Ask who owns the complete plan
A strong planner should explain the single source of truth, who updates it and how family, venue, vendors and production receive decisions.
Understand what the fee includes
Separate planning fees from vendor costs, production costs, travel, accommodation, taxes and reimbursable expenses before comparing proposals.
Look beyond a beautiful gallery
Ask for examples of guest movement, weather plans, vendor coordination, live schedules and how the team handled a difficult moment.
Confirm the event-day team
Know who will lead each function, how many operations members will be present and where authority sits when a decision is urgent.