The discovery call is a great opportunity to get to know the wedding planner and start building a connection. During this first wedding planning consultation, you can share your ideas, dreams, and wedding style, while the planner asks questions to understand your preferences, priorities, and budget. It’s also a chance to see how they work and how they can help bring your vision to life. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of the partnership and the next steps toward receiving a personalized proposal.
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Frequent questions about the first wedding planning meeting
The first wedding planning meeting, often called a discovery meeting, is the initial consultation between you and your wedding planner. Its purpose is to determine whether you’re a good fit and to begin shaping your wedding vision. During this meeting, the planner will ask about your style, priorities, guest size, venue ideas, ceremony type, and overall goals. You’ll also discuss your estimated budget, the services the planner offers, and how they handle timelines, vendors, and day-of logistics. This meeting is also your chance to ask questions, review the planner’s experience and past weddings, and get a sense of their approach and personality. By the end, both you and the planner should have a clear understanding of next steps, including a personalized proposal tailored to your wedding vision.
Before meeting with a wedding planner, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of your vision and priorities. Think about the style, theme, and atmosphere you want, along with any specific ideas for décor, ceremony, or reception. Have an estimated guest count, a budget range, and preferred dates or seasons, especially for destination weddings. Consider your venue preferences and any additional events or special touches you’d like to include. Finally, prepare questions about the planner’s services, experience, and approach to vendors, timelines, and emergencies. Being prepared ensures a productive meeting and allows the planner to create a proposal tailored to your wedding vision.
The first steps in wedding planning involve setting the foundation for your celebration. Begin by defining your vision with your partner, including the style, theme, and overall atmosphere you want. Decide on your budget and identify your top priorities, then choose a date or date range to guide venue and vendor availability. Draft a rough guest list to help with planning, and consider hiring a wedding planner to organize ideas, recommend vendors, and keep the process on track. Finally, start researching venues that fit your vision, budget, and guest count. These initial steps will help you stay organized and make informed decisions as you move forward.
When should I look for a wedding planner?
You should start looking for a wedding planner as soon as you decide to get married and have a rough idea of your wedding date. Ideally, this is 12–18 months before the wedding, especially if you’re planning a large or destination wedding, as popular planners and venues can book up quickly.
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The earlier you hire a planner, the more options, time, and peace of mind you’ll have.
What should you expect from a discovery meeting with a wedding planner?
A discovery meeting with a wedding planner is your first in-depth conversation to see if you’re a good fit. During the meeting, the planner will explore your overall vision, including style, theme, venue ideas, guest size, ceremony type, and any special touches you want. You’ll discuss your estimated budget and how they can help allocate funds wisely, along with an overview of the services they offer—whether full planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination—and how they manage vendors and logistics. The planner will outline the planning timeline, key milestones, and how they handle schedules and on-the-day coordination. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions about their experience and past weddings while assessing whether their personality and approach align with yours. Finally, the meeting may cover next steps, contracts, fees, and how to move forward if you decide to work together.
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First meeting with wedding planner: what information should you have?
Before scheduling your first wedding planning consultation, keep the following points in mind:
Your vision of the wedding
How do you envision your big day? What kind of venue are you drawn to—a beach, the countryside, or a city celebration? How do you picture your décor? What type of ceremony would you like, and why? Is it a destination wedding? Will there be additional events surrounding the main day? What kind of meals do you want to serve? Your wedding should reflect your wishes and personality, so it’s important to define your vision early on. This will help your wedding planner create a truly personalized proposal.
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Number of guests
You don’t need to know the exact guest count at this stage, but you should have a general idea—whether it’s an elopement, an intimate celebration, or a larger wedding. This will influence both vendor costs and venue selection.
Date range
If you’re planning a destination wedding, try to determine a date range in advance. Prices can vary significantly depending on the season, so having this information beforehand is essential before speaking with your wedding planner.
Your priorities
Before your first wedding planning consultation, list the elements you consider most important for your wedding—whether it’s the décor, the photographer, the dress, the food, or the music and entertainment. Having these priorities clearly outlined will help you focus your vision and decide where to allocate your budget.
Your wedding budget
Having a budget before meeting your wedding planner ensures realistic expectations, saves time, and helps you focus on what matters most—allowing them to create a proposal perfectly tailored to your vision and finances.
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Wedding planner interview questions
Here’s a concise “must-ask” list for a first wedding planner interview:
- How long have you been planning weddings, and what types do you specialize in?
- What services do you offer—full planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination?
- Can you provide references or examples of past weddings?
- How do you help couples define their wedding style and vision?
- How do you manage budgets and vendor recommendations?
- How will we communicate throughout the planning process?
- Will you be present on the wedding day, and how do you handle logistics and emergencies?
Next steps after the first meeting with the wedding planner
After your first meeting with a wedding planner, the next steps typically involve reviewing the ideas and priorities discussed and refining your budget based on their guidance. The planner will create a personalized proposal tailored to everything you talked about, including your vision, style, and priorities. You may also want to check references or past weddings to ensure their approach aligns with your expectations. Once you feel confident, you can decide whether to hire the planner, review contract terms and fees, and schedule follow-up meetings to begin selecting vendors and working through the wedding planning timeline.
Destination Wedding Planner in Europe
Dreaming of saying “I do” in Europe? Cassia Thomas is an acclaimed destination wedding planner known for creating extraordinary, tailor-made celebrations throughout the continent. With a wealth of experience, she combines timeless sophistication, cultural sensitivity, and flawless organization. Cassia collaborates with world-class venues and elite vendors to ensure every moment unfolds effortlessly. Her in-depth knowledge of international weddings — covering everything from legal requirements to captivating event design — makes her an invaluable partner for couples planning their big day from abroad.
Get in touch with Cassia Thomas:
Phone: +33 6 60 39 05 44
Email: hello.kis.wedding@gmail.com
