questions to ask a wedding planner before you book them

Choosing the Right Planner Matters More Than You Think

When you begin planning your wedding or a significant celebration, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the right planner.

If I was choosing a wedding planner for my own wedding, there are three things I would be looking out for. Firstly, do I like them? Because I might be spending the next 1–2 years planning my wedding with them. Secondly, do I trust them with the biggest day of my life? And thirdly, their experience and knowledge—what events have they done before, and do they have strong testimonials?

These considerations are especially important when searching for luxury wedding planners, or narrowing down the many wedding planners in Surrey, Hampshire & West Sussex.

We have all been there where you judge someone before they even open their mouth. There’s that saying that you often have 30 seconds in an interview to make an impression, and the same can absolutely be said for choosing a wedding planner. Sometimes it’s instinctive—you feel you’ll like someone because they share your style, whether that’s something as simple as liking the way they dress or their choice of notebook! They might put you at ease, make you laugh, or you simply have that knowing feeling.

That initial connection matters—but it should always be supported by trust and experience.

1. Do You Connect With Them and Feel Understood?

Planning a wedding or event is a collaborative process, and your planner will play a central role throughout. From your very first interaction, consider how they communicate. Are they genuinely listening to you? Do you feel they are giving you enough time during your consultation? Or does it feel rushed? A good planner will take the time to understand not only what you want, but how you want to feel on the day. You should feel comfortable, understood, and confident that your ideas are being heard and developed—not overlooked.

Connection is often built through small details, but it becomes incredibly important over time. When you feel at ease with your planner, the entire process becomes more enjoyable and far less overwhelming.

2. Can You Trust Them With Your Wedding or Event?

Trusting someone with your big day is key. When working with luxury wedding planners, you should feel reassured that your planner is someone who will handle every detail with care and professionalism. Trust also means knowing they will manage suppliers, timelines and any unexpected challenges calmly and efficiently—often without you ever being aware of it. If you leave a conversation feeling uncertain, it’s worth paying attention to that instinct.

3. Do They Have the Right Experience and Capacity?

Experience is essential when planning a seamless and elevated event. When researching wedding planners in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, it’s important to ask how many weddings and events they take on each year. If a planner is taking on more than around 8 full planning weddings annually, the chances are they may not have the time to fully dedicate to each one.

Luxury events—particularly marquee weddings and private home celebrations require significant time, attention to detail, and careful coordination behind the scenes.

You should also ask:

• What types of events have they planned before?

• Do they specialise in weddings, parties, or both?

• Can they provide testimonials from previous clients?

  
  

Testimonials are invaluable, as they give a genuine insight into what it’s like to work with a planner—not just the final result, but the entire experience.

4. Key Practical Questions to Clarify Before Booking

Alongside connection and experience, there are several practical points you should always confirm.

Who Will Be There on the Day?

Check that the person you’ve been speaking with will be the one coordinating your wedding or event on the day itself.

• Will they oversee the set-up?

• Who will be there to support them?

Consistency is key, particularly for high-end events.

What Does Their Fee Include?

Understanding costs from the outset is essential.

Ask:

• What is their fee?

• What does it include?

• Are there any additional costs such as travel or accommodation?

When I quote for weddings, I am as transparent as possible. I usually charge 12% of the initial budget, with a minimum fee in place. This typically includes all travel, unless flights or overseas accommodation are required.

How Will You Communicate?

Check their communication timeline between booking and the wedding itself.

You want to know:

• How often will you hear from them?

• Are they available for calls at times that suit you—perhaps evenings or weekends?

Flexibility is particularly important for busy clients balancing work and personal commitments.

Testimonials and Final Checks

Always ask for testimonials from previous clients who have worked with them. This provides reassurance and helps you understand their approach in real situations.

And most importantly—if you have any doubt, I would always recommend continuing your search until you feel completely confident.

How I Can Help

I plan weddings, parties and celebrations across Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex, specialising in luxury marquee weddings and private home events.

My approach is highly personalised, combining creativity with meticulous attention to detail to ensure every event feels seamless and considered. I adore creating beautiful dining tablescapes and have a genuine passion for exceptional food, fine wines and Champagne—elements that truly elevate the guest experience.

With 15 years’ experience, including a decade at one of London’s most prestigious five-star hotels, I bring a calm, professional and thoughtful approach to every event I plan.

Whether you are looking for full planning, partial support or on-the-day coordination, my role is to guide you through the process and ensure everything runs effortlessly.

If you’re currently exploring luxury wedding planners, or looking for experienced wedding planners in Surrey or Hampshire, I would be delighted to hear more about your plans.

Get in touch to arrange an initial consultation and take the first step towards creating a celebration that feels effortless, elegant and truly unforgettable.