Wedding planning can be fun, exciting, and even a bit stressful—and vendor meetings top the list of what can start the stomach roiling. Below are some helpful tips to make your meetings run as smoothly as possible.

Be prepared

When it comes to vendor meetings, it’s important to remember two things: Be ready with your questions, and prepared to answer theirs. Organizing your thoughts ahead of time will go a long way to keeping you on topic and preventing any potential memory lapses. Write down questions to stay on track, and when possible, email your vendor ahead of time so they’re able to research answers prior to meeting.

Similarly, you can also request a list of questions they’ll be asking you, making you better prepared as well. An average details meeting can take up to an hour, but your appointment will be much longer if you’re unable to answer key questions.

Hold venue meeting last

Make sure other crucial vendor meetings have taken place before you meet with your venue. Appointments like food tasting, linen preview, cake tasting, or DJ meetings help determine your set-up and overall timeline, which you’ll need to know before you can create an event order with your venue.

Be punctual

Vendors set aside a specific amount of time based on the type of meeting they’re having, and their whole day can get off-course if you’re late for your appointment. Call ahead if you know you’re running late or need to reschedule your appointment. Vender relationships are predicated on mutual trust and respect, important qualities to maintain throughout your planning process.

Limit the number of helpers

While it can be helpful to get input from friends and family members, ultimately the decision about what kind of wedding you want is yours to make. To help keep meetings on track, limit your group to no more than two additional key people, such as your fiancé, mother, or maid of honor. Doing so also helps avoid added stress that can come with all the additional input.

Although planning for a wedding can be difficult, following these simple steps will help alleviate any potential stress, and also help your vendors give you the best service possible.