Start with experience and local knowledge. You want someone who’s been planning weddings in Long Island & NYC and Long Island for years, not someone just starting out. Ask how long they’ve been in business, how many weddings they’ve planned in your area, and whether they have established relationships with local venues and vendors. Next, look at their service offerings and make sure they match what you actually need. Some planners only offer full-service planning, while others provide flexible options from full planning to day-of coordination. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients, paying attention to comments about communication, problem-solving, and how they handled unexpected issues. During your consultation, pay attention to whether they listen to your vision or try to impose their own style. A great planner should enhance your ideas, not override them. Ask about their planning process, how they handle timelines and budgets, and what their typical level of involvement looks like. Finally, trust your gut. You’ll be working closely with this person for months, and you need to feel comfortable communicating openly with them. If the chemistry isn’t there or you don’t feel heard during your initial conversation, keep looking. The right wedding planner will make you feel confident, supported, and excited about the process ahead.