How to Choose a Wedding Planner: Finding the Guide for Your Love Story


Planning a wedding is like composing a symphony—full of moving parts, emotional undertones, and one unforgettable crescendo. A wedding planner isn’t just a coordinator. They’re your calm in the chaos, your creative partner, and your advocate for joy.

But with so many professionals out there, how do you choose the right one?

This guide will walk you through the heart-led and practical steps to finding the perfect planner for your day.

Step 1: Know What Kind of Support You Need


Wedding planners offer different levels of service:

  • Full-Service Planning: From concept to cleanup, they handle every detail.
  • Partial Planning: You handle the early stages, they step in midway.
  • Day-of Coordination: You plan it, they run it. Ideal for hands-on couples.

Define your needs first. Your clarity becomes your compass.

Step 2: Start with Referrals and Research


Ask recently married friends for honest recommendations. Read online reviews with an eye for stories that reflect your priorities: calm under pressure, creativity, or stellar communication.

Then explore portfolios. A planner's aesthetic, tone, and storytelling approach should resonate with yours.

Step 3: Schedule Consultations (and Trust the Vibe)


Treat your consult like a chemistry check. Do they listen well? Ask meaningful questions? Share ideas that feel aligned?

You’re looking for:

  • Trust
  • Ease of communication
  • A personality that balances your own

Remember: You’ll be working closely together for months. The vibe matters.

Step 4: Ask the Right Questions


Go beyond the basics:

Have you worked at our venue before?

  • What’s your approach to problem-solving under pressure?
  • How do you communicate updates and timelines?
  • Can you share a moment you helped save a couple’s day?

Real stories often reveal more than a polished pitch.

Step 5: Understand What’s Included (and What’s Not)


Ask for a detailed breakdown of services:

Vendor referrals

  • Contract management
  • Budget tracking
  • Setup and teardown

Clarify communication expectations and any extra fees (like travel or overtime). Transparency is the foundation of trust.

Step 6: Match Values, Not Just Style


Do they care about the same things you do? From sustainability to inclusivity to emotional presence, your planner should reflect the spirit of your celebration.

It’s not just about logistics. It’s about heart.

Final Note: The Right Planner Elevates Everything


A great wedding planner doesn’t take over—they tune in.

They bring calm to the overwhelm. Magic to the details. And a sense of ease that lets you fully experience your day.

At Shoocha Photography, we’ve worked alongside planners who turn dreams into timelines, and timelines into unforgettable memories. We’re happy to share referrals to planners who lead with warmth, artistry, and grace.

Choose the guide who sees your vision. And helps you live it, beautifully.