Top 10 Most Commonly Asked Wedding Planning Questions

Show Notes

0:33 Welcome back to the Guide Gals! Today we will be diving into the Top 10 most commonly asked wedding planning questions.
1:05 Beverages of the Day!
3:03 Question 1: When Do I Send Out Invitations?
3:23 8-12 weeks out from the wedding
3:57 This helps out your vendors and guests  
4:15 The longer the travel plans, the earlier to send invitations
4:47 Give your guests time to plan ahead
5:06 Question 2: When Should My RSVP Due Date Be?
5:12 At least 3-4 weeks before the wedding
5:40 Count on some of your guests to turn their RSVP in late
6:18 A lot of caterers require meal counts 30 days in advance
6:45 Keep track of RSVPs and Meal Preferences
7:30 Question 3: Do We Really Need a Wedding Planner or Coordinator?
7:38 Listen to Episode 32 for more in depth details of this question
7:57 Look at the role you want them to play
8:20 They will help with all the day-of logistics
8:55 These are the people who have your back the whole day
8:58 Many wedding planners plan the event in its entirety
9:12 Coordinators will give you more of a planning role
9:15 Depends on budget and how hand-on you want to be
9:36 Short answer: YES! We think everyone should have a coordinator or planner
10:38 Question 4: Do We Have to Have Favors?
10:43 Short answer: no.
10:50 People don't generally go to weddings expecting a favor
11:25 If you are looking for places to cut down your budget, this is the route to go
12:10 If you have something you want to give as a favor, that is great, do it! But it is not necessary
12:25 It’s not needed unless you feel strongly about what you want as your favor
13:20 Personalized favors
14:08 Question 5: Should We Provide Meals For Vendors?
14:13 Short answer: Yes!
14:33 You have hired them and trusted them to be a part of your day, the least you can do is feed them
14:55 Feed your photographer and videographers
15:02 Ask about dietary restrictions
15:22 Talk to your caterer!
15:46 It is courteous to let them know and confirm the numbers
16:35 Certain vendors you might not need to provide meals for
17:01 Offer it to everyone and plan accordingly
17:34 Question 6: Where Should I Get Ready?
17:45 When and where is hair and makeup happening?
18:05 How is the lighting?
18:41 Will you have transportation to the ceremony site?
18:46 Do you want to sit in your dress?
19:02 Same questions apply to ceremony site
19:18 Some venues have a getting ready space, take advantage of it!
19:56 If that is not an option, we recommend getting ready at home or a hotel
20:19 There are some nerves involved in your wedding day, make sure you feel comfortable!
21:20 Consider the size of your bridal party and the logistics of getting ready
22:01 Question 7: When Should We Do Family Photos?
22:11 Traditionally, right after the ceremony
22:37 Doing photos before the ceremony can get chaotic
23:16 This is part of the photographer’s job!
23:27 You can utilize your coordinator or planner here!
24:03 Communicate with your family!
24:37 Question 8: Should We Do a First Look?
24:44 People go back and forth, depends on preferences
25:10 With a first look, you have that private, special moment
25:28 First looks can benefit your timeline
25:43 Guarantees photos of just the 2 of you
26:13 At the end of the day, it is up to you!
27:25 Think of the why behind it and communicate that to photographers and videographers!
28:44 Question 9: Should We Close The Bar During The Celebration?
28:48 You can be really strategic about this
29:04 Closing the bar cuts down distractions
29:38 Talk to your vendors!
29:45 Have DJ announce the bar’s closing
29:58 Question 10: What Do We Do With Our Gifts and Decor?
30:20 Check with Venue Policy first
30:39 Find someone you trust and delegate that task to them
31:10 Make it as easy as possible for someone who is helping you 
31:30 Venue staff will most likely be helpful to the people cleaning up
31:58 Plan for this, do not let it figure itself out
32:20 Wrapping up this episode!
32:35 Check out our Ask Us Anything episode for more questions you might have!
33:14 Let us know if you have any more questions
33:20 Fill out our contact form for those questions on our website!
33:40 What else can you find on our website?
33:50 Where to find more of the Guide Gals!