Planning a luxury wedding should be a very special experience, filled with dreams of breathtaking venues, exquisite details, and unforgettable moments. If you have chosen to work with a luxury wedding planner, you’ll need to find one that matches your vision.
But with so many talented professionals offering their expertise, how do you choose the right one for you? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve curated the top 10 questions to ask your luxury wedding planner before you decide:
1. What is your experience with high-end and weddings?
Luxury weddings require a unique set of skills, from managing intricate logistics to sourcing the finest vendors worldwide. Ask about their experience planning weddings of a similar scale and aesthetic.
Have they worked with exclusive venues and VIPs before or coordinated ambitious weddings? Their past expertise working in the luxury space should inspire confidence before you make the decision.
2. Can you create a completely bespoke experience tailored to our vision?
Luxury weddings are all about personalisation. Your planner should be able to craft a wedding that reflects your unique love story.
Ask how they approach design and customisation to the couples they work with. Do they have relationships with high-end venues, gourmet caterers, or one-of-a-kind experiences?
3. Do you have a portfolio of luxury weddings you’ve planned?
Seeing examples of their past work is essential. Look for weddings that exude sophistication, attention to detail, and a sense of grandeur.
Their portfolio should leave you inspired for your own wedding planning.
4. How do you keep your clients informed and involved?
Communication is key. Ask how they’ll keep you updated, whether through regular meetings, emails, or phone calls, and how much involvement they expect from you during the planning process.
Building a strong relationship with your planner is so important to the process, so clarify whether you’ll be working directly with them or with a team member. Knowing who you’ll be working with makes the process more personal and seamless.
5. What is your network of luxury vendors, and can we work with our own?
A top-tier planner will have access to an exclusive network of world-class vendors, from florists and caterers to entertainers and designers. Ask if you’re required to use their preferred vendors or if you can bring in your own.
Some couples like to do their own vendor sourcing but many prefer a completely ‘hands off’ approach to give full responsibility to the planner.
6. How do you manage budgets for high-end weddings?
Luxury weddings often come with significant investments, and understanding all the costs involved can help you plan your special day.
It’s worth asking if the planner has experience managing six- or seven-figure budgets?
You will also need to understand the level of service they provide for your investment, from full-service planning covering the styling, logistics and vendor sourcing; to day-of coordination focusing solely on organising everything on the wedding day itself. A high-end full service wedding planner will usually charge between 10-20% of the total wedding budget.
7. Can you give an example of an unexpected issue with one of their past weddings and how this was overcome?
Even the most meticulously planned weddings can encounter the unexpected, especially in destination settings. Ask how they’ve handled challenges like weather disruptions, vendor delays, or last-minute changes.
The planner’s ability to remain calm and resourceful when something difficult happens is what separates the good planners from the great!
8. What sets you apart from other luxury wedding planners?
This question allows them to highlight their unique strengths. Do they offer exclusive partnerships with luxury brands? Do they specialise in a particular style or region?
A wedding planner should be able to explain what makes their planning style unique from others.
9. What do you love most about planning weddings?
This question reveals their passion and dedication, which will shine through in the weddings they plan.
A true luxury wedding planner will speak with enthusiasm about creating extraordinary experiences, building relationships with clients, and turning dreams into reality. Their answer should resonate with your own vision and values.
10. (If looking for a destination wedding) How do you handle the complexities of destination weddings?
Around 20% of couples worldwide choose a destination wedding, however these weddings come with their own set of challenges, from travel arrangements to local regulations. A seasoned destination wedding planner will have a proven process for managing these details seamlessly.
Ask the planner how they would handle guest accommodation, transportation, and cultural or marriage legal requirements for your chosen location.
Unsure Where to Find the Perfect Luxury Wedding Planner? We Can Help!
Choosing the right luxury wedding planner is about more than just their credentials—it’s about finding someone who shares your passion for elegance and creating unforgettable moments. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll gain clarity on their expertise and build a connection with the person who will bring your dream wedding to life.
At Matthew Oliver Weddings, we specialise in crafting bespoke luxury and destination weddings that are as unique as your love story. From intimate celebrations to grand affairs, we’ll handle every detail with precision and care, ensuring your wedding is nothing short of extraordinary. If you’re ready to begin this journey, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something truly magical together.
