So, you're engaged—woohoo! 🎉 But now, the stress of planning your dream wedding is creeping in. Don’t worry, that’s where your wedding planner comes in! But choosing the right one? That’s the trick. You want someone who totally gets your vibe, has your back, and can bring your vision to life without adding any unnecessary stress. So, here’s your checklist for finding the perfect planner. Let’s make it easy and fun!
1. They Get Your Vision (And Your Vibe)
You know what your dream wedding looks like, but does your planner? Whether you’re picturing a soft and luxurious European-style wedding or a fun, multicultural bash, make sure they can vibe with your style. Ask them about weddings they’ve planned in the past that align with your aesthetic. A planner who shares your vision can make all the difference when it comes to turning your Pinterest board into reality.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to show them your inspo. The more details, the better. If they can talk you through ideas and suggestions without turning your dream into a nightmare, you’re on the right track. 😎
2. They’re Organized AF
Wedding planning is like juggling a million things at once (seriously, it’s a full-time job). Your planner should be a pro at keeping track of every little detail—no stress about double-booked vendors or missing guests on the seating chart. Ask them how they stay organized and how they handle timelines and vendors. A planner who’s on top of everything means less chaos for you, and that’s a huge win.
3. They Have Connections (Like, Real Ones)
A great wedding planner is more than just someone who manages timelines. They should have a solid network of trusted vendors—photographers, florists, caterers, DJs, you name it. A well-connected planner can save you a ton of time by recommending vendors they know and trust. Plus, these vendors may offer you a discount, which is a big deal when you're trying to maximize your budget.
4. They’re a Problem Solver (Not a Problem Creator)
Things are going to go wrong. Yup, it's a given. But the right wedding planner will have a "chill, we've got this" attitude when issues pop up. Or even better, you won't even know that a complication arose. Maybe your venue has a last-minute issue or the weather’s acting up on your outdoor wedding day—your planner needs to have backup plans (and backup plans for those backup plans).
Pro Tip: Ask them how they handled unexpected situations in the past. Their ability to stay calm and find a solution is key when things get a little cray.
5. They Communicate Like a Pro
Communication is EVERYTHING. You want someone who’s gonna keep you in the loop without overwhelming you. Find a planner who will check in regularly, but not annoyingly. They should be available to answer your questions, whether via text, email, or a quick phone call, and explain things in a way that makes sense to you. If you’re always left wondering if they got your message, that’s a red flag.
Pro Tip: Set clear expectations from the start. Talk about how often you want updates and how you prefer to communicate. Clear communication = stress-free planning. 🙌
6. They’re Flexible (But Not a Push-Over)
Every couple has different needs—some of you may be super hands-on, while others want to take a more relaxed approach. Either way, the planner needs to adapt to your style. If you’re a couple who wants to be involved in every decision, they should respect that and guide you without stepping on your toes. If you want someone to take the reins, they should be able to do that without you having to micromanage.
Pro Tip: Be upfront with your planner about how involved you want to be. It’ll make for a much smoother process if they know your preferred level of involvement.
7. Their Energy Matches Yours
Planning your wedding is going to take months of work, and you want someone who’s fun, positive, and on your team. A wedding planner should bring energy, excitement, and a little bit of their own flair to the table. If you vibe with them from your first chat, that’s a good sign. The last thing you need is someone who drains your energy with negativity or stress.
Pro Tip: Don’t just pick a planner based on their experience—make sure you like their personality! This is someone you’ll be spending a lot of time with, so you want them to be a good fit and someone you trust!
8. They’re Budget-Conscious (But Not Cheap)
We all know weddings can get pricey, so it’s important to hire a planner who can help you work within your budget while still creating the wedding of your dreams. A great planner will help you allocate your budget in a way that makes sense and suggest smart ways to save money without sacrificing quality. If they’re too good to be true price-wise, they might cut corners that’ll show up later.
9. They’re Not a One-Person Show
(You Need a Team on Wedding Day)
Your wedding day is big—like, there’s a lot going on, and you’re gonna need more than one person to handle all the chaos. When looking for a wedding planner, make sure they’re not flying solo. You want a planner who has a trusted team to help execute the details on your big day. From directing guests to handling last-minute hiccups, a solid team will ensure everything runs smoothly.
And just as important: your planner shouldn’t vanish once the day starts. You want them present—managing the timeline, coordinating vendors, and making sure nothing goes sideways. A planner who’s always available and hands-on will give you peace of mind and let you actually enjoy your wedding.
Pro Tip: Ask about the team your planner works with. Do they have assistants or coordinators? Will they be there on the day of the wedding?
Choosing the right wedding planner is all about finding someone who clicks with your vision, personality, and goals for the big day. Don’t rush the decision—this person will be by your side for months, and you want them to be someone you can trust and have fun with. So take a deep breath, follow this checklist, and know that you’re one step closer to having the wedding of your dreams! 💍✨
Happy planning! 🤍
With Love and Life,
Makayla Okimoto
Book a consultation with us today! Contact Us
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