4. What role do you feel I should play?

Before the ball gets rolling, be clear about how her responsibilities and yours will gel. Who has the final say in big decisions? You don't want to be butting heads for months.

5. How many weddings do you handle each month? How much staff do you enlist to help, and what are their qualifications?

The wedding-planning field attracts a lot of hobbyists, so be sure your planner takes her job seriously. Conversely, many experienced event planners dabble in weddings. Your planner's numbers should reflect a familiarity with the event's requirements. And know that if she takes on many weddings each month, she may not have time to concentrate on you.

6. How do you handle dicey situations? For example, how aggressively do you negotiate? How would you handle something like a groom with a broken leg?

You will be spending a lot of time with your planner. So determine exactly what you're looking to get — whether it's contacts, someone to drive a hard bargain, or a sympathetic supporter — and choose a person who meets those needs.