Frequently Asked Questions while Planning a Wedding

Written By Katie French

General Planning

1. How far in advance should we start planning our wedding?

Ideally, you should start planning 12–18 months in advance to secure venues and vendors, but shorter timelines are possible with careful organization. Weddings can be planned in as short as 1 month, 3 months and 6 months with the right vendor team. As a NH wedding thought leader I would be happy to pair you with all the vendors you need.

2. What’s the first thing we should do when planning a wedding?

Start by setting a budget, determining your guest list, and booking a venue, as these decisions impact many other details.

3. How do we set a wedding budget?

Consider your total available funds, prioritize must-haves, and allocate amounts to key areas like venue, catering, attire, and entertainment.

Venues & Vendors

4. How do we choose the right wedding venue?

Consider your guest count, budget, location, style, and included services. Book early, as venues fill up quickly.

5. How many vendors do we need?

Most weddings require a venue, caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment (DJ or band), and officiant. Additional vendors may include a planner, baker, and rental companies.

5.1 Who are some New Hampshire Wedding Vendors I should consider?

At Joyous Engagements, we have officiating and Videography covered. We also have some incredible vendor friends we’d love to review you to. Here are some vendors we have personally worked with and recommend.

New Hampshire Wedding Venues:

  • Dell Lea Weddings and Events, Chichester

  • 603 Weddings, Alexandria, NH

  • The Castleton, Wyndham, NH

  • Zorvino Vineyards, Sanddown, NH

  • Labelle Winery, Amherst and Hudson NH

  • Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge, NH

  • Loon Mountain, Lincoln NH

  • Woodbound Inn, Franconia NH

  • The Toad Hill Farm, Franconia NH

Massachusetts Wedding Venues:

  • Museum of Industry, Waltham, MA

  • Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

  • The Omni Parker House, Boston, MA

  • Tupper Manner, Beverly MA

Maine Wedding Venues

  • 1812 Farm, Bristol Maine

New England Based Photographers

  • NH Images

  • Mike TD Photo

  • Sweet Aperture

  • Stephanie Vegliante Photography

  • AnnMarie Lidman Photography

  • Katrina Bernard Photography

New England Based DJs

  • NRG Entertainment Company

  • Paul Doucette

  • Jay Malette

  • Jess Riley

  • Tom Darling

New England Wedding Planners and Event Coordinators

  • On the Rocks Bartending and Events

  • Simply Beeutiful Events

  • Sparks and Spoons

  • Effortless Events by Madison

  • Moments to Remember

6. Do we need a wedding planner?

A planner can reduce stress, manage logistics, and handle details, but whether you need one depends on your budget, venue support, and planning time. In one of my upcoming posts I will interview local wedding planners to give you the inside scoop.

Guest List & Invitations

7. How do we decide on our guest list?

Start with family and close friends, consider your budget and venue capacity, and be mindful of both partners’ priorities.

8. When should we send out wedding invitations?

Send Save-the-Dates 6–12 months in advance and invitations 8–12 weeks before the wedding (earlier for destination weddings).

9. How do we handle plus-ones and children at the wedding?

Decide early on your policy. If you prefer an adults-only event, politely note it on the invitation or wedding website.

Attire & Beauty

10. When should we shop for wedding attire?

Bridal gowns should be purchased 9–12 months before the wedding, with fittings scheduled closer to the date. Grooms’ and wedding party attire can be arranged 4–6 months before.

11. Who pays for bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire?

Traditionally, bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their own attire, but couples sometimes cover part of the cost as a gift.

Ceremony & Reception

12. How long should our wedding ceremony be?

Most ceremonies last 20–45 minutes, depending on traditions and readings.

13. How do we create a wedding day timeline?

Work with your planner or venue to structure a timeline, including getting ready, ceremony, photos, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.

14. Should we have a seating chart?

Seating charts help organize the reception, but buffet-style weddings can be more flexible. Assigned seating works best for plated dinners.

Budget & Costs

15. How can we save money on our wedding?

  • Choose an off-season or weekday wedding.

  • Trim your guest list.

  • DIY some decorations.

  • Opt for a smaller cake or dessert table.

  • Find vendors that offer bundle and partnership packages. For example, Joyous Engagements offers 15% off when couples book officiating and video.

16. Are tips expected for wedding vendors?

While not always required, tipping is customary for vendors like photographers, DJs, and catering staff.

Final Details

17. What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

Always have a backup plan, such as an indoor venue option or tent rentals for outdoor weddings.

18. When should we apply for our marriage license?

Marriage license requirements vary by location, but most should be obtained 1–2 months before the wedding. In New Hampshire, you can get them up to 90 days in advance of your ceremony date. In Massachusetts you can get them up to 60 days before your wedding date. Note that Massachusetts includes a 3 day waiting period.

19. How do we change our last name after marriage?

You'll need your marriage certificate to update your Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, and bank accounts. Make sure you order copies from your town hall.

20. What’s the best way to thank our guests?

Handwritten thank-you notes should be sent within 3 months after the wedding, thanking guests for attending and any gifts received. I recommend you take a picture of yourself using the gift to help inform your thank you note. It also adds a personal touch.

 

Katie French
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