9 Key Questions to Ask Before You Book

Candlelight Inn Farms Wedding Photos 2 of 8 9 Questions to Ask Before you Book

No question about it, hiring the right team is critical to planning your dream wedding, but boy can it be stressful or what? Even if you found a great vendor, how do you determine if they are right for you or how do you judge if they are fit to be a part of your wedding day? How do you know who to trust and where is the best place to go to for advice?

Before I answer any of these questions, let me take a load off your shoulders by letting you know that if you are stressed, overwhelmed and even a bit frustrated, you are not failing in the planning process, you are simply being normal!

Even the most advanced Wedding Planners will tell you that this is no easy task. So pat yourself in the back, because if you are still hanging in there, you are doing well. Hey, it’s not like it’s every day you plan a wedding!

Here are a few tips to get you started in the right direction.

Don’t Skip the Homework!
Before you even book the consultation, you will want to know who you are dealing with. Your consultation will go much better if you have done your homework first. So check out reviews and be sure you have viewed a diverse portfolio. This way when you meet with a wedding professional you’ll be able to ask better questions and have an idea of what to look out for.

Portfolios are hand-picked to show off the best work, but they may not represent the “average” wedding performance. Videos are edited for the optimum presentation. But real referrals from satisfied clients are hard to fake. Call up both client and professional references. Ask questions and use those listening skills. Even if they give a rave review, you’ll often be able to “read between the lines” if there were any issues or problems.

Wedding Planning Ideas Tips Blog 194 9 Questions to Ask Before you Book

You Have to Meet Them
Even if your friend had a phenomenal experience with them at their wedding, this does not guarantee you will. While a referral is a great place to start, personality is key so don’t skip out on getting a feel for what they are like. Out of the country? Schedule an online video chat.

Ask Real Questions
There are no stupid questions! Make sure you get clear, specific answers to your questions. If you aren’t sure what something means, ask them to clarify. Keep asking questions until you completely understand. This will also help you gage their patience, professionalism and knowledge in their field.

List and Take Notes
Don’t just hear the words they say, really listen. Watch the vendor’s body language. Are they confident and comfortable with their response? Do they look and sound nervous? Do you get a “funny feeling” about them? Take all the sights, sounds and feelings into account along with their responses; if your gut tells you something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Also take notes during your meeting, you may easily forget the details.

Below are some common questions: