Asking questions is key when selecting your wedding vendor dream team—not only does it give you an opportunity to negotiate pricing and learn about their process and skills, but it allows them to get to know you better as a couple. I always recommend going into your initial consultation with a list of questions you want to ask, and if you’re an LGBTQ+ couple, you’ll want to add these specific vendor questions to your checklist.
Floral Designers
Having two bouquets? Two boutonnieres? Many floral packages come with one bouquet and one boutonniere so make sure to ask if their floral packages are flexible and priced accordingly before signing on the dotted line.
Hair and Makeup
Particularly if you identify as female, hairstylists and makeup artists may assume you want a femme beauty look. Communicate exactly the style you’re going for (photos help) and ask if they can provide images of similar looks they’ve created in the past, so you can feel assured you’re both on the same page.
DJ or Band
Entertainment pros are terrific resources for day-of music recommendations, but clarify if you’re seeking tunes that aren’t boy-meets-girl ballads.
Photographers
For day-of photography, many photographers either jump back and forth between the couple’s rooms if they’re getting ready separately or have a second shooter capture one while they capture the other. If they’re shooting both solo, talk to them about the getting-ready timeline so they can capture key shots (example: make sure you’re not slipping into your outfits at the same time so the photographer is able to photograph both). Additionally, second shooters often shoot the grooms for opposite-sex weddings, so if you’re two brides, make sure their second shooter is well versed in taking bridal detail photos.
Stationers
You’ll want to make sure design details, such as silhouettes or attire graphics, are reflective of you as a couple, and double-check that any heteronormative verbiage can be edited.
Click here to preview your posts with PRO themes ››
Brittny Drye is the founder and editor in chief of Love Inc., an equality-minded wedding blog that celebrates both straight and same-sex love, equally.
