Finding the perfect planner for your destination wedding can feel overwhelming. With countless options and varying service levels, knowing the right questions to ask is essential. Thankfully, Taryn Stark Wyant—founder and CEO of Taryn Stark Wyant Event Design—offers expert insight into the often-overlooked questions that can help you identify the best planner for your big day. Her advice goes beyond the basics, focusing on the deeper elements that build trust, ensure alignment, and ultimately lead to a seamless and meaningful wedding experience.

Question 1: “Do you offer full-service planning?”

This is perhaps the most important question to ask, as it lays the foundation for your partnership. Not all planners are created equal; some may only provide coordination, while others focus on logistics or specialize in design. Taryn explains, “A full-service planner, in my opinion, is the solution to the event manager upsell. That person is beholden to you and not to a venue.”

Question 2: “What kind of relationships do you have with other vendors in your destination?”

Understanding your planner’s relationships with local vendors is vital. This question helps you determine whether they will prioritize your needs or be influenced by outside incentives. Taryn emphasizes, “I’m in the corner of the couple, period. They are my priority. They are my number one.” A planner committed to your vision will effectively manage vendor negotiations while safeguarding your style and budget.

Question 3: “How do you handle travel logistics for yourself and your team?”

Destination weddings require travel for both you and your planner. It’s essential to understand how your planner and their team will manage logistics. Taryn notes, “The only difference in terms of whether I’m servicing a local wedding or a destination wedding is the travel fees.” Travel costs can vary based on location, event size, and the number of travel days, so it’s important to clarify these expenses upfront.

Question 4: “Do you work with a travel planner for guest accommodations and logistics?”

Managing guest logistics can quickly become overwhelming without professional assistance. A dedicated travel coordinator can alleviate the burden on the couple and prevent them from being inundated with questions. Taryn advises, “If you don’t have a travel planner, you will have every single one of your guests reaching out to you.” She highly recommends having someone like her team’s luxury travel advisor to manage accommodations, transportation, and excursions.

Question 5: “Can you tell me about a time you overcame an unexpected challenge during a wedding?”

This question helps assess how well your planner handles unforeseen challenges. No event is perfect, so it’s important to find someone ready for the unexpected. Taryn admits, “I have never once executed a flawless wedding. It doesn’t exist.” However, she adds, “90% of my clients think that theirs was the one.” The goal is to create the illusion of a flawless event, even amidst behind-the-scenes curveballs.

Question 6: “What kind of design and styling services do you provide?”

Understanding the type of planner you’re hiring is crucial. Some planners focus solely on logistics, while others emphasize design and styling. Taryn describes her firm’s approach: “We take all of that fun and glorious information, combine it with the aesthetic of your venue and the price point of your investment, and cast the vision for what your full experience can be like.” It’s about more than just color palettes; it’s about storytelling through design.

Question 7: “How will you communicate with us throughout the planning process?”

Clear and proactive communication is vital, especially for destination weddings. Taryn states, “We communicate really regularly with our clients, and we find it to be of the utmost importance—even if there’s not a lot to say.” Regular check-ins during quieter periods help couples feel supported and confident that progress is being made.

Question 8: “Will you be on-site the day of the wedding, and will you bring a team?”

Some planners may outsource day-of execution, while others lead their teams directly. It’s important to know who will be present on your wedding day. Taryn assures, “You are always going to get me and my creative director, Danny, on-site—no matter what.” Additionally, her team includes members like their “Swiss army knife,” Miles, to handle any last-minute needs.

Choosing the right destination wedding planner requires time and effort. It’s not just about finding someone to create a beautiful celebration; it’s about finding a planner you trust to make your significant day special. As Taryn wisely states, “Price matters so much less than connection.” By asking the right questions and listening carefully to the answers, you can find the planner who will turn your wedding dreams into reality.

Click above to watch the full interview with Taryn Stark Wyant on Destination I Do, The Podcast!