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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.