How to Find the Right Wedding Planner for Your Big Day (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Planning a wedding should be joyful—not stressful.
But between the guest list, the venue, the 17 types of napkins (seriously, why so many?), and keeping track of Aunt Karen’s gluten allergy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where a wedding planner comes in.
But not all planners are created equal—and the right fit for your best friend’s Pinterest-perfect wedding might not be the right fit for your quirky backyard bash or elegant beach ceremony.
Here’s what to look for when searching for the right wedding planner—and how to find someone who gets your vibe, your vision, and your budget.
Photo by Allie Dearie Photography
1. Know What Kind of Help You Actually Need
Are you dreaming of a full-service experience from start to finish? Or are you a hands-on couple just looking for someone to run the show on the big day?
Here are a few common options:
Full-Service Planning: Everything from budget creation to booking vendors and building your timeline.
Partial Planning: You plan a little, we plan a little. We help you pull your vision together with hiring key vendors and helping define your design.
Month-of Coordination (aka Day-of): You plan it, we execute it flawlessly.
Elopements & Micro Weddings: A simpler setup, but still stunning and memorable.
👉 Pro tip: Be honest about what you want to do yourself—and what you want to hand off. You don’t have to do it all.
2. Find a Planner Who Matches Your Style and Energy
It’s not just about who’s “the best.” It’s about who gets you.
Do you want someone buttoned-up and ultra-formal? Or a planner who’s organized but chill—someone who will bring spreadsheets and snacks?
Check their:
Portfolio or Instagram – do their past weddings reflect your taste?
Tone of voice – do they feel approachable?
Values – do they showcase diverse couples, support local vendors, or work with all budgets?
👉 At Amaziling Events, we specialize in bringing your story to life—whether it’s boho and barefoot or classic and candlelit.
3. Ask the Right Questions Before Booking
You wouldn’t buy a dress without trying it on—same goes for hiring your planner. Ask these questions before signing anything:
What’s your planning process like?
Do you have preferred vendors or work with anyone?
Will you be there on the day of, or will it be another coordinator?
How do you handle tricky family dynamics or last-minute changes?
What’s included in your pricing—and what’s not?
👉 Bonus tip: If you’re planning in Ventura or Santa Barbara County, make sure your planner knows the ins and outs of local venues and permits. (Spoiler: We do.)
4. Red Flags to Watch Out For
They’re vague about pricing.
They don’t ask you any questions.
They seem more interested in the “look” of the wedding than your priorities.
You feel like you're being sold to, not listened to.
You deserve someone who’s just as excited about your day as you are.
5. Trust Your Gut
Yes, credentials matter. Yes, experience matters. But so does your gut.
You’re going to be texting this person A LOT. If you feel comfortable, understood, and excited after talking with them—that’s a great sign.
Photo by Fatima Elreda Photography
Ready to Chat With a Wedding Planner Who Actually Gets It?
If you're planning a wedding in Ventura County, Ojai, Camarillo, Santa Barbara—or anywhere nearby—I'd love to hear about your vision.
✨ Whether you want a full-planning partner or someone to bring your dream micro wedding to life, let’s make it happen.
