Every Wedding Vendor and What to Ask Them
Stopping the overwhelm: A complete list of wedding vendors and questions to ask them.
Planning a wedding is not for the faint of heart. You’re learning to juggle multiple vendors and be the head coordinator for your big day. It’s exhausting! I have compiled for you a single list of vendors and primary questions to ask them.
The Big Four
Caterer
What menu options fit my budget and guest count?
Are you available for this day?
Do you require a meal for your servers?
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Do you offer tastings?
Venue
What’s included in the venue rental?
Will this space be for both the ceremony and reception?
Are you willing to adjust prices based on my budget?
How many guests can it accommodate?
What are the backup plans for bad weather?
Photographer/Videographer
Can I see full wedding galleries you’ve shot?
Does your preferred shooting style match my venue? (e.g., light outdoors vs. dark interiors.)
Do you offer engagement/wedding packages?
What is your turnaround time for photos/videos?
Wedding Dress
How long does it take to order and alter a dress?
Do you use in-house alteration services?
Do you offer preservation services?
What’s the price range of your gowns?
Ceremony Vendors
Officiant
Are you legally able to perform weddings in our location?
Do you customize ceremonies?
How early do we need to book you?
Florist
What flowers are in season for my wedding?
Can we adjust various flowers to lower the cost?
Can you create floral installations or arches?
Do you provide breakdown and setup services?
Rental Equipment
Do you offer delivery and setup?
Do you have backup equipment?
Are there rental package deals?
DJ/Band/Quartet
Do you come with your equipment, or do items such as microphones need to be accommodated?
Will you allow the use of your equipment for speakers such as the officiant and best man speech?
Can we select our ceremony music?
How do you handle unexpected issues (e.g., weather, power loss)?
Stationery
Do you offer custom designs?
What is the turnaround time for printing?
Can you assist with addressing and mailing?
Reception Vendor
Bar Service
Do you provide licensed bartenders?
Can we bring our own alcohol?
What drink packages do you offer?
What are your pricing options?
Favors
Do you offer custom or personalized favors?
What’s the turnaround time for bulk orders?
Do you provide packaging?
Transportation
Do you have shuttles or limousines available?
How many people per vehicle?
What are your booking and cancellation policies?
How long do we have the service?
Baker
Do you offer tastings?
How far in advance do you need the order?
How many people will this cake feed?
What are your cake alternatives?
Do you provide setup and cake-cutting services?
Rental Equipment (Again!)
Can I bundle rentals for a discount?
Do you handle setup and breakdown?
What’s the replacement policy for damages?
DJ/Band/Quartet (Again!)
Do you take song requests?
Can you act as an emcee?
How do you keep guests on the dance floor?
Additional Vendors
Jeweler
Do you offer custom design services?
What is your resizing and warranty policy?
Can we engrave our rings?
Registry
Do you offer a universal registry option?
Can we register for experiences or cash funds?
What’s your return policy?
Groom’s and Other Men’s Attire
Do you offer rentals and custom suits?
What’s the fitting and alteration timeline?
Do all the men have to come in at the same time?
Do you have group discounts?
Bridal Party Attire
How far in advance should dresses be ordered?
Do you offer size-inclusive options?
Can bridesmaids mix and match styles?
Cosmetologist
Do you offer trials before the wedding?
How many people can you accommodate?
What is your price per person?
Do you travel to the venue?
Room & Stay for Guests
Do you offer room blocks?
Are there shuttle services to the venue?
What are the cancellation policies?
Parting Gifts for Family
Do you offer custom engraving or personalization?
Can you package gifts beautifully?
What’s the lead time for ordering?
Ready to keep planning?
With this vendor checklist and the right questions in hand, you’re on your way to assembling the perfect wedding team! Take your time, compare options, and trust your gut. If you want the complete vendor list in a printable PDF, you can download our free wedding guide! In addition to having the complete vendor list, you’ll have multiple wedding timelines and a complete stationery list!