Here are some essential questions to ask when booking your wedding stylist, so you know what to expect and how to ensure they align with your vision.
1. Can You Show Us Examples of Past Work?
Every stylist has a distinct creative style, so it’s important to see examples of their previous work. Ask to see a portfolio of weddings they’ve styled, particularly ones that are similar in size or theme to your own. This will help you understand their design aesthetic and whether it matches the look you’re going for. See our Instagram for some of our most recent weddings.
What to look for: Consistency in their styling, versatility in themes, and how well they adapt to different venues.
Bredenbury Court Barns Wedding
2. What Services Do You Offer?
Wedding stylists can offer a range of services, from full design and decor packages to simple styling advice. Make sure you understand what’s included in their packages. Are they responsible for sourcing all wedding decorations, setting up, and breaking down after the event?
Do they also handle florals or on the day stationery?
What to consider: Clarifying this upfront will prevent any last-minute surprises and ensure you have a clear understanding of what you’re getting.
3. How Do You Tailor Your Styling to Fit Our Vision?
Each couple has a unique story, and your wedding styling should reflect that. Ask how the venue stylist incorporates personal elements, such as your favourite colours, cultural traditions, or sentimental items, into the design. Understanding how they customise their approach will help you gauge how well they can bring your ideas to life.
What to listen for: A collaborative approach, flexibility, and a genuine interest in your story.
4. Do You Work With Our Venue Regularly?
Working with a stylist who is familiar with your venue can be a huge advantage. They will already know the layout, what works best in the space, and any restrictions or quirks the venue may have. If they haven’t styled at your venue before, ask how they plan to approach a new setting.
Why it matters: Experience with the venue can mean smoother setup and more creative use of the space.
The Riverside Glasshouse Wedding
5. What’s Your Pricing Structure and What Is Included?
Weddings can be expensive, and it’s essential to know how your styling budget will be spent. We always provide a detailed breakdown of costs, including any potential extra fees for travel, delivery, or setup and teardown. Make sure you’re clear on what is and isn’t included in the pricing package.
What to ask: Can you make adjustments to fit our budget? What payment schedules are available?
6. Can You Accommodate Last-Minute Changes?
Weddings are dynamic events, and sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Ask how flexible the stylist is with last-minute changes, whether it’s tweaking the décor or adjusting setup times due to weather or scheduling shifts.
At Kara Mia Venue Styling we understand you may not be clear on final numbers until nearer the time of the wedding and schedule a meeting around four weeks before your big day to go over any alterations needed.
What to consider: You want a stylist who can remain calm and flexible in the face of changes and challenges.
7. Will You Be Present on the Day of the Wedding?
Some stylists will oversee the entire process from start to finish, while others may delegate tasks to their team. It’s important to know whether your stylist will be on-site the day of the wedding to manage the setup and ensure everything runs smoothly.
What to clarify: Will there be a point person on-site if you aren’t available?
Ashton Lodge Country House Wedding
8. How Do You Handle Wedding Turnarounds?
If your venue is hosting both the ceremony and reception, you may need to transform the space between events. Ask the venue stylist how they handle quick turnarounds and what team support they bring in to ensure everything looks perfect on time.
What to ask: How do you ensure the space transitions smoothly without delays?
9. What’s Your Cancellation and Refund Policy?
While it’s something you hope you never have to consider, it’s wise to ask about the stylist’s cancellation and refund policies. Life can be unpredictable, and understanding the terms around cancellations will give you peace of mind.
What to consider: Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms, especially regarding non-refundable deposits.
10. What’s the Next Step in the Process?
Finally, ask what happens after you book. Will there be a site visit? Will they create mood boards or sketches of your styling plan? Knowing how the planning process will unfold will give you a sense of what to expect and help you feel more confident in your decision.
What to look for: A clear, well-organised process that makes you feel involved and in control of your wedding’s styling.
In Conclusion
Hiring the right wedding stylist can transform your big day into a beautifully curated event that’s a reflection of your personality and love story. By asking these key questions, you’ll ensure you’re partnering with a stylist who understands your vision, budget, and expectations.
At Kara Mia Venue Styling, we believe in making every detail count, working closely with each couple to create a magical atmosphere. If you have any questions about our services or how we can help bring your dream wedding to life, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let’s start planning your perfect day.
