You’re engaged and ready to hire a wedding planner to help you navigate the wedding planning process. You’ve begun the search for the right fit-–googling, Instagram hunting, and reading countless reviews—so what’s the next step? 

As you narrow down your list of potential planning partners, consider the things that are most important to you in working with a planner. Here are a few key characteristics to consider: 

1. Depth of Experience

It’s a given that you want a planner that is experienced, but what kind of experience is important? Have they worked at a variety of venues? Do they have experience troubleshooting unanticipated hiccups? Do they stay calm under pressure? Are they a strong leader of the vendor team? 

Having a planner who has managed a diverse portfolio of work gives you the confidence and peace of mind that everything is not only being handled but being expertly handled. 

2. Refined Processes and Philosophy  

Your planner is essentially the project manager for your wedding. Think about times you have worked with a team on a project – how do you like those projects to be managed? What is your preferred communication style? What organizational systems are you most comfortable with? 

It’s also important to understand why the planner approaches the planning process the way they do. Is it because they have learned from experience what works best? Do they have underlying philosophies or values that drive their processes? 

3. Listen to Your Vision 

Do you feel heard? Is the planner making all of the decisions for you or are they your partner in the process? Do they listen from the start to what is important to you and keep those priorities forefront in their mind as they lead you through the months of planning? 

4. Chemistry

Besides your future spouse, your wedding planner is the person you will spend the most time talking with about your wedding and the vendor that will be with you the most on the wedding day itself. It is important to feel a connection with that person. You want to vibe well with them and trust that they have everything in hand. 

You should feel like they are your fierce and capable advocate, honest sounding board, and trusted partner.