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Are you here because you recently got engaged and you’re wondering where to start with wedding planning? Let me wish you a warm congratulations if you were recently given a ring! Both of you must be bursting with joy because you can’t wait to marry each other! Wedding planning can be overwhelming because there are SO many things to consider. But don’t worry, because today I am covering 38 wedding planning questions to help you get started with your planning!

Ideally, you want to have an idea of what kind of wedding you want before booking any vendors. It’s essential that you understand your vision for your big day. Remember, this wedding is for the two of you, so make sure all of your decisions reflect who you are as a couple.

10 Questions to Ask Yourselves Before you Begin Wedding Planning

• What is your budget?
• Who is paying for what?
• What is the most crucial element of your wedding day?
• Local Wedding or destination wedding?
• What style/look do you want for a venue?
• What color palette are you thinking of?
• How many guests are you inviting? 
• What date do you want? (Come up with a backup date as well)
• What are the most important vendors to you?
• What type of ceremony do you want?

All of those questions above are important to ask yourself before planning your wedding. If you don’t know what kind of wedding you want, it will be challenging to find wedding vendors. I know your fiancé may not be thrilled about wedding planning, but be sure to include them in decisions! I also recommend to my couples that whenever you check things off your to-do list, celebrate! For example, after you get your engagement photos done, make it a date night and enjoy dinner together.

You should hire the wedding venue, the photographer, and the wedding planner/coordinator among the first three wedding vendors! All three of these vendors book up fairly quickly, and without any of them, your day couldn’t happen. Since I am a wedding photographer, let’s first dive into the questions you need to ask a wedding photographer when inquiring with them.

Questions to ask a Wedding Photographer

• How many photographers do you shoot with?
• Do you have dual camera slots, and if so, do you photograph on both cards?
• How will you backup my images?
• What happens if you have an emergency and can’t photograph my wedding?
• Do you have a payment schedule?
• Do you have backup equipment?
• When can we expect to receive our wedding photos back?
• Can we order prints and albums directly through you?
• How many images can we expect in the final gallery?
• After the meeting, ask yourself, did you and the photographer connect?

It is SO important that you and your wedding photographer connect! On your wedding day, you will be with your photographer more than your future spouse! It would be best if you created a friendship with your photographer because they are with you the whole time of your wedding planning. They should be able to give you vendor recommendations, help you build your wedding day timeline, and give you unforgettable wedding photos!

Book Your Ohio Wedding Photographer Here!

Next, we’re going to dive into the questions you should ask when you’re touring wedding venues. Once you find a few venues you like, make sure you visit them and take a tour. Here are the ten questions to ask a wedding venue. 

10 Questions to ask a Wedding Venue

• Do you have my date available?
• How many hours are included in the rental?
• Is there availability the night before to hold the rehearsal there?
• What is the capacity for the venue?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Inquire about an in-house caterer and/or bartender. If the venue has one, what is the food and beverage minimum?
• Can we have a sparkler or confetti exit? (Some venues have strict rules on this!)
• Will your staff cut our wedding cake for the guests?
• What is included in our rental?
• We’d like to have our ceremony outside, what is your rain plan?

Since I have experience working at a wedding venue, these are some of the most common questions asked; however, these are also questions couples may not consider. Also, if you’re planning on having your ceremony outdoors, then you’ll need to consider their rain plan. Most venues have a cut-off time to tell them you want to do the rain plan, and some brides don’t know this!

Check out one of my favorite Ohio Wedding Venues!

View one of my favorite Savannah Wedding Venues here!

Lastly, hiring a wedding planner, whether just a day of coordinator or a wedding planner who helps you out for months. They are always a tremendous help! Here are just a few questions you need to ask when inquiring with a wedding planner!

Questions to ask a Wedding Planner

• What services do you offer?
• How does the entire process work?
• Have you planned any other weddings at our venue?
• How many staff members will you have with you on the wedding day?
• Are we required to only book vendors you recommend, or can we hire vendors you’ve never worked with?
• What ideas do you have for our wedding to make it memorable?
• How does the payment process work?
• How much access will we have to you during the wedding planning process?

Here’s my favorite Savannah, Georgia Wedding Planner!

Check out this Columbus Wedding Planner!

It is essential to know if your wedding venue includes a coordinator, which is not the same as a wedding planner or day-of coordinator! The venue coordinator is there to ensure everything goes right with the venue. They’re making sure all staff are prepped for things that need to happen. They can assist you with some things; however, if something happens with one of your wedding vendors, it will be on you to take care of it, not them. That’s why it’s vital to hire an actual wedding planner!

I hope all of this information and these 38 questions assist you in your wedding planning process! I love educating brides on wedding planning tips, so if you have any questions, I’d love to chat with you! 

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