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.
