Why does finding the right vendors for your wedding day feel so difficult? Because you’ve never planned a wedding before and have no idea what all goes into planning one (and that’s okay)! When planning my wedding in 2023, I often felt lost and unsure of what to ask in consultations with vendors. Getting all the information felt overwhelming, and I often didn’t think of what to ask until after the call. It wasn’t until I started working alongside other vendors at weddings that I really saw how it all came together behind the scenes. As a photographer, I’m usually hired right after a venue is booked and often get asked to help find the remaining vendors-something I’m always happy to do. If you’re in the initial stages of wedding planning, save this to know what questions to ask during consultations calls with your vendors!

Venues

• What is the minimum/maximum guest count requirement?
• Are there additional fees for early set up or late tear down? (Some venues allow you in a day early to decorate)
• Do you provide in-house catering/bartending, and if not do you have recommended vendors for this?
• Are there any restrictions on vendors we can/can’t use? (Think catering & bartending when it’s not in-house)
• What decor restrictions do you have? (Think candles, hanging things on walls, drapery)
• Are there any policies on event hours & noise levels?
• Can we get a list of everything included in the rental cost?
• Do you require us to purchase event insurance?
• Do you have a bridal suite included, and what hours will be it accessible to me?
• How many events do you do in a weekend?

Photographers/Videographers

• Are you licensed & insured?
• How do you ensure the safety of our images/videos? (The answer should include backing them up to external hard-drives & using cameras with dual card slots)
• What happens in the event you can no longer work our day? (Think last minute illness or family emergency)
• How long after our event can we expect our photos?
• How many weddings do you take in a weekend?
• What’s your typical wedding photo/video style? (Think more in regards to super posed & staged moments throughout the day or capturing candid moments)

Floral Team

• Do you require a minimum purchase/budget?
• Do you use any sustainability practices in your business? (This is more in regards to environmentally friendly practices)
• Can you tell us more about your design process & how you will bring our vision to life?
• Are there limitations on the types of florals? (I’m sure spring florals are much different than fall florals)
• Do you provide any other decor alongside florals?

DJs

• What are your set-up needs for my venue?
• What is included in your costs?
• How do you handle song requests or do-not-play requests?
• What’s your back-up plan in the event of equipment malfunction? (I once had a power outage at a wedding at the DJ had no back-up!)
• Do you provide sound system equipment for the ceremony? (Think wireless mics for this)
• How much space do you need for your set up?
• What filler music do you play when not at your booth? (Think more about during dinner time- don’t forget to provide a meal for them)

Hair/Makeup Teams

• Does the total cost include trial services?
• How long have you done bridal makeup? (Bridal services are much different than non-wedding events)
• Do you include touch-up kits?
• How many artists will we need for a bridal party size of x?
• Are you able to accommodate my skin type? (Think sensitive, dry, oil, rosacea, etc.)
• What brands/types of makeup do you use?
• If you are suddenly unable to work on my day, do you provide a replacement?

Catering & Bartending Services

• Are you licensed & insured?
• What types of meals do you offer?
• Do you offer menu tastings & how many people can I bring?
• Do you have options for food allergies & restrictions?
• Do you charge a cake cutting fee? (This is a fee to cut any large cakes to serve to guests)
• Do you provide alcohol, OR do you buy back unused alcohol?
• What additional fees are there?
• When are final menu decisions needed?