Have you googled “wedding Planners” in your area or gone on the knot or wedding wire and just want to close your computer because it is too overwhelming?  LOL BIG SAME!

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want everything to be perfect. If you’re reading this you already aware of the top reasons to hire a wedding planner and know how smooth your process can be when you find the right one for you!

So let’s make this simple!  Here is a list of the top ways to narrow it down to the right one or you can check out my specific list of my top picks of wedding planners!

Top 3 in wedding planners in Asheville, NC

Top 3 wedding planners in Raleigh, NC

Top 3 wedding planners in Wilmington, NC

Best tips to pick the right wedding planner for you:

1. Define Your Style and Needs

BEFORE you start looking for a wedding planner, think about your style and needs. What does this mean?  Are you more traditional wedding or more modern?  Think through your budget of your wedding: what is the ideal budget, the max budget (this might inform the style of your wedding as well)?  After you know your budget and your feel next is going to be what type of service do you need/want?  Are you looking for someone to be the legs and arms you need, do you want a touch stone that is along the journey but you still do a lot of work on your own or just a person to run the circus the day of?  All of this is important to figure out and can help you narrow down your search and find a wedding planner who specializes in your type of wedding.

2. Do Your Research

Now that you know the basics: start with who?  Who do you know that has used a wedding planner, ask them.  If you are in social groups you can ask for recommendations there.  You can use the internet as your friend with looking at reviews.  Create a shortlist of potential wedding planners and review their portfolios to get a better idea of their style and expertise.

3. Schedule Consultations

Now that you. have that short list: it is time to actually chat with them.  First make sure they have your wedding date available and if they do schedule a consultation.  No stress, no commitment to this. Think of this like a coffee date before a real date: to get a sense for how they make you feel. Ask questions about their experience, their process, and their availability. Make sure you feel comfortable with the wedding planner and that you feel confident in their ability to deliver the wedding of your dreams.

4. Look for Experience and Credentials

If you aren’t looking to be a guinea pig: ask for them to show you a wedding that is similar to your wedding.  An experienced wedding planner will be able to talk through and show examples of their work in similar weddings.  Certifications and credentials are great but do not clearly indicate a great wedding planner. As you have experienced in your own work, a degree does not equal equipped for the job but can be helpful!

5. Review Their Contracts

Yow know the drill : read before you sign.  In many cases we don’t do this but when it comes to your wedding: PLEASE read your contracts, this helps you best know what to expect and make sure you are covered well! Make sure the contract outlines all the services you will be receiving, the payment schedule, and any cancellation policies. If you have any questions or concerns, ask!  They should quickly and readily have answers, if they don’t = red flag.

6. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, it’s important to trust your gut!  Call it vibe, call it spirit, call it gut: you know what I’m talking about.  The sense of calm or anxious.  If you walk in and feel calm and good, it’s a great indicator!  You don’t have to be able to explain it.  Remember, you’ll be working closely with your wedding planner throughout the planning process, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and trust.

Boiled down:

Save yourself time and frustration by knowing more about your budget and feel (this can be as simple as you want a family reunion vibe for your wedding or that you want to relive Cinderella’s ball), Ask for recommendations, check availability and TRUST YOUR GUT!   Stop googling 10000 of answers and stressing yourself out.

Want a list of top 3 wedding planners in your area or to talk through which exact planner would be best for you?