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Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner Before Hiring

September 14, 2024 | kailey
Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner

Image by Vlasta Weddings. Wedding planned by Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings.

When starting the wedding planning journey, many couples believe they can tackle the challenge on their own. While this might seem manageable at first, it can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. That’s why the first task on your wedding planning checklist should be to hire a wedding planner. With their expertise, they’ll guide you in the right direction, offer invaluable advice, and save you time—making this investment a no-brainer.

Your planner will play an important role in your planning process and on the special day. That’s why your choice of planners shouldn’t be taken lightly. You want to ensure you’re hiring someone with loads of experience, a great reputation, and a personality that’s compatible with yours. But how can you determine these things before actually working with them? The interview process, of course!

When meeting with potential planners, coming ready with a list of questions allows you to make the most of your face-to-face time. Not sure what questions to ask? We’ve recruited help from wedding professionals providing you tips for hiring vendors, along with the essential questions to ask a wedding planner before making your decision.

Qualifications To Look For When Choosing a Wedding Planner

1. Robust Portfolio 

When choosing wedding vendors, don’t forget to dive into their portfolios. Elora Danen Photography says, “Couples should look for a wedding planner with a robust portfolio that showcases diverse styles and venues, along with positive testimonials and references from past clients.” While scrolling through their Instagram is a start, exploring their complete portfolio offers a deeper insight into their style and versatility across various settings.

2. Organizational Skills 

Ultimately, you’re hiring a planner to help pull off your dream wedding. This requires a lot of organization. That’s why Elora Danen Photography advises couples to hire a wedding planner who “excels in managing multiple tasks, timelines, and vendors efficiently, keeping everything organized and on schedule.” This is essential for ensuring a smooth planning process and flawless execution on your wedding day.

3. Exceptional Communication 

The initial communication with potential planners offers insight into what working with them will be like. Are their responses slow, often requiring follow-ups days after their reply policy? You might want to pass. Elora Danen Photography says that “exceptional communication skills are vital for understanding and executing the couple’s vision, ensuring a seamless and stress-free wedding day.” 

 

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A post shared by Elora Calhoun (@eloradanenphoto)

4. Refined Eye for Detail 

When choosing a wedding planner, The Art & Romance says, “Couples should look for someone with a refined eye for detail and a deep understanding of design.” Having “extensive experience in planning events and a strong portfolio of unique, personalized weddings” combined with a keen eye for design will greatly benefit your planning process. They’ll manage the logistics and provide valuable advice on decor and fashion.

5. Large Network and Connections in the Wedding Industry 

“A planner’s connections with top-tier vendors and their ability to navigate any challenges with grace are also invaluable assets in ensuring your day is flawless and unforgettable.” This is a great point from The Art & Romance. A wedding planner is one of the first vendors you’ll work with, and they’ll be able to use their network to suggest other vendors that match your style and budget. 

6. Has a Well Trained Team 

Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings wants couples to realize how important it is “that there is a well-trained team behind the wedding planner they choose and it is not just one person, so everything is spot on.” A team of professionals provides a higher level of expertise and hands-on support throughout the planning process.

Advice For Couples Interviewing Potential Wedding Planners

1. Hire a Planner Who Has Experience with Similar Weddings

Elora Danen Photography says, “It’s crucial to choose a planner who has experience with the type of wedding they envision, whether it’s a large traditional ceremony or an intimate elopement.” 

2. Ensure You “Click”  

While vendor experience and qualifications are crucial, they’re not the only factors to consider. According to Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings, it’s also essential that you “click” and understand each other. When your personalities mesh, it makes your working relationship better, ensuring you feel heard and confident that they can bring your vision to life.

3. Find Someone Who Listens to You 

Again, their portfolio and skills aren’t the only things you should be focusing on when choosing vendors. At the end of the day, it’s your day. It’s important that you feel heard throughout your planning process, especially by your planner. The Art & Romance agrees that “it’s important to find someone who listens intently to your vision and has the creative expertise to bring it to life in a way that feels both authentic and extraordinary.” 

“The connection you feel with your planner is crucial, as they will be your partner in crafting a day that reflects your love story with elegance and artistry. Communication and trust are key, so choose someone who listens intently, inspires confidence, and is genuinely excited to bring your dreams to life.”

4. Ensure They Work Well With Other Vendors 

When interviewing potential wedding planners, the most important piece of advice Elora Danen Photography can give is “to ensure they are not only a good fit for you personally but also work well with all your vendors, especially photographers. A wedding planner’s ability to collaborate effectively with vendors is crucial for creating a seamless and harmonious wedding day experience. Look for someone who is open to communication and collaboration, as this will ensure that everyone is on the same page and your wedding vision is brought to life. Trust your instincts and choose a planner who understands your style, listens to your ideas, and shows genuine enthusiasm for your special day. This connection will make the planning process more enjoyable and ensure that your wedding reflects who you are as a couple.” 

5. Hire Someone That Understands Your Vision 

During the hiring process, it’s important to get an understanding of who the planner is and what their experience is. They could have the most incredible portfolio, but if they don’t understand your vision, you’ll end up with a wedding day that feels nothing like you. That’s why you’ll also want to reserve time to discuss your ideas and expectations. 

The Art & Romance’s “most important piece of advice is to ensure that your chosen planner truly understands your unique vision and has the creative ability to elevate it into an unforgettable experience. Look for someone who not only has an impeccable portfolio and a keen eye for detail but also deeply resonates with your aesthetics and values.” 

6. Verify Their Experience with Real Wedding Photos

Vendors often share a mix of their work and inspiration photos they’ve sourced for clients. However, to truly gauge their experience, Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings advises couples to “check out their Instagram page and make sure they advertise with weddings they did, not just posting photos from weddings someone else did, in the sense of wedding inspiration.” This will give you a clearer picture of their actual work and style.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner Before Hiring

1. Logistical Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner

First, start by asking logistical questions. Tackling these must-ask questions first will give you more time to discuss the fun, creative details regarding your wedding. Plus, it will help you determine if the planner is available on your date, fits within your budget, and has packages or services you’ll need. 

  • Are you available on my wedding date?
  • Have you worked at my specific venue before?
  • How many weddings have you planned?
  • Have you planned weddings similar to mine?
  • What services do you offer?
  • What is included in your fee?
  • Do you have a preferred vendor list?
  • Do you require a deposit? How much?
  • What is your cancellation policy? 

2. Personal Questions 

You want to have a general understanding of who a vendor is before hiring them. That’s why you’ll want to take the time to ask some personal questions about who they are and how they get into wedding planning. This allows you to connect on a deeper level. Here are a few personal questions to consider asking: 

  • Why do you enjoy planning weddings?
  • What’s your favorite part of planning a wedding?
  • How do you handle stress during the planning process and on the wedding day?
  • Can you share a memorable wedding experience you’ve had and why it stood out to you?
  • How do you balance your personal life and work, especially during wedding season?
  • What makes you excited about potentially working on our wedding?

3. Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner About Their Approach 

As a wedding photographer, Elora Danen Photography loves when “couples show a genuine interest in how [she] works and are invested in the outcome of their big day.” She loves it when clients “ask about my approach to working with other vendors, especially the wedding planner, as it demonstrates their understanding of the importance of collaboration and allows me to explain how I coordinate with other vendors for a smooth experience on the wedding day.” 

Here are some questions to ask that will give you a clear picture of a wedding planner’s approach, ensuring that you choose someone who aligns with your needs and preferences. 

  • Can you walk me through your planning process from start to finish?
  • How would you incorporate our unique story and preferences into the design?
  • What steps do you take to ensure our wedding truly reflects who we are?
  • How do you find the inspiration for each event?
  • What’s your approach to problem-solving if something doesn’t go as planned?
  • How do you collaborate with other vendors, and what is your role in coordinating them?
  • How flexible are you with changes or last-minute requests?
  • What’s your approach to working with couples who have strong opinions or differing ideas?

Resources for Couples Searching for a Wedding Planner

1. Junebug Weddings’ Vendor Directory 

Junebug Weddings is more than just a source of inspiration. With our highly vetted vendor directory, we’re saving you hours of scrolling through hundreds of wedding vendors in your area. That’s why our vendor lists are capped at 20 vendors to ensure only the best make it into your wedding plans.

Ready to connect with one of our talented vendors? Browse our vendor directory here.

2. Wedding Planning Facebook Groups

You’re not alone during the wedding planning process. There are many who have done it before you and those who are currently planning that can help you along the way. That’s why Elora Danen Photography recommends couples to join and connect with those “in wedding planning and soon-to-be bridal groups! There are a lot of great connections out there that can help brides find the wedding planner (and vendors) that are the right fit for their big day!” 

3. Reviews From Previous Clients 

Reviews and testimonials are free and public resources that couples should absolutely take advantage of. While they should be the driving force on whether you work with a vendor or not, they will give you good insight as to what it’s like working with them. Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings also says that there should be at least 30+ from different couples. 

4. Utilize Video Conferencing Tools 

Much of your communication with vendors will happen over the phone or email. While meeting in person might not always be possible, it’s crucial to get as close as possible to face-to-face during the hiring process. Rather than choosing your planner off an email, The Art & Romance suggests couples “leverage video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet, especially if you’re working with a planner remotely. This ensures everyone is on the same page.” 

A wedding planner is an important vendor to have on your team, but we understand that it can be a big expense. If you’re still deciding if hiring a wedding planner is worth it, we’ve got you covered. After reading these major benefits of working with a planner, you’ll be sold on investing in a wedding planner for your big day.

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This Adventurous Yosemite Elopement Was a Nod to the Beginning of the Couple’s Relationship

September 13, 2024 | justine

Madhura and Veer’s adventurous Yosemite elopement began with a funny twist. In 2018, while hiking Lower Yosemite Falls, Veer fell and broke his elbow, leading him to stay with Madhura for a month. During that time, they realized they were in love. As photographers, they returned to Yosemite many times, and one night, while watching a meteor shower from Glacier Point, they imagined their wedding under the stars. That vision became reality on their big day—the peak night of the meteor shower—making their elopement truly magical.

With the iconic El Capitan as their backdrop, they exchanged vows in the valley. Just as the ceremony ended, it began to rain—adding a touch of good luck to their day! Instead of letting it dampen their spirits, they embraced the moment and had their first dance in the rain. Later, they headed to Glacier Point for sunset photos, where they were greeted by thunderstorms that made for some incredible wedding shots. They chose this day mainly to witness a meteor shower, but with cloudy skies, their hopes were low. However, as they reflected on the day’s events, the sky cleared, revealing an amazing star show just for them.

From the bride’s classic yet sophisticated dress and the groom’s distinctive brown suit to the earthy tones of the wedding party and the organic, locally sourced guest favors, every element harmonized with the mountain setting and the natural colors of one of the most breathtaking locations in the U.S. Captured beautifully by Dani Purington, these photos will inspire you to start your new life together with a truly unforgettable adventure.

The Couple:

Madhura and Veer

The Wedding:

Yosemite National Park, California, United States 

DIY Magic and Heartfelt Moments at Their Adventurous Yosemite Elopement

We had two weddings; one was this elopement, and another was an Indian wedding in Jaipur, India. Since we already have a huge planning team for our Indian wedding, we thought it would be so cool if we did everything by ourselves for this elopement. I DIYed and curated locally sourced wedding favors. Our officiant was my childhood best friend. She crafted such a personal and moving ceremony that blew us away. We wrote our own vows, and reciting those vows to one another under El Capitan was incredibly touching. Our friends, who are also photographers Anindita, Neeraj, and Rahul, captured all the photos and videos this entire weekend. Our photographer for the ceremony was Dani Purington. I have been following her for so long that I knew only she could do justice to capturing the aesthetics and emotions we wanted for this special day. Our friends Nikhil and Saarish played and sang “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” for Veer’s entry. I had selected my wedding entry song ever since I was a kid. I entered to my Maid of Honor Anindita singing “Thousand Years” while our friend Manny played the guitar live.

Handcrafted Invitations and Meaningful Details

Our invites were extra special as they were made by an artist, especially for our big day. All the paintings in the invite were made from the pictures we’ve taken in Yosemite over the years. We used to write each other handwritten letters during our long-distance relationship. That’s why we incorporated that fun routine into our invites. It also had a postcard, which guests had to mark yes or no for their RSVP and mail to the couple. Our wedding cake was made by a local Yosemite baker who matched it perfectly to our color palette. Our vows books were customized with Yosemite Peaks designs. My wedding shoes had this written on them – “something blue, something borrowed, something old, something new,” an old custom that brings the couple good luck.

How Nature Shaped Their Adventurous Yosemite Elopement

We chose a cozy cabin nestled in the valley, surrounded by forest, to spend the weekend with our closest 20 friends. Though we meticulously planned every minute, nature had its own surprises. Our elopement day began with an incredible sunrise over the mountains, leading to an afternoon ceremony. Dramatic clouds rolled in just before we exchanged vows, but the light remained beautiful. The moment the ceremony ended, rain began to fall—bringing us good luck. Instead of letting it dampen our spirits, we embraced the moment, sharing our first dance in the rain. When we arrived at Glacier Point for sunset photos, we were met with thunderstorms that made for some epic wedding shots. Then, out of nowhere, a huge rainbow appeared over Half Moon Bay—a rare and surreal blessing. Just when we thought the show was over, nature delivered one last spectacle: a stunning sunset with vibrant oranges and pinks, painting Yosemite in a fiery glow. We chose this date mainly to witness a meteor shower, but the cloudy skies had dimmed our hopes. However, as we reflected on the day, the sky cleared, revealing an unforgettable starry night. We watched hundreds of meteors streak across the sky from our Airbnb, with the Milky Way arching above us. It was truly the most magical day we could have imagined.

Starting Their Journey with a Symbolic Olive Tree Ceremony

From the beginning, we were clear that our wedding should reflect “us” and that we should do customs and rituals that make sense to us and not just follow social norms. Given our love for plants, we chose one symbolic ceremony to start this new journey with. We planted an olive tree on our elopement day, eventually finding its home in our backyard. The Olive Tree is often referred to as “the tree of eternity” due to its evergreen canopy and ability to thrive in all conditions, living for hundreds of years; the average age of the Olive Tree is 800 years old. Like this olive tree, we hope our love flourishes and lasts for eternity.

Planning with Purpose for a Unique Elopement

We wanted our elopement to be intimate, so planning was relatively straightforward. However, we took the time to add meaningful details, which made the process more involved. My advice is to prioritize what matters most to you as a couple and allocate your budget accordingly. While others may offer budgeting advice, it’s ultimately a personal decision. For example, instead of focusing our budget on the venue and decorations, we chose to elope in a national park and invested in a great photographer and memorable experiences. Be ready for the unexpected—when it rained on our wedding day, we embraced it and had our first dance in the rain. Planning every detail ourselves made the experience more fulfilling, especially with our bridal and groom parties involved in the execution. It created a homely and heartwarming atmosphere, allowing us to spend quality time with our friends throughout the wedding weekend. We wanted a unique experience for both our wedding day and night, so we chose a date during the peak of the meteor shower season. We watched thousands of meteors over Yosemite with all our guests that night, making it an unforgettable experience.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Dani Purington
Ceremony Venue – Yosemite National Park
Catering – David Schatzle
Cake – Sweet Dreams Cakery
Videography – Neeraj Kumbhar
Invitation Design – Wide Eyes Paper Co.
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Timeless Artistry Co.
Wedding Dress – Lace and Liberty
Groom’s Apparel – Onyx Custom Suiting

 

Congratulations to Madhura and Veer on their adventurous Yosemite elopement. A big thank you to Dani Purington for beautifully capturing the intimate moments that made their big day truly special. 

If you’re considering a private celebration over a traditional wedding, check out our ultimate elopement planning checklist to get started. Whether you envision a sunrise ceremony in a national park or exchanging private vows on a beach, your elopement is all about you and your partner. You get to decide how and where you want to say “I do”!

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Why You Need a Wedding QR Code for Photos

September 12, 2024 | riley

While wedding photographers capture the key moments from your big day, there’s something uniquely special about the candid, unfiltered photos taken by friends and family. Never Miss Moments’ wedding QR code makes it easier than ever for guests to share those photos with you. Here’s why a wedding QR code is our favorite affordable hack for rounding up photos from guests without all of the stress.

8 Reasons You Need a Wedding QR Code for Photos

1. Collect ‘Almost Missed’ Moments

Your wedding day is filled with countless moments that your photographer may miss–they’re only one person, after all. Guests often capture spontaneous and candid shots that you’re going to want to look back on years after the big day. By setting up an online wedding gallery, you create a centralized spot where everyone can upload and view these different perspectives. 

2. Streamlines Photo Sharing

Traditionally, guests might share their photos through email, text, or social media posts. This can be hard to keep track of, especially when you’ve got a lot on your plate after the wedding (like the honeymoon, sending out thank you cards, and returning back to reality). A wedding QR code gallery simplifies the process by providing a single link where all photos and videos can be uploaded. Guests simply scan your unique QR code, which directs them to your shared digital album, making it easy to contribute and access photos & videos in one place.

3. Engages Your Guests

Including an online wedding gallery for your big day adds an interactive element to your wedding. It encourages guests to take and share their own photos and videos, making them feel more involved in documenting the celebration. This not only increases engagement but also provides you with a wider range of photos and videos that capture different angles and emotions of your special day. 

4. Real-Time Sharing

We know that after your big day, you’re going to be anxious to see any and all content your photographer, videographer, and guests have captured. That’s why a QR code gallery is so handy–as guests upload their photos and videos, you’ll have access to them almost immediately. This way, you can share all of your highlights on social media the very next day. The best part? There are no apps or logins required.

5. Reduces Stress 

Managing a wedding can be overwhelming, and the last thing you want to worry about is collecting photos from multiple sources. As we said, you’re going to be busy! By setting up an online QR code gallery, you streamline the process, allowing guests to independently upload their photos and videos without needing to contact you directly. This means you don’t have to stress about endless text messages coming through, so you can go into your honeymoon in newlywed bliss.

6. Easy to Use

Not everyone at your wedding is going to be technologically savvy, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to partake in sharing their photos. Never Miss Moments is easy to use, hassle-free, accessible for everyone worldwide, regardless of their geo-location, and there’s no limit to how many photos or videos that can be uploaded. We consider all of those a win.

7. Can Be Beyond Your Big Day

Your big day is not the only day in the wedding planning process that you’re going to want to remember. From the engagement party, bachelor/bachelorette party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and welcome parties, there are countless events along the way that your QR code gallery can be super useful for.

8. Make the QR Code Match Your Decor

Your QR code place card doesn’t have to be an eyesore in your decor. Never Miss Moments makes it as easy as possible for you to help it blend in seamlessly with your theme by providing free editable place card designs that you can use. Of course, there’s always the option to DIY it using Photoshop or Canva as well, thanks to the ability to receive your QR code via email. The more you display it, the easier it is for your guests to find it and share their photos with you!

By giving your guests the opportunity to easily share and access photos, you’re going to be left with a lifetime of memories from the perspective of the people who mean the most to you. To get started, visit Never Miss Moments to get your very own wedding QR code for photos for your celebration. Not sure if it’s right for you? Check out their try-before-you-buy option, where you can see just how easy it is for your guests!

Image by Elle Studios

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