June 9, 2025

Why We Ask to Meet (and for Your Budget) Before Sending a Wedding Planning Proposal

At SPARKS Mariages, we often receive inquiries from couples who ask:
"Can you send us your packages and pricing?"

It is a perfectly reasonable question—and one we’re always happy to answer. But before we can do so, we usually respond with a simple request: Let’s meet first.

Why? Not because we want to upsell. And certainly not because we are trying to pull you into some kind of sales trap. The truth is far more grounded: we cannot propose an accurate price until we understand the scope of your wedding—your vision, your expectations, and the level of planning support you truly need.

It’s Like Building a House: You Need the Blueprint First

Here’s the example we share with many of our couples:
“How much does it cost to build a house?”
It depends. Are you envisioning a cozy bungalow or a lakefront cottage? Will there be a garage? Hardwood floors or vinyl? Stone or laminate countertops?

No reputable contractor would give you a firm price before knowing your specifications. And the same applies to wedding planning.

We need to understand the details before we can accurately estimate:

  • How many planning hours will your wedding require?
  • How complex is your timeline?
  • How many people will need to be managed on the day of the event?
  • What is your desired guest experience?

The answers to these questions shape everything from staffing to logistics—and ultimately, the proposal you receive.

Why We Ask About Your Budget (It’s Not What You Think)

We also often get hesitation when we ask couples about their budget. There is a misconception that if a planner knows you have more to spend, they will increase their price to match.

Let us be clear: that is not how we work.
We ask about your budget to understand the scale of the event. Because a $50,000 wedding and a $150,000 wedding are two very different projects.

More budget typically means:

  • More guests
  • More vendors
  • More custom details
  • More moving parts to coordinate

And that translates into more hours of planning and more professionals needed on-site to ensure everything flows effortlessly. Our pricing reflects the scope of coordination, not your ability to pay.

The Value of a Personalized Proposal

Our approach is bespoke for a reason. Your wedding is unlike any other. Whether you are dreaming of an intimate gathering in Old Quebec or a large-scale celebration with multi-day events, your planning needs are unique—and your proposal should reflect that with precision and fairness.

By meeting first, we ensure that what we offer truly matches what you need.
No assumptions. No pressure. Just clarity.

At SPARKS Mariages, we believe in thoughtful communication, transparent planning, and creating weddings that feel effortless and refined. The very first step is a conversation.

We look forward to having it with you.

Founder and Lead Planner
Meet Stacey Moran

With over a decade of experience in event planning across North America, Stacey has established herself as a respected wedding planner in the destination wedding industry in Quebec City.

Work with stacey
Founder and Lead Planner
Meet Stacey Moran

With over a decade of experience in event planning across North America, Stacey has established herself as a respected wedding planner in the destination wedding industry in Quebec City.

get to know stacey more