.
  3. What vendors do you recommend or work with regularly? Most planners have their go-to vendors and there is a reason for that. Planners have a tough enough job as it is to plan out other people’s days and they need to have those days go as smoothly as possible. Having vendors that they have a good relationship with, do excellent work, and are reliable are crucial in being able to provide the level of service required. Certainly, they will have a price listing for those vendors and that will help you narrow your search as well.
  4. If something goes wrong, how do they handle it? This is a broad question but what you’re looking for here is a general idea of how your planner is under pressure. Sure, everything LOOKS fine upfront but when something unexpected happens, you want to be sure they know how to handle it. Ask them for an example of an occasion they had to handle something quickly and quietly for a bride and what they did.
  5. How often will you be checking in with me and how often can I check in with you? You want to be sure that your planner is open to constant communication if that’s something you need. If you’re not ok with not hearing from them for weeks at a time, then let them know. Be honest and upfront with your needs and allow them to be upfront too.

Remember that your planner should feel like a friend. This is your wedding and only a friend can appreciate your emotions during this special time. Pick them carefully and watch how they lift the weight right off your shoulders. You can now breathe easy.