Introduction:

How to Hire the Right Wedding Planner for Your Big Day?

Dreaming of your perfect fairytale wedding, but feeling overwhelmed by the never-ending to-do list? Don’t worry—every Cinderella deserves a fairy godmother, and that’s exactly what a wedding planner can be. Whether it’s Shaadi Squad (the team behind Katrina and Vicky’s dreamy big day) or Motwane Entertainment & Weddings (the team behind Priyanka and Nick’s magical celebration), these pros know how to make “I do” moments to "Wow, that's perfect!" for a celebration you'll never forget. But that doesn't mean you need to hire a high-end wedding planner who doesn't fit your budget. Instead, check out this blog for tips and things you should consider while hiring a perfect wedding planner for your special day. We have tried our best to go above and beyond to help you make a decision that could shape one of the biggest days of your life!

Planning your wedding shouldn’t feel like working overtime in corporate - it should be the start of a perfect love story! Got a shiny new ring on your finger and no clue where to begin? Don't stress—we’ve got your back. Your big day deserves all the sparkle and none of the stress. Ready to meet your wedding-planning fairy godmother or at least whom you would choose to be in place of the said godmothers? Let’s get started!

What Does a Wedding Planner Actually Do?

Before you start the hunt for a wedding planner, let’s get real about why they’re kind of a big deal for your big day. Think of them as your wedding lifesaver, the person who makes sure all the chaos stays behind the scenes while you soak up the fun stuff. They’re the experts who stop you from freaking out over seating charts or last-minute vendor issues. They get your vibe, your dreams, and, yep your budget (because someone has to). While you’re busy clicking the most romantic pre-wedding photos and finding the dress for your big day, they’re out there making deals and making sure your venue doesn’t get double-booked. 

Basically, they’re the glue that holds your wedding together. Without them, your dream day might just feel like a marathon of stressful decisions. So cheers to wedding planners—the behind-the-scenes rockstars who keep us calm and make our love stories picture-perfect!

Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner

When you're meeting with a wedding planner, here are a few important questions to ask to make sure they're the right fit for you:

1. Are you available on our wedding date? (This one's super important!) 

2. How many years of experience do you have as a wedding planner? (Pretty Straightforward ain’t it?)

3. What’s the budget range for the weddings you usually organize? (Understanding if they are apt for your budget)

4. What is your booking amount and the payment schedule? (Clearing out transparency about the charges right at the start)

5. What’s included in your services? (Things like the number of meetings, specific tasks, etc.) 

6. How will we stay in touch? (Do you prefer emails, texts, or calls?) 

7. Have you planned any weddings at our shortlisted wedding venue before?  (This is if you have already finalized your venue)

8. Do you also offer in-house decoration service or you have outside decorators contracted to do the same? (Understanding the bandwidth and the time allocation he/she can provide you as a wedding planner)

9. How do you help with budgeting and working with vendors? (This can make or break the planning process!)

10. Do you handle guest invitation language, design coordination, and RSVPs? (Checking if this is included in the bundle or if it comes at an extra cost)

Qualities to Look for in a Wedding Planner

The right wedding planner isn’t just someone who keeps things organized—they’re your partner, your advisor, and sometimes even the person who helps you stay calm when things get stressful. Here’s what to look for:

1. Skills and Knowledge

A seasoned wedding planner can handle just about anything—think of them as your wedding day VIP Concierge. Vendor negotiations? Check. Last-minute chaos? Handled. Look for someone who’s already nailed the kind of wedding you’re dreaming of—whether it’s a cozy rustic barn wedding or a stylish city celebration. One can really focus on the emotional baggage of a big fat Indian Wedding when your wedding planner is in place.

2. Having a bit of Creative Twist

Your wedding planner should be part artist, part problem-solver, and part mind reader. They need to listen to your most funky ideas (yes, even about the fact that you have invited your fiancé's ex to the wedding and dealing with them. Eh! ), help shape them, and make sure your big day feels 100% like you. Whether you’re dreaming of whimsical florals or a sleek, minimalist vibe, your planner should totally get what you’re going for—like a mind-reading BFF for your big day.

3. Communication Skills and Ability to Listen

Good communication is everything, especially when it comes to planning your big day. Your wedding planner should be like your concierge but also your personal fairy godmother—someone who keeps you in the loop, answers your questions before you even think to ask, and handles all the vendor chaos with ease. But most importantly? They should truly listen to you, getting to know what makes your heart skip a beat and what matters most to you.

4. Mastering the Art of Flexibility and Thinking Outside the Box

Weddings are full of surprises—because what’s a big day without a little chaos, right? Let's say it rains during December. A great planner in that case should be able to handle the situation by let's say migrating your outdoor lawn event to an indoor banquet hall and know how to roll with the punches. They stay calm, think on their feet, and make sure your day stays just as magical as you imagined—even when things don’t go as planned.

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Planner?

Finding the perfect planner isn’t as easy as typing “best wedding planner” into Google. Don’t worry, we’ve got a foolproof way to narrow it down and find your match made in scheduling heaven:

Step 1: Do Your Research and Make a List

Kick off your search by stalking out local wedding planners online (the fun kind of stalking). Take a look at wedding directories, scroll endlessly through social media, and hit up trusted websites. Read the glowing reviews, soak in the testimonials, and shortlist planners whose vibe screams like “your wedding, but better.”

Step 2: Schedule Interviews

Got your list of potential wedding planners? Time to play matchmaker! Schedule some interviews to chat about their experience, what they bring to the table, and—most importantly—if they’re available to make your big day special. And don’t underestimate the vibe check—a good connection can turn wedding planning from stressful to seamless!

Step 3: Reach Out for References

Don’t hesitate to play detective as mentioned earlier! Ask for references from past clients, friends, or family, and take some time to look through their portfolios. Scroll through wedding photos and videos like you're binge-watching your favorite show—does their style match your dream day vibes?

The Clock’s Ticking—Are We Shaking Hands or Still Thinking?

After meeting with potential candidates, here’s how you can make your final decision:

1. Find What Works Best for You

Take a look back at your notes from each interview. Which planner feels like the best fit for you? Consider how sharp, creative, and tuned in they were. Bonus points if they didn’t just nod but actually got what you were saying!

2. Think About Your Budget and the Contract Details

Know your planner’s fees and what you’re getting for your money. Read that contract like it’s the first chapter of your favorite book—carefully! Don’t shy away from asking about payment schedules, cancellation policies, or sneaky extra charges. Better to clear things up now than regret it later when the ink’s already dry!

3. Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, you want a wedding planner who just gets you. If they make you feel confident and excited about bringing your dream wedding to life, trust your gut and go for it!

Your Happily Ever After Starts Here

Picking the right wedding planner is like finding the perfect dance partner—they keep the rhythm while you steal the show. With their magic touch, you can soak up all the excitement of getting married while they take care of the chaos (and yes, there will be chaos). Take your time choosing the right wedding planner, and you’ll swap stress for smiles and memories that’ll make you tear up in the best way for years to come. 

Overwhelmed by wedding planning? Don’t worry, Eternal Weddingz has your back. We’ll match you with expert planners who turn “I do” into “Wait, is this a movie set?” Let’s make your dream wedding the talk of the community and your friends because let's be real thoda 'Show-Sha toh banta hai'!'