Planning a wedding is thrilling—but let’s be honest, it’s also a rollercoaster of decisions, deadlines, and small disasters waiting to happen. Between booking venues, arranging décor, coordinating vendors, and handling RSVPs, even the most organized couple can feel overwhelmed. That’s why hiring a wedding planner in Chennai is one of the smartest moves you’ll make.
But here’s the catch: you can’t just hire the first planner you find online. You need to interview them, vet their expertise, and make sure their style and process align with your vision.
This guide gives you a DayYours-approved list of questions to ask before hiring a wedding planner in Chennai. It’s practical, slightly cheeky, and totally stress-relieving.
1. Availability & Experience – The Basics You Can’t Ignore
Before you get into flowers and themes, start with the basics. A wedding planner’s availability and experience are non-negotiable:
- Are you available on my wedding date?
- How long have you been in the wedding planning business? Experience counts, but don’t discount fresh talent who bring innovative ideas.
- How many weddings have you planned, and how many are similar in size and style to mine? (Tip: planners who have managed weddings similar to yours will anticipate challenges before they happen.)
- Have you worked at my ceremony and reception venues before? Whether it’s a temple, banquet hall, or a scenic beach wedding venue in Chennai, knowing the space can save time, money, and headaches.
- Can you provide references or past client reviews? Real feedback is gold.
- If something goes wrong and you can’t make it, what’s your backup plan? Emergencies happen, and a seasoned planner always has contingencies.
Pro Tip: A planner who can confidently answer these questions shows reliability and professionalism.
2. Services & Scope – What They’ll Actually Do for You
Wedding planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some planners only handle day-of coordination, while others are full-service, taking care of everything from décor to vendor payments. Clarify what your planner offers:
- What services do you provide? Full planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination?
- How many meetings will we have before the wedding? And will these be in-person, Zoom, or phone calls?
- Will you handle setup of personal items, like guest books, toasting flutes, cake-cutting pieces, favors, and signs?
- Will you coordinate vendor deliveries, setup, and schedules?
- Will you attend the rehearsal?
- Will you stay until the last guest leaves and ensure the venue is clean?
- What exactly will you not handle? Knowing what’s excluded avoids surprises.
Pro Tip: Look for a planner who is flexible and proactive—they should anticipate what you might forget.
3. Team & Support – Who’s Really Behind the Magic
Behind every great wedding planner is a strong team:
- Do you work solo, or will there be a team assisting?
- How many staff members will be dedicated to my wedding?
- Will I interact with the same people throughout the planning process?
- Will an assistant be provided? Is there an extra fee for this?
Pro Tip: A well-trained team ensures smooth execution. Ask about their experience handling large venues, multiple events, or simultaneous weddings.
4. Pricing, Contracts & Payments – Money Matters
Weddings are expensive. You need to know upfront what you’re paying for and avoid surprises:
- How much do you charge, and what is included in the package?
- Are there any hidden fees or overtime charges?
- What is the deposit, and when is the final payment due?
- Can you provide a detailed contract outlining all services, fees, and policies?
- Do you accept credit cards or online payments?
- Can you work within our budget? For an idea of typical wedding costs in Chennai, check our Cost of Marriage in Chennai guide.
Pro Tip: Watch out for “TBD” charges in contracts—they often pop up later. Always request a written agreement before making payments.
5. Planning Process & Timeline – Understanding Their Workflow
A good planner has a clear system. Ask about their process and timeline to see if it aligns with yours:
- Can you walk me through your planning process?
- When will you need decisions from me on vendors, décor, and schedule?
- Will you handle invitations, RSVPs, and guest list management?
- How far in advance do you coordinate with vendors?
- What’s your approach to day-of timelines and logistics?
Pro Tip: If your planner starts the coordination early, you’ll avoid last-minute chaos.
6. Vendors & Recommendations – Who They Know Matters
A well-connected planner can save you time and money by recommending trusted vendors:
- Do you have a preferred list of vendors?
- Can I choose my own vendors, or am I limited to your recommendations?
- Do you receive commissions from vendors? Transparency matters.
- Will you communicate directly with vendors on my behalf?
- How do you select vendors for quality, price, and reliability?
Pro Tip: Ask about their experience with local Chennai vendors—florists, decorators, caterers, and photographers. Local connections often make a big difference.
7. Communication & Availability – Staying on the Same Page
Miscommunication is a wedding planner’s worst enemy. Confirm how you’ll stay in touch:
- How often will we communicate during the planning process?
- What’s your preferred method of communication—email, calls, texts, or Zoom?
- How quickly can I expect responses?
- How many meetings will we need, and what’s the format?
Pro Tip: Choose a planner whose communication style fits yours. You want quick, clear, and reliable updates.
8. Contingency & Problem-Solving – Expect the Unexpected
Even the best-laid plans can go sideways. Make sure your planner can handle emergencies:
- How do you handle unexpected issues or wedding-day emergencies?
- Do you have backup plans for vendor cancellations or weather problems?
- Can you provide examples of how you’ve resolved problems in the past?
- What happens if you’re sick on the wedding day?
Pro Tip: A confident planner will answer these with real-life examples and clear contingency strategies.
9. References & Portfolio – Proof in the Pudding
You want to see results before you commit:
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- Can I see photos of weddings you’ve planned that match my vision?
- Have you worked on weddings similar in theme, size, or location to mine?
- Do you have testimonials or Google reviews?
Pro Tip: A strong portfolio shows creativity, consistency, and attention to detail.
10. Bonus DayYours Tip – Trust Your Instincts
Hiring a wedding planner is not just about experience—it’s about vibe, trust, and communication. If you connect well with your planner, the planning process will be fun, stress-free, and memorable.
Also, your planner should be able to recommend the perfect venue for your wedding style. Whether you’re looking at traditional wedding venues in Chennai or a breezy beachside celebration, their local knowledge is invaluable.
Planning a wedding in Chennai? Don’t stress! Talk to our DayYours wedding planners today and let us make your dream wedding come true. Check out our wedding venues in Chennai and beach wedding venues to get inspired!
