The Questions You Actually Need to Ask Before Booking Your Wedding Suppliers
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Booking your wedding suppliers is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning – and also one of the easiest places to make expensive, stressful mistakes. From venues and photographers to florists, bands and caterers, the suppliers you choose shape how your wedding day feels, not just how it looks.
Before you sign contracts or pay deposits, it’s worth slowing down and asking the right questions. This guide covers every type of wedding supplier (yes, including venues), the common things couples forget to check, and how to confidently compare different suppliers without losing your mind.
If you’re using platforms like For Better For Worse to research wedding suppliers, these questions will also help you read reviews more efficiently to find the suppliers which seem best suited to your needs.
Questions to Ask Every Wedding Supplier (No Exceptions)
No matter who you’re booking, these are the non-negotiables.
Are you available on our wedding date?
Obvious? Yes, but still worth confirming before you get your hopes up.
What’s included in your price – and what costs extra?
Ask for a full breakdown in writing. If something is “usually included” but not guaranteed, treat it as extra.
How many weddings do you take on per day or weekend?
This is especially important for photographers, videographers, coordinators, hair and makeup artists and venues. You want focus, not fatigue.
What happens if you can’t attend on the day?
Every professional supplier should have a contingency plan. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Top Tip: When browsing suppliers on For Better For Worse, look for reviews that mention reliability, communication and problem-solving – not just pretty end results.
Wedding Venue Questions (The Big One)
Your venue is the foundation of your wedding, so this is where couples most often forget to ask practical questions.
Essential venue questions to ask:
- What is included in the venue hire fee?
- How long do we have access on the wedding day?
- Are we required to use specific suppliers?
- Is there a venue coordinator and what do they handle?
- What is the wet-weather plan?
Common venue booking mistake:
Falling in love with the space and ignoring logistics like curfews, supplier access times or setup restrictions. A venue can be beautiful and complicated.
Photographer & Videographer Questions (Beyond ‘We Love Your Style’)
Your photographer or videographer will be with you more than almost anyone else on the day.
Questions to ask:
- How would you describe your shooting style?
- How do you handle low light and bad weather?
- Can we see a full wedding gallery or film?
- What is your turnaround time?
- Do you work alone or with a second shooter?
- How are your charges calculated? E.g. per shot, per hour
Common mistake:
Booking based on highlights only. Full galleries show consistency, not just the best moments.
Wedding Bands, DJs & Musicians
Music controls the mood – and the dancefloor.
Ask things like:
- How do you read the room?
- Can we give a “do not play” list?
- Do you provide your own equipment?
- What time do you arrive to set up?
What couples forget to check:
Flexibility. The best suppliers adapt when speeches run late or the crowd wants bangers instead of background jazz.
Florists & Wedding Stylists
Pinterest is inspirational – but it’s not a contract.
Important florist questions:
- What flowers are in season for our wedding date?
- How do you handle substitutions?
- Who sets up and clears arrangements?
- What happens to installations after the wedding?
Common mistake:
Not asking who is responsible for collection and breakdown. The answer should never be “the couple.”
Hair, Makeup & Bridal Beauty Suppliers
You’ll spend hours with these people on your wedding morning – calm energy is essential.
Make sure to ask:
- How long do you allow per person?
- Do you stay until after the ceremony?
- What happens if someone wants changes?
- Have you worked at our venue before?
- Is a trial included?
Caterers, Cake Makers & Food Suppliers
Guests may forget the flowers – they won’t forget the food.
Questions to ask:
- Can we attend a tasting?
- How do you cater for dietary requirements?
- Who coordinates timing with the venue?
- How do you handle delays?
Overlooked detail:
Ask how food is served if speeches run over – because they most likely will!
Celebrants, Registrars & Ceremony Suppliers
This is the emotional heart of the day.
Be sure to check:
- How personalised is the ceremony?
- How many planning meetings are included?
- Can we write our own vows?
- What’s your backup plan?
How to Compare Wedding Suppliers Properly
When choosing between suppliers, don’t just compare price. Look at:
- Communication speed and clarity
- Experience with similar weddings
- Reviews that mention handling pressure
- Transparency in contracts
For Better For Worse makes this easier by allowing couples to compare suppliers in one place and read honest feedback from people who’ve already booked them.
The Most Common Wedding Supplier Booking Mistakes
- Booking too quickly out of panic
- Not reading contracts properly
- Assuming suppliers will “just know” what you want
- Not asking about backup plans
- Choosing on price alone
Final Thought: Book People, Not Just Services
The best wedding suppliers don’t just provide a service – they support you, calm you down and quietly solve problems you never even hear about.
Asking the right questions, reading real reviews and using trusted platforms like For Better For Worse to find reliable, well-reviewed suppliers will make your wedding planning journey smoother – and your wedding day far more enjoyable.
Because the right team makes all the difference.