Pop the Questions: Team-Z Answers Your Top Wedding Planning Questions

Welcome to "Pop the Questions", where each week our team of expert advisors answers couples’ burning questions about all things wedding planning. In this series, we delve deep into the world of wedding etiquette, managing relationships, and so much more.

Looking for answers and don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! Here are the top questions we get asked by couples – from super common to extremely unique – all answered by our Team-Z advisors.

All About Wedding Planning

1. "How do I manage family members questioning my wedding choices?"

We get this all the time. Dealing with family members who frequently question your wedding choices can be challenging. Two essential tips are:

• Limit the information you share with them, ensuring they feel included but not overwhelmed.
• Delegate tasks that are less critical to you, such as the seating chart or planning the bridal shower. This keeps them engaged and occupied without affecting your core wedding decisions.

2. "What's the ideal timeframe for renting a wedding venue?"

Determining when to rent a wedding venue depends on various factors, including whether the ceremony will be held there. Typically, a standard package includes about five hours for the cocktail hour and reception. If the ceremony is also at the venue, add an extra hour. Adjustments might be necessary for specific scenarios, like a mid-day lunch or an energetic evening reception.

3. "How should an introverted bride handle her wedding day?"

Everyone deserves to feel good on their wedding day! To ensure a comfortable wedding day for an introverted bride, reduce the personal spotlight. Consider options like a first look, private vows, or group activities during the ceremony. This way, the focus isn't solely on the bride, allowing her to relax and enjoy the day.

4. "Where should I wear my rings if I plan to wear gloves at my wedding?"

When it comes to wearing rings with gloves, we'd recommend placing the rings OVER the gloves. This not only showcases your rings but also prevents any potential damage to the gloves.

5. "What are the red flags indicating it's time to part ways with a photographer?"

No one likes a breakup, but when deciding whether or not to continue working with your wedding photographer, be on the lookout for these signs:

• If your engagement photos didn't meet your expectations, despite clear communication.
• If your vendor displays a lack of inclusivity or makes discriminatory or offensive remarks.
• If there are delays in delivering your photos or difficulties in reaching your photographer.

Remember, before making any final decisions, an honest conversation can often resolve these issues.

Managing Roles & Responsibilities While Planning

1. "How can you ask a close friend to officiate your wedding?"

If you're considering asking a friend to officiate your wedding, you can take a thoughtful approach. Send them a proposal box with personalized items, express the value of your friendship, and provide them with the option to decline if they feel uncomfortable.

2. "What should we do if we disagree on hiring a videographer?"

Finding a compromise is crucial. While budget considerations are important, it's professionally advisable to explore options to make it work, even if it means hiring a videographer for part of the day to capture essential moments.

3. "How much should we include in our wedding registry without appearing greedy?"

Remember, your registry is a great way for your guests to share in this amazing moment in your lives – and they want to! Focus on building a registry that suits your wants and needs, and from there ensure your registry offers a wide price range to accommodate different preferences. Aim to include enough items for each household or guest party to choose 1-2 gifts based on their budget.

4. "How do I begin the wedding dress shopping process when I'm unsure of my style?"

If you don't have a clear style in mind, start by considering what you already have that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable. Think about factors such as neckline, embellishments, fit, and sleeves. During your dress shopping appointments, be open to experimenting with different styles and rely on the expertise of dress consultants.

5. "How can you gently remove a bridesmaid causing problems?"

Handling a problematic bridesmaid that's causing issues can be challenging. To address it gently, consider the following approach:

• Have a face-to-face conversation, clearly expressing your love and respect for them, while also emphasizing the need for a harmonious dynamic.
• Extend an invitation for them to attend the wedding as a guest, making it clear that there are no hard feelings.

Wedding Etiquette & Relationships

1. "How can you include family and friends without traditional bridesmaids or groomsmen?"

There are so many other amazing alternative roles for loved ones. Here are a few of the ‘standard’:

• Ushers
• Readers
• Musicians
• Officiant
• Flower person/ring bearer

And you can always find roles outside of the traditional ones like:

• Table captain: basically in charge of their table having a good time!
• BTS photographer: armed with your phone or a flash camera to get all the BTS shots to hold you over until you get your professional ones back.
• Or you can always delegate special tasks to them, ie: vendor day-of contact, decorator, etc.

2. "Future MIL asked me if I have any preference for the color she wears. Is it okay if I do?"

Yes! And the fact that she asked you makes the discussion that much easier since you didn’t even have to bring it up. Be honest with the color palette that you’d prefer for her, and maybe even send along some examples to help. If you want her to be in the same color family as your wedding party, this is a great additional way to make them feel even more included in the day!

3. "Advice for negotiating venue prices?"

Talk with your venue. Be upfront about your budget and honestly ask them if there’s anything to do to help bring costs down to meet that number. I did this and we wound up saving quite a bit of money by removing the cake from the menu & a few cocktail hour options. Just be open to their suggestions since it will likely be a bit of a sacrifice on your part.

4. "What to do if a guest RSVPs no, but writes that their brother can come instead?"

Just call or text them and let them know that this is an intimate affair and with limited capacity you cannot swap. You can also let them know that due to her RSVP no, that frees up space on your guest list, to invite another person close to you that didn’t make it in the original cut.

5. "Can you have a 'no kids' wedding even though people have to travel to come?"

Technically, sure! But, as with any “no kid” wedding (especially in this case because it can be even harder for parents), you should expect more RSVP ‘Nos’ than if it were a no-kid local wedding or destination wedding that is kid-friendly.

If you’re able, a great workaround is to coordinate/provide childcare during the wedding, so that parents can travel with their kids and your wedding remains kid-free!

Pop the Question with our Team-Z

You’ve got questions. The wedding planning experts of Zola’s Team-Z have answers! You’ve finally found the one and know the next steps, but how do you plan the perfect wedding day? From proposal etiquette and wedding websites to registry items, your head is probably spinning as your to-do list gets longer. That’s where Zola’s smart, savvy team — Team-Z — can help! You ask, we answer. It’s as simple as that!