Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Wedding Planner in Southern California
- Makayla Allyse
- Oct 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 13
Planning a wedding in Southern California is a dream for so many couples, with endless venues to choose from and stunning backdrops that range from vineyards to coastlines. But pulling off that dream day requires the right team behind you, and choosing your wedding planner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. To help, we’ve put together the most important questions to ask a wedding planner, with insight into why they matter and how the answers can reveal the planner who’s the perfect fit for you.
What planning packages do you offer?
Every couple’s needs are different, so a planner’s packages should reflect that. Some couples want full-service planning, where a professional is by their side from the moment they say “yes”. Others only want wedding day management (also called “month-of coordination”). A great planner will explain these distinctions clearly and show you how their support can flex to fit your needs. Even better, ask how they transition into the role of your day-of coordinator so you can be sure the same person guiding you through the process will also be the one managing your wedding day.
Have you worked at our venue, or ones like it?
Southern California venues are as unique as the couples who choose them. From beachfront spots with strict curfews, to sprawling estates that require shuttle transportation, to historic properties with preservation rules, each location brings quirks that need expert navigation. When you ask this question, listen for more than a “yes” or “no.” A strong planner should be able to share specifics, like what it's like to work with the venue staff, how they’ve adapted to noise restrictions, created backup plans for outdoor spaces, or coordinated tricky load-ins. Their experience will give you confidence that they can anticipate and smooth out challenges before they ever reach you.
(See our website for venues we love!)
How a wedding planner helps you manage
your vision with ease?
Let’s be honest: wedding budgets in SoCal can spiral quickly. Between service charges, overtime fees, rentals, and transportation, hidden costs can sneak up on you. The right planner will not only build you a realistic budget from the start but also help you avoid those last-minute surprises. Ask how they approach financial tracking, how often they’ll check in with you about spending, and what strategies they use to maximize value. Planners often save couples money by flagging rental items you don’t actually need, negotiating better terms, or repurposing floral arrangements throughout the day. Some even leverage trusted vendor relationships to secure discounts that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise (LVLF has several of these partnerships for you)!
How do you recommend and work with vendors?
Your vendors are the heartbeat of your wedding day, and your planner is the one who pulls them all together. This question helps you uncover whether a planner has a strong, curated network or simply hands you a generic list. The best planners only recommend professionals they’ve personally worked with and can vouch for, matching you with vendors who fit both your style and budget. This not only protects you from hiring someone unreliable but also streamlines communication, since the vendors already trust and respect your planner.
What does communication look like throughout the process?
One of the biggest stressors couples mention is not knowing when or how to reach their planner. Do they prefer email, text, or scheduled calls? Will you get regular check-ins, or is communication more on-demand? A planner should outline their process clearly so you never feel left in the dark. Many use planning platforms with shared timelines, budgets, and floor plans so you always know where things stand. Ask this upfront as it sets the tone for how smoothly your planning journey will feel.
Who will be with us on the wedding day?
Weddings aren’t a one-person job, especially if you have a larger guest count, multiple locations, or detailed design elements. When you ask this question, a strong planner will tell you not only who your lead will be but also how many assistants they’ll bring, what time they’ll arrive, and how long they’ll stay. This ensures the right amount of coverage so that you, your family, and your guests are all supported from start to finish.
How do you handle challenges and emergencies?
Even the most perfectly planned wedding will have little hiccups. The question is: how does your planner respond? Listen for real examples of how they’ve handled rain showers, late transportation, dress malfunctions, or vendor no-shows. The best planners will reassure you with a calm, solution-oriented approach and share how they always keep couples shielded from the stress.
This is also the perfect time to be open about your own concerns. Maybe you’re worried about tricky family dynamics, a difficult relative, or a logistical challenge unique to your venue. A good planner won’t just nod politely, they’ll walk you through how they’d diffuse tension, mediate between parties, and protect your peace of mind so you can stay focused on celebrating.
What can I expect you to take care of on wedding day?
This is a question every couple should ask. A professional planner or coordinator should be the one managing the timeline, cueing the bridal party, checking in with vendors, troubleshooting anything unexpected, and making sure you (and your family) aren’t the ones running around with a clipboard.
Beyond logistics, your planner will also take care of all those personal touches you’ve carefully chosen, like setting out signage, arranging place cards, styling the welcome table, and making sure sentimental décor is displayed just the way you envisioned.
Ask Yourself: Do we genuinely connect?
Hiring a planner isn’t just about logistics and timelines, it’s about trusting someone to walk alongside you through one of the biggest seasons of your life. Beyond skills and experience, ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable chatting with this person? Do I trust them to be honest with me, even when it’s tough love? A strong planner–client relationship is built on open communication, trust, and the ability to laugh together when things get stressful. If you can see yourself confiding in them, leaning on their advice, and feeling heard throughout the process, you’ve likely found the right fit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right planner is about so much more than finding someone with availability on your date. It’s about trusting someone to protect your budget, manage the chaos, and bring your vision to life with care. By asking the right questions, you’ll quickly learn which planners have the experience, values, and communication style that fit your needs.
And when you find the right match, you’ll feel it. . . because suddenly, planning your wedding won’t feel overwhelming. It will feel exciting, supported, and fun.
💌 If you’re planning your 2026 Southern California wedding and want a planner who’s equal parts organized and down-to-earth, let’s chat. We’d love to hear your story and support you in creating the day you’ve been dreaming of!
With Love,
Makayla
Featuring Candice & Juan's Vow Renewal
Venue: @rancholaslomas
Catering: @24carrotscatering
Photo: @baeriweddings
Video: @lovepostfilms
DJ: @rocketentertainmentdj
Florist: @miflorecitaflowershop
Live Painter: @eventpaintingbyagnes
Mariachi: @mariachicorazondemaria
Caricature Artist: @davtoons
Cake: @simplysweetcakery
HMUA: @beautybrinanadine
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