As a new wedding planner you’ll soon learn, if you haven’t already, that it is almost impossible to work alone on the day of the wedding, you’ll need the help of at least one assistant. I have found that new wedding planners sometimes end up with assistants who are irresponsible and don’t have the skills they claim to have.
If you are getting ready to hire you first assistant, here are 8 questions to ask during an interview that may help you determine if a candidate is right for you:
1. What previous experience do you have working in weddings or special events?
You want someone who has actually worked at weddings and larger events, not people who have hosted bridal showers and birthday parties and want to be wedding planners.
2. What have your responsibilities been?
This will help you learn if they are able to work without close supervision.
3. What do you think you do best at weddings and events?
Their best skill should be something that you need to help you run your weddings smoothly.
4. Tell me about a recent wedding, what were your duties that day and how did the day flow?
You will be able to tell if the person was able to handle their duties well and calmly by the story that they tell.
5. How far are you willing to travel to work at a wedding?
This is important if the weddings you plan are in a variety of locations. You need to be sure they have a good method of transportation and don’t rely on others to get them to work.
6. What hours are you willing to work?
Be sure they are able to put in the number of hours needed and that they can work at the time you need them, weddings can take place at any time of day.
7. Weddings often run longer than planned, are you willing and able to work overtime, at the last minute?
Find out if they can be flexible or if you will need to worry that they will leave you by yourself if a wedding runs longer than anticipated.
8. What references can you provide?
Ask for references and call them to verify that they have had satisfied clients.
Remember that you are looking for someone who not only has skills and experience but is also reliable, responsible, works well with others, and is well groomed. If you are unsure where to find an assistant, check within your network of wedding vendors to see if they know of any good candidates.
Be prepared to pay well for the quality of skills and experience you need and, of course, discuss hiring an assistant with your accountant, so you pay properly, and your insurance agent, so you and your assistant are adequately insured when working in your office and onsite at a wedding.
