The 5 Defining Strengths to Look for in a Wedding Planner

Set against the rhythm of anticipation, beauty, and barely-contained logistics, the wedding planner’s role is often distilled into catch-all words: organized, creative, calm. But these don’t begin to capture the full spectrum of what makes a wedding planner truly exceptional. Beyond vendor lists and timelines is a field of quiet intuition, sharp precision, and practiced problem-solving. It’s a discipline that demands both softness and structure – a mix of emotional fluency and logistical prowess.

To work with a wedding planner is to enter into a conversation between vision and orchestration, emotion and execution. Beyond schedules and spreadsheets – it is about shaping something personal into something tangible. The right planner possesses a rare blend of artistry and acuity, intuition and command.

To understand what it really takes to master the art of planning unforgettable weddings, we turned to someone who lives it every day. Marie Chicchirichi’s insights strip away the surface noise to reveal what’s essential.

Below, with her expert insights, we’ve created a list of the top five defining strengths to look for in a wedding planner and why they matter.

Header Image: Kavian Borhani & Irina and Matej

1. Leadership and Communication

“Nothing is possible without a good team,” says Marie. “It’s like making a cake – if you don’t have the right ingredients, the result won’t be up to scratch.” Local expertise, deep-rooted vendor relationships, and a team that works in harmony: these are the elements of a planner who can lead with grace. For Marie, every wedding is a “work of art, a painting that comes to life thanks to the talents of each individual.” Planning in, say, Italy or France versus Mexico? Choose someone with an ear to the ground, fluency in the local language, a team based on the ground, and a genuine understanding of the culture – the kind of insight that only comes with true local presence.

But leadership isn’t about control – it’s about clarity. “We’re the link between the couple and the professionals throughout the preparations. Communication is everything. Clear, effective dialogue builds trust and keeps the couple feeling safe and seen.”

Empathy is just as crucial. “This day is emotional. There’s stress, there are expectations. Each couple has a unique story. It’s our job to understand them – not just plan around them – and that requires listening with patience and compassion.”

2. Seamless Wedding Planning

While design may catch the eye, it’s planning that holds the event together. Marie puts it simply: “A wedding is a mosaic of details.” Behind every image-worthy moment is a timeline, a structure, a sense of flow. “The organization has to be solid. Sometimes, people are seduced by a beautiful portfolio, but what’s behind it? Is there a process? A system?”

Marie believes the difference lies in the preparation. “Upstream organization saves a lot of time on the big day. Every detail counts. We must be efficient before the wedding even begins. You don’t get to redo it.”

She adds, “The best planners aren’t just creatives – they’re architects of the experience. We need to know the flow by heart, anticipate issues before they arise, and think five steps ahead.”

3. Destination Expertise

Planning a wedding far from home introduces new challenges – and new responsibilities. “It’s not the same as planning locally,” says Marie. “Couples are trusting us with the full picture – from vendor vetting to guest experience.”

We’ve touched on this before, but let’s emphasize: planners must become cultural interpreters, travel advisors, and logistical experts rolled into one. Marie’s team builds custom websites with practical details, offers concierge-style guest services, and anticipates nuances that might escape a couple planning from a distance. One such detail? “Americans don’t know how to drive manual cars,” she laughs. “You have to let them know to rent automatics.”

“Our goal is to make life easier for everyone. When guests feel cared for, the couple can relax. They want their guests to travel in peace – and that peace is part of our job.”

4. Creative Thinking

Design is about crafting an alluring atmosphere – an emotional and visual language that speaks directly to the couple and their guests, and Marie relishes that creative process. “It’s a pleasure when we can submit our ideas to couples and bring novelty and personality to their projects,” she says. From custom installations to artisan-crafted elements, she believes in transforming concepts into tactile beauty.

But creativity doesn’t end with inspiration. “Even the best laid plans can face a sudden storm or technical glitch. That’s why we travel with our ‘first-aid kits’: plastic sheeting, sewing supplies, rope, tape, printers, pens… you name it. If something can go wrong, we’ve already thought about how to fix it.”

“A wedding is a mosaic of details.” Behind every image-worthy moment is a timeline, a structure, a sense of flow. “The organization has to be solid. Sometimes, people are seduced by a beautiful portfolio, but what’s behind it? Is there a process? A system?”

5. Devotion to Detail

Here’s where precision becomes poetry. “I’m obsessed with the look of the tablecloths,” Marie confesses. “They have to fall nicely, be laid in the same direction… napkins folded the same way… art de la table beautifully placed.”

These details aren’t just aesthetic – they shape atmosphere. They speak to care.

After one event, she personally removed 32 meters of arrangements and candles from the dinner tables in a downpour. “I was soaking wet… and I was sick for three weeks. But I knew we’d need them for brunch the next day.”

That level of dedication isn’t just professionalism – it’s personal investment. It’s what elevates an event from memorable to momentous.

To see more of Marie Chicchirichi‘s work, visit her website.