how to choose the right wedding planner in the berkshires
choosing the right wedding planner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process. the berkshires is a popular destination for weddings, with historic estates, barns, inns, and outdoor venues scattered across lenox, stockbridge, pittsfield, great barrington, and beyond. with so many moving parts, having the right planner can transform your experience.
as a local planning and design team, 5 senses events + design has supported couples through every stage of the process — from full planning to month-of coordination. here’s a simple guide to help you choose the planner who truly fits your wedding vision.
if you want hands-on support now, explore our berkshires wedding planner page → https://www.5sensesed.com/berkshires-wedding-planner
understand what type of planning support you need
different couples need different levels of service. before you book a planner, think about:
full planning: ideal if you want someone to handle everything from vendors to timelines
full planning + design: best if you want a cohesive, curated wedding aesthetic
partial planning: great if you’ve already booked vendors but need help with the rest
month-of coordination: perfect if you’ve planned the wedding yourself but want a pro to run the show
day-of coordination: minimal assistance for couples who only need event-day management
the more complex your wedding (multiple venues, outdoor ceremony, tented reception, large guest count), the more valuable full-service support becomes.
look for a planner with berkshires-specific experience
the berkshires is beautiful — but it’s not always simple. the right planner should understand:
seasonal weather patterns
foliage traffic
rural logistics + transportation challenges
venue restrictions + preferred vendor lists
local rental companies
barn, estate, and outdoor venue workflows
shuttle timing + dark evening roads
sound restrictions in residential areas
local knowledge makes an enormous difference in how smoothly your day runs.
review their portfolio + design style
your planner should be able to showcase weddings that feel aligned with your aesthetic — romantic, modern, editorial, rustic, or classic new england. look for:
clean coordination timelines
cohesive design work
tablescapes + floral styling
real photos from berkshire county venues
polished details that match the vibe you’re going for
a strong portfolio shows consistency, expertise, and taste.
ask the right questions during your consultation
when meeting a potential planner, ask:
how many berkshires weddings have you planned?
what’s your process for communication and updates?
do you offer design in addition to planning?
how do you handle weather plans or venue restrictions?
do you help with vendor recommendations and contract reviews?
what does your coordination look like on the wedding day?
great planners will have clear answers and real examples.
understand what’s actually included in the package
wedding planning packages vary widely. make sure the planner clearly defines:
number of planning meetings
vendor communication
walk-throughs
design deliverables
timeline creation
floor plans
rehearsal coordination
day-of hours
setup + breakdown responsibilities
you want full clarity before signing a contract.
consider the connection + communication style
your planner will be deeply involved in your life for months (or years). trust your instincts. you should feel:
comfortable
heard
supported
understood
excited
stress-free
good planning is built on communication and chemistry.
ready to choose your berkshires wedding planner?
the right planner brings organization, creativity, and peace of mind to your entire experience. 5 senses events + design offers full-service planning, partial planning, coordination, design, and mobile bar services throughout the berkshires — including lenox, stockbridge, pittsfield, great barrington, williamstown, north adams, dalton, and lee.
we’d love to help you find your venue, build your dream vendor team, and bring your vision to life.
