Hiring an event planner is one of the most important decisions you'll make for any significant occasion. The wrong choice can result in a chaotic event, wasted money, and damaged relationships. The right choice? A flawlessly executed experience that exceeds expectations.
Nigeria's event industry is booming and with that growth comes a wide spectrum of practitioners, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs charging professional rates. Knowing the right questions to ask is your best protection.
Why This Matters More in Nigeria
The Nigerian event landscape has unique challenges: vendor reliability, generator logistics, traffic considerations in cities like Lagos and Abuja, and a vendor market where pricing varies wildly. An experienced local planner navigates all of this effortlessly. An inexperienced one leaves you managing crises on the day of your event.
The 10 Questions to Ask
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How many events have you planned similar to mine?
Request specific examples, not just a broad claim of "hundreds of events." A corporate event specialist may not be the right fit for an intimate wedding, and vice versa. Ask for portfolio links, photos, and client references specific to your event type.
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Can I speak with two or three of your recent clients?
Any credible planner will welcome this. Be wary of anyone who deflects with "our testimonials are on our page." Speaking directly with past clients gives you unfiltered insights into communication, reliability, and problem-solving ability.
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What is included in your fee — and what is not?
Hidden costs are a common source of client-planner disputes. Clarify whether their fee covers venue sourcing, vendor coordination, day-of management, and post-event teardown. Get a detailed scope of service in writing.
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Do you have a preferred vendor list, and are we required to use it?
Some planners earn referral commissions from vendors on their preferred list. This isn't inherently wrong, but you should know about it. You want to ensure vendor recommendations are based on quality, not kickbacks.
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Who exactly will be managing my event on the day?
In some companies, the senior planner who sells you the service hands off execution to a junior team member you've never met. Confirm who your point of contact is throughout planning and on the event day.
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How do you handle emergencies and last-minute vendor failures?
This is where experience shows. Great planners always have backup plans alternative caterers on speed dial, backup generator arrangements, and protocols for no-show vendors. Vague answers here are red flags.
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What does your contract include?
Never work with a planner who doesn't provide a written contract. The contract should specify deliverables, timelines, payment schedules, cancellation policies, and liability clauses. It protects both parties.
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How do you communicate with clients during planning?
Weekly check-in calls? Shared planning documents? WhatsApp updates? Understand how they operate and whether it aligns with your working style. Poor communication is the number one client complaint in the events industry.
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What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Life happens. Understand exactly what happens to your deposit if you need to postpone or cancel, and what your planner's obligations are if they become unavailable. Industry standard in Nigeria is 50% non-refundable deposit.
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How do you stay within budget — and what happens if costs increase?
Budget overruns are one of the most common frustrations clients face. Ask how the planner tracks expenditure, how they communicate when something is over budget, and what approval process they use before spending beyond agreed amounts.
Red Flags to Watch For
Vague scope of service, no written contract, pressure to pay full fees upfront, reluctance to provide client references, and defensive responses to basic questions are all serious warning signs.
Bonus: Questions to Ask Yourself
Beyond what you ask the planner, reflect on these internal questions before signing:
- Do I feel confident this person understands my vision and values?
- Was the planner prompt, professional, and prepared for our initial meeting?
- Did they ask me thoughtful questions about my event, or did they just pitch services?
- Do their previous events reflect the aesthetic and quality I'm looking for?
- Is the chemistry right? You'll spend months working together; it matters.
The best event planners spend more time listening in the first meeting than talking. If a planner jumps straight into pitching packages without asking about your specific goals, that tells you a lot about how they'll manage your event.
Why Mara Events Stands Out
At Mara Events, we welcome every one of these questions, and then some. Our process begins with a thorough discovery consultation, a detailed written proposal, transparent pricing, and a dedicated point of contact from planning through execution. We've built our reputation on trust, communication, and flawless delivery.
Ready to ask us your 10 questions? Book a free consultation with our team today.
