The wedding planner organises the wedding on the couple's behalf: suggests venues and suppliers, follows the quotes, keeps time and coordinates everyone on the wedding day. They work closely with the caterer, but not in its place: the caterer's banquet manager runs kitchen and dining room, the wedding planner runs the day as a whole.
They usually suggest two or three caterers they know, but the choice and the contract remain the couple's. If the venue has an exclusive caterer, the choice is already made. The fee may be a flat rate or a percentage of the budget; any commissions received from suppliers should be declared.
What to ask
Ask how the fee is calculated, whether they receive commissions from suppliers and who gives the caterer its cues on the wedding day. Agree on one person running the day and a single running order. The guide on wedding planners and catering explains how to split the tasks; timings are in the list of wedding suppliers.
