Questions to Ask Wedding Vendors Before You Book
Once the ring is on, the questions start pouring in. Who is your photographer? Have you booked a venue? What are your colors? The vendors you choose shape almost every part of your wedding day, so it is worth asking the right questions before you sign anything.
Here are the questions North Carolina couples should ask wedding vendors before booking, plus an easy way to ask them all in one afternoon at the Carolina Wedding Show.
Questions to Ask Every Wedding Vendor
Are you available on our date, and how long will you hold it?
What is included in your packages, and what costs extra?
How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
Have you worked at our venue before?
Can we see full galleries, menus or past work, not just highlights?
Who will actually be there on our wedding day?
Wedding Venue Questions
How many guests can the space hold for a seated dinner?
Is there a rain plan for outdoor ceremonies?
Do we have to use your caterer or bar service?
What time can vendors arrive, and when does everything need to be out?
Are tables, chairs and linens included?
Wedding Photographer Questions
How many hours of coverage do you recommend for our timeline?
Is a second shooter included?
When will we receive our photos, and how?
Do you offer engagement sessions?
Caterer and Cake Questions
Do you offer tastings, and is there a fee?
Can you handle allergies and dietary needs?
Are staffing, setup and cleanup included in your price?
How is the cake delivered and set up?
DJ and Entertainment Questions
Can we pick a do-not-play list?
Do you also handle ceremony sound and microphones?
Will you act as our emcee for introductions and toasts?
Ask Them All in One Place
Instead of sending dozens of emails and waiting days for answers, you can meet venues, photographers, caterers, DJs, florists and more face to face at the Carolina Wedding Show. Bring this list, ask your questions in person and see who feels like the right fit. Preview who you will meet in our vendor directory.
2027 Carolina Wedding Show dates (all shows 12 to 4 p.m.):
Greensboro: Saturday, January 9, 2027 at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center
Winston-Salem: Saturday, January 16, 2027 at Union Station
Concord: Saturday, February 6, 2027 at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
Each show requires its own ticket, so grab yours early and bring your favorite planning partner.
