What to Look for When Choosing a Wedding Planner (and What to Ask!)

Hiring a wedding planner might be one of the most important decisions you make during your engagement (besides the person you’re marrying, of course). Whether you're hosting a luxe Santa Barbara celebration, an intimate backyard gathering in Camarillo, or a micro wedding in downtown Ventura, the right planner will make the process smoother, more joyful, and far less stressful.

But how do you know who’s the right fit for you? Here’s what your planner should bring to the table…and a few things to ask during your consultation.

1. A Planning Style That Matches Your Personality

Do you like having your hand held every step of the way? Or are you super organized and just need someone to manage the logistics near the end?

Planners typically offer different levels of support - from full-service planning to month-of coordination. Make sure they offer services match the kind of support you want and need.

❓ Ask this: “How involved are you throughout the planning process?”
👀 Look for: Flexibility, clarity, and a style that makes you feel at ease.

2. Experience With Your Type of Wedding

Every wedding is unique, but it helps if your planner has worked in your venue type, wedding size, or desired vibe before. Planning a city hall ceremony followed by dinner at a local Santa Barbara wine bar? That’s different from planning a 200-guest barn wedding in Moorpark - and your planner should know the difference.

❓ Ask this: “Have you planned weddings similar to ours in size or style?”
👀 Look for: Real confidence, not just vague answers.

3. Local Knowledge and Vendor Connections

Planning in Ventura County or Santa Barbara? Your planner should have real relationships with vendors and venues in the area. This means better recommendations, quicker answers, and more flexibility when it matters.

❓ Ask this: “Do you have favorite vendors or venues in the area?”
👀 Look for: Names you can research, not generic answers.

4. Strong Communication & Planning Tools

You’re going to be emailing, texting, meeting, and planning with this person - sometimes for a year or more. Do they communicate clearly? Do they seem organized? Are they using planning tools that actually help?

At Amaziling Events, we guide you through design meetings, budget strategy, mood boards, timelines, and vendor logistics so you always know what’s next.

❓ Ask this: “How do you keep couples organized and informed throughout the process?”
👀 Look for: Clarity, not just uhms and uuhhs.

5. Someone Who Gets You

You can hire the most experienced planner in California, but if they don’t understand your values, your priorities, or your love story, it’s not going to feel right. You want someone who’s invested in your wedding as it is, not just as a styled shoot.

❓ Ask this: “How do you get to know your couples and what matters to them?”
👀 Look for: A genuine interest in you, not just your Pinterest board.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut

If you leave a consultation feeling heard, supported, and excited, that’s a good sign. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure, trust that too.

Ready to Chat With a Planner Who Gets It?

Whether you’re planning a full-scale wedding weekend or just need help tying it all together in the final month, Amaziling Events is here to help you breathe easier and dream bigger.

📍 Serving weddings across Ventura County (Ojai, Camarillo, Moorpark, Santa Paula) and the Santa Barbara area.