Questions to Ask Wedding Vendors

Why Asking the Right Questions Matters

When planning your big day, knowing the right questions to ask wedding vendors can make all the difference. These conversations set the tone for how your event will unfold and ensure there are no surprises down the line.

• Set clear expectations: By asking detailed questions, you’ll understand exactly what each vendor provides, from services to timelines.

• Avoid hidden issues: Many couples discover unexpected fees or last-minute restrictions only because they didn’t ask early on.

• Match your vision: A wedding is deeply personal. The right questions help you find vendors who align with your style, budget, and personality.

Venue Questions to Ask

Your venue will shape the entire atmosphere of your wedding, so it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here are smart questions to bring to every tour:

• What dates are available for my preferred season?

• What’s the maximum and minimum guest capacity?

• What’s included in the rental fee (tables, chairs, linens)?

• Do you have indoor and outdoor spaces?

• What is your weather backup plan?

• Do you require in-house catering or allow outside vendors?

• What are your deposit, payment plan, and cancellation policies?

• Do you provide an on-site coordinator?

• What’s the parking and transportation situation?

• Are there noise or time restrictions?

Asking these questions ensures you won’t be caught off guard by surprise rules or extra costs once you’ve fallen in love with a space.

Wedding Planner Questions to Ask

A planner can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling calm throughout the process. These questions help you know if someone’s the right fit:

• Are you available for my date?

• Do you offer full-service, partial, or day-of coordination?

• How many weddings have you planned before?

• Can you provide vendor recommendations within my budget?

• Do you create timelines and manage vendor communication?

• What is your contingency plan if issues arise?

• Do you attend the rehearsal?

• What are your deposit and cancellation terms?

By covering these basics, you’ll know whether a planner can handle not only the logistics but also the curveballs that often come with wedding days.

DJ, MC, and Live Band Questions to Ask

Entertainment sets the tone of the night, so it’s important to make sure the wedding DJ’s you hire can create the energy you want.

• Do you provide MC services in addition to DJing?

• Can we create a custom playlist and “do not play” list?

• Do you take song requests from guests?

• Do you provide microphones for the ceremony?

• How do you motivate a quiet crowd?

• Do you bring lighting or photo booth enhancements?

• Do you have backup equipment and backup staff?

*Check out our complete guide to questions to ask your wedding DJ here.

Photographer Questions to Ask

When searching for the right photographer, you’ll want to prepare smart questions to ask your photographer so you’re not left guessing about the most important memories of your day.

• What photography style do you specialize in (candid, editorial, traditional)?

• Do you include a second shooter in your package?

• How long after the wedding will we receive photos?

• Do you offer digital galleries, albums, or prints?

• Can we provide a “must-have” shot list?

• What backup equipment do you use?

• Have you photographed at my venue before?

• Do you offer engagement sessions?

These questions reveal both the photographer’s experience and their ability to capture your story the way you imagine it.

Videographer Questions to Ask

A wedding video allows you to relive the day in ways photos can’t, which makes asking detailed questions to ask wedding vendors essential when it comes to videography.

• Do you create highlight reels in addition to full videos?

• How long will it take to receive the final edit?

• Can we choose or suggest music for the video?

• Do you provide multiple cameras and microphones?

• Do you charge travel or overtime fees?

• What’s your editing style (cinematic, documentary, traditional)?

These answers help you understand not just what you’ll receive, but how your story will be told on film. Check out our complete guide for questions to ask a wedding videographer.

Florist Questions to Ask

Florals bring life and color to your wedding, so you’ll want to come prepared with questions to ask wedding vendors that go beyond just “what looks pretty.”

• Have you worked at my venue before?

• What flowers are in-season for my date?

• Do you offer rentals for vases, arches, or candles?

• How do you handle delivery, setup, and breakdown?

• Do you provide preservation options for my bouquet?

• Can you repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception?

These questions ensure your floral budget is maximized and that the arrangements are both beautiful and practical.

Wedding Production Company Enhancements to Ask About

A wedding production company can completely transform your event with enhancements that personalize the space and wow your guests.

• What enhancements do you offer (LED dance floors, video walls, DJ booths, custom fabrications)?

• Do you provide lighting design and special effects (sparklers, confetti cannons, CO₂ blasts)?

• Can you create branded or themed décor for my event?

• Do you provide in-house talent such as MCs, DJs, or performers?

• Do you handle both entertainment and production (sound, staging, video)?

• Do you offer custom runways, photo booths, or live-streaming?

• Are enhancements bundled or itemized in your pricing?

• Do you handle design renderings so I can visualize the setup?

Catering and Bar Service Questions to Ask

Food and drinks are often what guests remember most, which makes choosing the right catering and bar team essential.

• Do you provide tastings before the wedding?

• Can you accommodate dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, allergies)?

• Do you offer plated, buffet, or family-style service?

• Do you supply bartenders, alcohol, or mixers?

• What’s the per-person cost vs. package rate?

• When do you need a final headcount?

• Do you provide linens, glassware, and flatware?

Baker Questions to Ask

Your cake or desserts will be a centerpiece of the reception, both in photos and on the menu, so it pays to get the details right.

• Do you offer cake tastings and consultations?

• What are your most popular cake flavors?

• Do you provide delivery and setup?

• How do you handle cakes in hot weather?

• Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

• Do you collaborate with florists for floral cake décor?

Hair and Makeup Questions to Ask

Beauty prep is a huge part of feeling confident on your wedding day, so make sure your glam team checks all the boxes.

• Do you offer trials and when should I schedule one?

• What products and brands do you use?

• Do you provide touch-up kits for the reception?

• Can you handle large bridal parties?

• Do you travel to the venue?

• How do you handle sensitive skin or allergies?

Officiant Questions to Ask

Your officiant sets the tone for one of the most important moments of the day. Ask these to ensure the ceremony reflects your relationship and values.

• How do you personalize the ceremony script?

• Do you help couples write vows?

• Do you attend the rehearsal?

• What is your fee and cancellation policy?

• Do you offer religious, non-religious, or blended ceremonies?

Rentals and Transportation Questions to Ask

From tables and chairs to limos and shuttles, logistics matter. The right rentals and transportation keep everything running smoothly.

• What happens if items are damaged during use?

• Do you handle setup and breakdown?

• Do you offer delivery and pickup?

• What vehicle options are available for wedding transportation?

• Do you have insurance for your fleet?

• Can you accommodate late-night pickups or shuttles?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every vendor is a good fit. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

• Vague or missing contracts.

• No insurance or backup plan.

• Pressure to book immediately.

• Hidden costs or unclear payment terms.

Final Tips Before Booking Vendors

Making the final call on your vendor team doesn’t have to be stressful. A few smart steps make the decision easier:

• Compare at least 2–3 options in each category.

• Ask follow-up questions about customization.

• Trust vendors who communicate clearly and promptly.

Conclusion

Asking the right questions isn’t overwhelming—it’s empowering. The more clarity you get now, the smoother your wedding day will be.

Ready to create a one-of-a-kind wedding experience? Contact us today for full production, DJ, and design services.