Core questions every couple should ask
Good questions test process, evidence and working style. Start with the same core list so you can compare planners fairly—then add destination-specific questions below.
- Which regions and venue types do you handle regularly, and where would you bring in extra support?
- How do you track decisions, budget changes and supplier follow-up for couples planning from overseas?
- Which parts of the planning scope are included, optional or handled by the venue instead?
Questions by destination type
US and UK couples often shortlist Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and one or two alternatives. Tailor your question bank to the venue model—not only the country name.
- Jamaica villa (e.g. Negril): Who contracts villa power for bands/DJs, cliff access for elderly guests and Montego Bay shuttle ownership?
- Punta Cana package: Outside photographer rules, package tier upgrades and who decides rain backup?
- Montego Bay resort: Where does the onsite coordinator stop and independent design begin?
- Bahamas archipelago: Boat manifests, inter-island luggage limits and which island anchors the ceremony?
- Barbados Grantley Adams: West vs Atlantic coast supplier travel, BBD vs USD quotes and beach permit backup?
- Turks and Caicos villa: Import lead times for décor, Grace Bay permits and villa-manager job?
- Cayman civil ceremony: Registrar timing, witnesses and separation from symbolic beach celebrations?
US and UK planning rhythms
Overseas couples should ask how planners communicate across time zones and whether their process assumes US Saturday flight clusters or UK long-haul arrival patterns.
- US: Confirm decision windows between your US time zone and island time (Jamaica GMT-5, Barbados GMT-4, DR GMT-4).
- US: DR and Bahamas briefs often assume East Coast flight clusters—ask how welcome events absorb late Punta Cana or Montego Bay arrivals.
- UK: Jamaica was the leading Caribbean destination for British visitors in recent Ministry of Tourism reporting—guest familiarity can help, but planner fit still varies by region.
- UK: Long-haul attire baggage, GBP/USD quote clarity and registrar appointments belong in the first serious planner call.
Ask for evidence, not just reassurance
A polished answer is useful only when it connects to recent, relevant work. Ask for examples that match your setting and planning complexity, while respecting client privacy.
- Comparable venue or region experience
- Supplier coordination approach
- Communication cadence and escalation points
- Contingency planning for weather, delays and guest changes
Copy-paste interview script for a 40-minute call
Ask the same ten questions in the same order. Record answers in a shared doc. The point is comparison, not catching someone out. End with ‘What would you refuse to take on?’—the honest planners have a list. The rest sell every island as easy.
- Who is physically there on the wedding weekend, and who is on WhatsApp from another island?
- Which three venues like ours have you produced in the last 24 months?
- What is not included that couples always assume is included?
Money questions without turning the call into a haggle
You are allowed to ask how fees are structured: flat, percentage, or package add-on. You are allowed to ask who holds vendor deposits. You are allowed to ask what happens if the hotel coordinator and the planner disagree on the day. Write the answers into the later contract. A cheap quote that leaves you paying vendors twice is not cheap.
- Currency of the quote (USD, JMD, DOP, BBD, GBP)
- Payment schedule and refund language around storms
- Whether the planner marks up vendors or invoices billed at cost
Common questions
Questions couples ask
Should I ask every planner the same questions?
Start with the same core questions so you can compare answers, then add questions for your destination, region and venue type.
What is a weak answer?
A weak answer stays generic, avoids process detail or cannot connect claims to recent relevant experience.
What if they will not share comparable examples?
Privacy is real; vagueness is not. They can describe venue type, guest count and what went wrong without naming the couple. If they cannot, keep interviewing.
Should we ask about same-sex legal ceremonies?
Yes, in the first call, if the ceremony must be legally binding. The answer varies by island and is not something to discover after deposits. Symbolic celebrations are a different product.
Is it rude to ask who else is getting married that weekend?
It is operational. Shared coordinators, shared florists and shared generators are how timelines slip. You need the truth about wedding density at that property.