HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT WEDDING PLANNER: 5 STEPS EVERY COUPLE SHOULD TAKE (AND ONE TO AVOID)

Congratulations on your engagement!

You’ve found your person — the one you want to spend the rest of your life with. Now it’s time to plan the celebration… and the first — and most important — decision you’ll make is choosing the right wedding planner.

My name is Andrea Eppolito, and I’m a luxury wedding planner and event designer based in Las Vegas. I’ve spent over two decades helping couples celebrate life, luxury, and above all else — love.

In today’s world, choosing a wedding planner can be more confusing than ever. Why? Because everyone’s work is beautiful. Pretty is no longer a differentiator — it’s the barrier to entry. And with Instagram highlight reels and carefully curated portfolios, it’s easy for anyone to look legitimate.

So how do you really know who’s the right fit for you?

Let’s dive into the five essential steps every couple should take when searching for — and vetting — their wedding planner.

1. Do a Deep Dive on Social Media

Instagram is just the beginning.

Yes, it’s a visual platform, but don’t stop at the grid. Look deeper.

• Who’s tagging them?

• Are clients showing up with real gratitude and appreciation?

• Are vendors engaging with them in a way that reflects true partnerships?

• Are they responding with grace, consistency, and professionalism?

And most importantly — watch video content. Reels, Stories, YouTube — anything that helps you observe how they speak, how they move, how they carry themselves.

Ask yourself:
Do I like this person? Could I trust them with the most intimate details of my life?

Because this isn’t just a business relationship — it’s an emotional investment.

2. Read Their Website — Really Read It

Yes, the photos matter. But so do the words.

The best planners have websites that feel like conversations. They don’t just show — they tell. Look for blog posts. Read their About Page. Check out their process.

Ask yourself:

• Do they speak to the values I care about?

• Do they set clear boundaries?

• Do they talk openly about budget, expectations, and experience?

And most of all — does this feel like someone who’s one-of-a-kind?
You're not just hiring a professional. You’re choosing an artist and a guide. Look for someone who creates, not copies.

3. Know What You Need

Before you ever sit down for a consultation, get clear on your needs.

• Do you want full-service planning, or just day-of coordination?

• Is design your biggest priority, or logistics and flow?

• Do you want someone who will take the reins, or a partner to walk beside you?

Also — know your budget. And be honest about what you're comfortable sharing.

When you're clear on what you need, you'll recognize the right planner faster.
Just as important? You'll know when something isn't the right fit — and that kind of clarity will save you so much time and heartache.

4. Let the Planner Go First

Here’s the truth about sales: most people are trained to agree with you.
You say A, B, C — and they say, “Yes, absolutely.” Because they want to close the deal.

But that’s not what real leadership looks like.

When you sit down with a planner, don’t immediately list off your needs. Instead, say:
“Can you walk me through your process?”

A true professional will have structure, clarity, and a signature approach.
They won’t just say what you want to hear — they’ll tell you who they are.

That’s the person you want. Someone who’s built a business, a system, and a reputation that stands on its own — with or without the pitch.

5. Ask Yourself How You Feel

When the call ends, check in with your body.

• Are you energized — or drained?

• Are you clear — or confused?

• Do you feel excited to begin — or hesitant?

Remember: this is the person you’ll trust with your family, your finances, your memories, and your milestones. The energy has to feel right.

And if it doesn’t? Walk away — respectfully and confidently. There is someone else out there who will feel like the right fit.

One Last Thing: Don’t Hire Fame. Hire Fit.

It’s tempting to chase names.
But fame isn’t a guarantee of fit.

I don’t care how many followers someone has, how many celebrities they’ve worked with, or how many times they’ve been published — if they don’t feel aligned with you, it won’t work.

You may have a better experience with someone lesser-known — someone who’s built a business designed to support your needs, your budget, and your vision.

The Takeaway: Choose the Planner Who Feels Made to Tell Your Story

Let’s recap. The five things you must do when hiring a wedding planner:

1. Deep dive on social — beyond the highlight reel.

2. Read the website — not just the pictures, but the words.

3. Know what you need — in style, budget, and process.

4. Let the professional lead — their process reveals everything.

5. Go with your gut — energy doesn’t lie.

And above all — choose connection over clout.
Choose fit over fame.
Choose the person who feels like they were made to walk this journey with you.

Ready for more wedding planning insights?
Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, leave a comment, and follow along as we dive deeper into the art and intention of extraordinary celebrations.

Always…A
Celebrating Life, Luxury, and Above All Else… Love.