Questions to Ask Your Wedding Vendors | Nest Matrimony

When planning a wedding, asking the right questions to your wedding vendors is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly on your big day. Below is a guide on key questions to ask your wedding vendors, covering different aspects of your wedding day:

1. Wedding Venue

Availability and Capacity:

• Is the venue available on my preferred date?
• How many guests can the venue accommodate?
• What are the backup plans in case of bad weather for outdoor weddings?

Services and Policies:

• What’s included in the venue rental (tables, chairs, linens, lighting)?
• Are there noise restrictions or time limits for the event?
• Do you have a preferred vendor list, or can I bring in my own vendors?
• What is your cancellation and refund policy?

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2. Caterer

Menu Options and Customization:

• Do you offer customizable menus? Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
• Is a tasting included in the catering package? When can we schedule a tasting?

Pricing and Inclusions:

• What’s included in your catering package (e.g., staff, cutlery, glassware)?
• Do you charge per plate, or is there a buffet option?
• Are there extra fees (e.g., cake cutting, corkage)?

Logistics:

• How many staff members will be provided for my event?
• Will you provide the necessary equipment like serving trays, dishes, and utensils?

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3. Photographer/Videographer

Style and Portfolio:

• What’s your photography/videography style? Can I see a full gallery of recent weddings you’ve shot?
• Will you be the one shooting our wedding, or will it be someone from your team?

Availability and Hours:

• How many hours of coverage are included in your package? What happens if we go over time?
• Do you offer an engagement shoot as part of your package?

Deliverables and Editing:

• How many edited photos/videos can we expect to receive?
• What’s the typical turnaround time for receiving the final photos or videos?
• Do you offer options for albums or physical prints?

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4. Florist

Floral Design and Availability:

• Can you show us examples of arrangements you’ve done for weddings?
• What flowers are in season during our wedding month? Can you work within our budget?

Budget and Customization:

• Do you offer packages, or can we customize floral arrangements based on our preferences?
• How do you handle delivery and setup? Is there an additional fee for setup or teardown?

Logistics:

• How early will you arrive to set up? Can you coordinate with other vendors regarding decoration needs?
• What happens if specific flowers are unavailable?

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5. DJ/Band

Music Preferences:

• Can we provide a do-not-play list and a must-play list?
• What’s your approach to reading the crowd and keeping the dance floor packed?

Equipment and Setup:

• Do you provide your own sound equipment, or will we need to rent it separately?
• How much time do you need for setup and sound check?

Availability and Pricing:

• How long will you play for, and what’s the cost for overtime?
• Do you also act as the MC, or should we hire a separate person?

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6. Wedding Planner

Experience and Services:

• Have you planned weddings at our venue before? What’s your style and approach to wedding planning?
• Do you handle everything from start to finish, or can we choose specific services (e.g., day-of coordination)?

Logistics and Availability:

• How many weddings will you be managing on the same day as ours?
• What is your role on the wedding day, and how will you work with other vendors?

Budget and Payment:

• What’s included in your package? Do you offer customized packages based on our needs?
• How do you handle unexpected challenges or last-minute changes?

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7. Hair and Makeup Artist

Style and Services:

• Can you provide a trial run before the wedding day? How many looks can we try during the trial?
• Will you be doing the hair and makeup yourself, or do you have a team?

Pricing and Timing:

• How many people can you accommodate on the wedding day? Do you charge per person or per hour?
• Do you provide touch-up services throughout the day? Is there an additional cost for this?

Logistics:

• Will you come to our location on the wedding day, or do we need to come to your salon?
• What happens if you are unavailable due to an emergency?

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8. Cake Baker

Design and Flavors:

• Can you customize a cake design based on our theme or inspiration?
• What cake flavors and fillings do you offer? Do you provide tastings?

Pricing and Delivery:

• What is the cost per slice, and does it include delivery and setup?
• Do you provide options for different cake sizes? Can you make a smaller cake with additional sheet cakes for serving?

Logistics:

• How far in advance do you need the order placed?
• Will you coordinate with the caterer or venue regarding cake cutting?

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9. Officiant

Ceremony Structure:

• What type of ceremonies do you perform (religious, non-religious, interfaith)?
• Can we personalize the ceremony or write our own vows?

Availability and Pricing:

• Are you available for a rehearsal? Will you attend and help guide us through it?
• What are your fees, and are there any additional travel costs?

Final Tips:

• Contract and Payment: Always ask vendors for a detailed contract outlining services, costs, and payment schedules. Understand their cancellation and refund policies as well.
• Communication: Make sure each vendor is easy to communicate with and responsive to your needs. Clear communication will help ensure a smooth wedding planning process.

These questions will help you evaluate your wedding vendors and find the best fit for your vision, budget, and wedding day logistics.