Answering Questions I Often Get Asked as a Wedding Director

You’re in love, you’re engaged and now it’s time to start planning your wedding! It’s natural to have many questions but it can feel overwhelming on where to start. Below we have compiled a list of the most asked questions that we receive from clients. Our answers helped them greatly and we hope they help you too!

1. How much does a wedding cost?

There is no specific amount, however, you should only spend what you’re comfortable with. Be sure to work with others that can make your vision come true within your budget.

2. Should we hire a band or a DJ?

Our preference is a live band, but it is important to choose what works best for you.

3. What elements will make the biggest impact on our décor?

Lighting, florals + greenery, and table settings.

4. How do I form a guest list?

Start with those most important to you, ones you cannot imagine your wedding without, and then build from there.

5. Will providing alcohol for the open bar ourselves save us money?

Yes. In fact, it will cost you less even with the corkage fees applied. You’ll just need to know how much to purchase depending on your guest count and the majority of your guest’s liquor of choice.

6. How do I choose the right venue?

One that fulfills your goals for aesthetics, capacity, budget, and amenities.

7. Should we have a receiving line?

Optional, but we suggest no. It takes up a lot of time. Instead, say hello to the guests at the reception or throw a welcome party the night before the wedding.

8. What do we do with our gifts and wedding décor at the end of the night?

Depending on the venue’s policies, you will need to take the décor and gifts home the night of or the next day. As of late, many couples have been donating any décor that they are unable to make use of themselves.

9. Should we at any time close the bar?

Yes, but this is a preference. If closing the bar temporarily guides the guests from cocktail hour to the reception area more smoothly, close it and reopen it later during dinner or before.

10. Should we do a first look?

Doing a first look depends on timing and your personal feelings about it. Will a first look ease you and your partner’s nerves? Will it provide time to take more private, intimate, and planned pictures? If that is your desire, we recommend first looks.

First looks do require extra time, so if you feel like it will rush you or throw off your day, skip it! No matter what, you will get a “first look” and that moment will be special no matter how it is presented.

11. Should all the bridal party arrive at the same time for hair and makeup?

Yes! It’s easier to have everyone there at the same time. Therefore, there is no stress about anyone being late.

12. Should we have hair and makeup done at the same place?

Yes. Like arriving at the same time, being at the same location makes the preparation process less stressful. Plus, if there is a specific style for all the members of the bridal party, it’ll be easier to have each person in the same room to make sure the style is consistent with each bridal party member.

13. Where do the bride, groom, and their parties get dressed?

At home, a hotel, an air BnB or the bridal suite of your wedding venue.

14. Do we need ushers at our ceremony?

In most cases, yes. It is helpful to have ushers to guide the guests to their seats. It’ll help keep the ceremony organized and on time.

15. Should we provide meals for vendors day of?

Yes. This includes planners, videographers, photographers, caterers, and anyone playing a role on the day of the wedding.

16. Are wedding favors necessary?

No, but it is a sweet thank-you gesture. If they fit within the budget, do them!

17. Do we need a wedding director?

It’s your decision. Wedding directors are very experienced when it comes to vendors, venues, budgets, contracts, etc., which can make the process far less stressful and organized. They will handle everything and you can focus on the romance and happiness of it all.

18. Should we provide welcome bags for out-of-town guests?

Optional. If there are many out-of-town guests and it is within the budget to create useful welcome bags, do so.

19. When should we do family pictures?

After the ceremony and before the reception is easiest, depending on your ceremony time.

20. When should we send out our wedding invitations?

6 – 8 weeks before your wedding date.

21. What should the due date of the RSVP reply card be?

4 – 5 weeks before the wedding. 5 weeks is highly recommended.

22. Are place cards necessary?

Optional but we suggest a guest seating board instead. It will keep seating organized and each person will have a spot and feel welcome.

23. Who should give toasts?

It can always be modified but often it is the father of the bride or groom, the best man, the maid of honor, and now even more often the bride and groom as well.

When planning a wedding or working with anyone to help plan your wedding, always ask as many questions as necessary. This is a big day and with important questions comes important answers. Once you have all the answers, you will feel confident and stress-free about your wedding day! We hope these questions + answers helped and if you have anymore, please feel free to contact us. For more tips and tricks, check out our Instagram @sandynissou.

Interested in looking further into how we can help with your wedding planning? Send us an email to see how we can help make your dream day come to life!