Selecting the right vendors for your wedding is crucial for ensuring your special day goes off without a hitch.
Here's a list of essential questions and things to check when meeting with different service providers:
Photographer
Questions to Ask
What is your photography style? (Photojournalistic, traditional, candid, etc.)
Can we see a portfolio of your past weddings?
Are you familiar with our venue?
Do you have a backup photographer in case of emergencies?
What packages do you offer? What do they include?
How many hours are included in your package?
Do you provide retouching, color adjustments, or other corrective services?
How long after the wedding will we receive the photos?
What are the terms for sharing and printing the photos?
What is the cancellation policy?
Things to Check
Quality of past work
Reviews and testimonials
Insurance and liability
Availability on your wedding date
DJ or Band
Questions to Ask
Can we hear some examples of your work?
Do you have experience with weddings of our size and type?
How do you handle song requests?
Do you provide all of your own equipment?
Can you also handle emcee duties, if needed?
Do you have a backup plan in case of equipment failure?
What is the payment schedule?
Are there any additional costs such as travel fees or overtime charges?
How early will you arrive to set up?
What is your cancellation policy?
Things to Check
Past performance reviews
Playlist and music style
Insurance and liability
Availability on your wedding date
Flowers
Questions to Ask
Can you work with our budget?
Can we see a portfolio of your previous work?
Do you have experience with our venue?
What flowers would you recommend for our theme/season?
Are the flowers organic or sustainably sourced?
How far in advance will the arrangements be made?
Can we expect a sample arrangement before the wedding?
What is the setup and takedown process?
What is the cancellation policy?
Are there any additional fees like setup, delivery, or break down?
Things to Check
Quality and freshness of flowers in past work
Reviews and testimonials
Payment terms and conditions
Availability on your wedding date
Venue
Questions to Ask
What is the maximum capacity?
What is included in the package (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)?
Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers?
Can we bring our own alcohol?
Are there any restrictions on decorations or entertainment?
Do you have an indoor backup space in case of bad weather?
How early can we access the venue for setup?
Is parking available?
What is the cancellation policy?
Are there any hidden costs like cleaning fees or gratuities?
Things to Check
Terms and conditions in the contract
Reviews and testimonials
Insurance requirements
Availability on your wedding date
Catering Services
Questions to Ask
What types of cuisine do you specialize in? Can you accommodate specific themes or cultural preferences?
Can we schedule a tasting session before finalizing the menu?
Can you accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions?
How many servers will be provided? Are their uniforms appropriate for our wedding style?
Do you provide tables, chairs, linens, plates, silverware, and glassware, or will these need to be rented separately?
Will the food be prepared on-site or brought in? How will you ensure it stays fresh?
Are you licensed and insured? Do you have a liquor license if alcohol will be served?
What time will you arrive for setup? When will the food be served?
What is involved in the cleanup process? Is this included in the package price?
What is your payment schedule? What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Things to Check
Look for reviews, and if possible, attend a tasting.
Check if they are open to customizing the menu and services according to your needs.
Make sure the quote includes everything – taxes, service fees, gratuities, and any other potential costs.
Do they have experience with weddings of a similar scale and style to yours?
Ensure they are available on your wedding date and clarify what time they will arrive for setup.
Make sure they meet all the necessary legal and quality standards, especially if they are serving alcohol.
Website Designers
Questions to Ask
Can you show us examples of wedding websites you've designed before?
How customizable is the website? Can it be tailored to match our wedding theme?
What features can be included? (RSVP management, photo gallery, event schedule, etc.)
How user-friendly will the website be, especially for guests who may not be tech-savvy?
Will the website be mobile-friendly?
Can we choose a custom domain name, and is it included in the package?
How long will it take to develop the website?
Will we be able to update content ourselves, or will we need to go through you for updates?
What kind of technical support do you offer?
What is included in the quoted price? Are there any additional fees, like maintenance or hosting? What is the payment schedule and cancellation policy?
Things to Check
Review their portfolio to see if their style matches what you're looking for.
Look for reviews from previous clients to gauge their reputation and reliability.
Ensure they have secure measures in place for data privacy, especially for features like RSVP.
Make sure they can complete the project within your timeline, particularly if your wedding date is soon.
Verify that the quoted price includes all the features you require, with no hidden fees.
Feel free to adapt these questions to suit your personal needs and priorities. The key is to get all the information you need to make an informed decision for your special day.
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