Wedding Planning - Quick Tips for Choosing a Venue and Photographer
By Sarah Cronin
Your ceremony and reception venue, along with your photographer are a couple of the first vendors you want to sign on with when you start planning your wedding. You may already know who you are going to work with here, or you may be debating about a few different choices. Whichever it is for you, the questions that you ask ahead of time will be extremely important to make your day as special as you deserve it to be. Friends and family are a great source if you are looking for suggested vendors. Read on for what to inquire about in your initial meetings, and some tips on what to look for to find high quality professionals!
Good venues and photographers book well in advance. The first thing you want to determine is if they have your date available. I highly suggest being a little flexible here. Have a couple dates picked out in the season that you are going to have your wedding. You may have to be a little flexible in what day of the week you are celebrating too. Many couples have moved their 2020 dates into 2021. Perhaps a Friday wedding is going to work out best. If that is the case, I promise it will be okay!
So your dream venue and the photographer you have been following on social media for months have a date that works for everyone - yay! You have passed the biggest hurdle. Next, set up meetings with both of them. Here are the questions you want to ask. Be prepared ahead of time with these lists and a way to jot down their answers.
Do you have insurance?
What are your fees and when are payments due?
What is included with these fees?
What type of payments do you accept - Venmo, credit card etc?
What is your cancellation policy?
Can you show me pictures from your previous weddings?
Are there any other fees that are not listed in your contract?
Can I have a moment to read over your contract well?
Venue Specific Questions
Will there be a venue director or coordinator present during my wedding and reception?
What is the capacity of your ceremony/reception space?
What is your capacity for parking?
Do you provide dinnerware, tablecloths, other linens and glassware?
Do you provide any decorative lighting or decor?
Are there any rules on decor such as use of glitter?
Do you allow sparklers or fireworks?
Do you allow candles?
What is a typical table layout in the space?
Who is responsible for setup and teardown?
If it is us, what is the timeframe that we have to do this?
What time does our reception need to end?
Do you have a dance floor, or do we need to rent one?
Do you require us to have event insurance?
Do you provide food and drink services and what is the cost?
What are your rules on alcohol?
Do you require us to use certain vendors, or can we bring in anyone we want?
If our ceremony/reception is outdoors, what is the backup weather plan?
If we need to move chairs from outside to indoors, do you have staff to help us?
Do you have lodging available for us and our guests?
Do you have a car service?
Do you have suggestions for good photo spots on the property?
Do you have a list of recommended vendors?
Are there any other costs involved such as cleaning fees?
What other services do you provide on-site?
Photographer Specific Questions
How many photographers will you bring to my wedding?
What happens if you are sick the day of my wedding?
Do you provide videography as well?
Do you have a lot of experience shooting weddings?
Are you more comfortable shooting outdoors, or are you experienced in indoor shots as well?
Do you edit the photos before I get them?
Do you have multiple cameras that you will bring with you?
Do you have a drone?
Have you shot at my venue before?
How do you get me my photos?
How many finished photos will I get?
What are your rules on friends/family taking photos?
Can I give you a list of shots that I would like?
Even if the venue is gorgeous and the photographer’s portfolio is flawless, make sure you actually like them. Nothing will set the tone for a day of struggle like vendors that do not mix with your personality. Be sure to check out more than one ceremony and reception spot, and more than one photographer. You may have your heart set on one thing, and be pleasantly surprised to find something you like even better. If you like them, you like what they have to offer and their prices meet your budget, sign with them as soon as possible! You will be on your way to sorting out the rest of the details with some peace of mind.
