The Dazzling Blog
Questions to Ask Wedding Professionals
Hey Dazzlers! We are back with another dazzling blog post. This time around we will discuss important questions to ask wedding professionals. Couples will work with multiple professionals. This ranges from wedding officiants, caterers, makeup artists, stylists, and more. Let’s get into some things!
Wedding Officiant
Let’s start with my role first! I am an expertise in this field. There are several questions you will want to ask your officiant. Some people feel comfortable with having their friend or family member officiate their wedding. Others are more traditional, and they will find a pastor to officiate their wedding. Others will go out to find someone like myself who is trained and in business for officiating weddings. Below you will find a list of questions to ask a potential wedding officiant. I will base the questions on the type of wedding officiant the person is.
Family or Friend who is Officiating
Would you be willing to officiate my wedding?
- You could let your family or friend know how you truly feel: You’ve been an important person in my life. It would be an honor to have you officiate my wedding. Instead of assuming that you would of course do that, I want to ask and see how you feel about officiating my wedding.? All you need is an officiant license, and some practice on what we want for our ceremony. It’ll be easy going, because you know us personally.
Are you aware of what is needed to become a wedding officiant?
- To become a wedding officiant, you need to first be licensed to become one. In the state of Texas, you can use ULC or AMM. Once you go through their program, you will be rewarded a certificate. You can also purchase officiant material, and buy learning material if needed. This will need to be kept and shown on the wedding day. You will also be responsible for the ceremony script, and overseeing the signing of the marriage license. Wedding officiants also make sure that the marriage license is properly submitted, and that the wedding is legally binding. Being a wedding officiant is a big responsibility, and that’s why it’s critical that you make sure that they are ready to commit.
Are you good at public speaking?
- You will want to make sure that your friend or family member is at least comfortable with speaking among guests. If it is a friend or family member, then they will typically be comfortable among people they may know. Nerves can be a killer, and making it a fun ceremony can make a difference. You can reassure the officiant that this will be a comfortable setting. Depending on the type of wedding you are having, reassurance may be needed. If it is an intimate wedding, then that may kill off some major nerves. If it is a larger wedding, then be real with them and let them know what they are taking on beforehand. Attend speaking workshops and practicing can also help.
What are you comfortable with doing?
- It is important that you go over how you want the ceremony to be. Do you want a traditional ceremony, funny ceremony, quick ceremony, etc.? Also go over expectations on the attire. Typically wedding officiants will wear black, or an outfit that doesn’t stand out or take away from the couple. Depending on how your wedding will be, I’ve also seen officiants wear laid back attire. It all depends on what the couple wants.
Do you have any unanswered questions?
- Always see if they have any concerns or follow-up questions. You have to understand that this is probably new to them. They have a big role to play in your wedding. Do proper research, and make sure that you all are following legal protocol according to your state!
Traditional Wedding Officiant
1. What is your service model pertaining to officiating weddings?
2. How busy are you, and when are your busy seasons?
3. What will we need to do on our end?
4. Do you offer other services like marital counseling?
5. Do you work with other professionals?
In the Business of Officiating Weddings
1. What is your service model pertaining to officiating weddings?
2. What is your style/method for officiating weddings?
3. What does your schedule look like?
4. What other services do you offer?
5. Do you work with other professionals?
Event Planner
Event planners may be needed for your wedding depending on how much work you are willing to do on your own. Wedding event planners typically help with the layout, rehearsals, budget, and more. They oversee the main activities in a wedding. A more tenured event planner may be needed for larger weddings. If you are frugal, then a new event planner with a reasonable budget may be the proper option for you. Here are some questions that you can ask your potential event planner.
1. How long have you been in the event planning business?
2. What was the last event you worked on?
3. What is your service model?
4. how do you best work?
5. What do you need from us?
Bridal Shops/Seamstress
Typically brides will spend up to thousands of dollars on their dress. It’s important to a lot of brides. Recently, I have seen some brides cut down on the budget for their wedding dress. The dress will depend on who is wearing it, and what the theme of the wedding is. Lots of bridal shops have their own way of doing things, and it is important that you ask questions, research, and look for reviews. Here are some questions you could ask below:
1. How does your pricing work?
2. What other services do you offer?
3. Is there a policy on returning or altering?
4. How do you go about alterations?
5. What is your typical timeframe pertaining to wedding dress orders?
Florist/Décor
The new trend is the DIY florist. If you are one of the ones who already have enough on your plate, and you’re looking for someone to do this for you then search for a florist. The same goes for wedding décor. It’s fun to do your own décor, but this does require a lot of time depending on how big the wedding is. Typically florists will provide other services pertaining to décor. Ask questions and inquire to make your life easier. Another trend is the usage of fake flowers. Real flowers will cost a pretty penny, but if you are wanting to cut the budget then fake flowers is the way. Some weddings don’t have flowers, and they may stick with jewels of some sort. Below you will find some good questions to ask:
1. What is your pricing for real flowers?
2. What is your pricing for fake flowers?
3. Do you offer other services like wedding decorations, etc.
4. What is your sellout item?
5. What is your return policy?
6. Do you have any specials going on?
Bakery
Who doesn’t love an awesome cake at a wedding? For some, this is very important to have. Whether you go to your local grocery store or a bakery shop, it is important to have some questions ready. A consultation will also be needed ahead of time for those that are serious about cakes! Not only are cakes critical, but some weddings may want to have other baked goods like cookies. I’ve even seen cake pops become a thing at weddings. You may have a local baker or someone in the family who is a great baker. It is critical that you do your research ahead of time. I have some questions listed below that you could ask:
1. How can we set up a consultation and what does that entail?
2. What is your best seller items?
3. What is your policy regarding cancellations, remakes, etc.?
4. What does your pricing consist of?
5. Do you deliver?
Caterer
Catering is a big wedding topic! Some weddings will hire a restaurant to cater their food or a personal chef. There are several options pertaining to ways that you can implement a caterer for your big day. A consultation will definitely be needed, and it is also critical that you research reviews. The questions below is a great start to brainstorming:
1. What is your specialty?
2. What is your consultation policy?
3. What does the pricing look like?
4. What is your schedule like throughout the year?
5. Do you have people who will work with you?
6. How much time is needed to set up?
Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists
Who doesn’t want to look fabulous on their big day? Finding the right makeup artist and hair stylist is critical. For those that don’t want to DIY then this is for you. Ask questions and be honest about what you are looking for! Asking these following questions is a great start:
1. What is your consultation policy?
2. How long do you typically take on one face?
3. What hairstyles do you normally do?
4. How long does it typically take for you to do bridal hairstyles?
5. Do you have a team or is it just you?
6. Do you travel and is there a fee for that?
DJ/Musicians
We all want to let loose and have a good time at a wedding. Finding the right DJ is important. This will also depend on your budget and timing. Here are some questions that you could ask:
1. What are you comfortable with playing?
2. What is your pricing?
3. Is there a travel fee?
4. Do you offer other entertainment services?
5. How much space will you need?
Summary
Dazzlers I hope you found this post helpful! In summary, make sure you do your research ahead of time, have a list of questions to ask, and be comfortable with sharing what you are looking for. Honesty is the key to finding the best wedding professional for your needs. It’s Summer time, and this is one of the busiest seasons for weddings. I hope to see you next month! Have a dazzling Summer, and until next time!
Love,
MaKayla
The Dazzling Wedding Officiant
