Questions to Ask Your Vendors
Finding the right team is crucial for a seamless wedding day. Before signing any contracts, use this checklist to guide your interviews and ensure there are no surprises down the road.
Venues
The foundation of your event. Make sure you understand exactly what the space includes.
- › What is the maximum guest capacity for a seated dinner vs. a cocktail reception?
- › Is the site exclusive to us, or will there be other events happening at the same time?
- › What is your weather contingency (rain) plan for outdoor spaces?
- › Are tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware included in the rental fee?
- › What time can our vendors arrive for setup, and what is the strict curfew for music/teardown?
Planners & Coordinators
Your wedding day project managers. Clarify their level of involvement.
- › What is the difference between your full-service, partial, and month-of coordination packages?
- › Do you handle vendor communication and contract negotiations?
- › How many meetings/site visits are included before the wedding day?
- › Will you have an assistant with you on the day of the wedding?
- › Do you handle the setup and breakdown of personal decor items (guestbook, signs, favors)?
Caterers
The key to a great party is great food. Get into the delicious details.
- › Do you offer menu tastings, and is there an additional fee for this?
- › How do you handle dietary restrictions and allergies (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)?
- › What is your staff-to-guest ratio for the style of service we want (plated vs. buffet)?
- › Do you provide the plates, flatware, glasses, and napkins, or do we need to rent those?
- › Is cake cutting service included, or is there an additional fee?
Photographers
The artists capturing your memories. Ensure their style matches your vision.
- › How would you describe your photography style (e.g., dark & moody, light & airy, photojournalistic)?
- › Does our package include an engagement shoot?
- › Will there be a second shooter on the day of the wedding?
- › What is the expected turnaround time to receive the full gallery?
- › Do we receive full printing rights to the high-resolution images?
Videographers
Cinematographers of your love story. Understand their final deliverables.
- › How would you describe your editing style (e.g., cinematic, documentary, chronological)?
- › Do you capture high-quality audio for the vows and toasts?
- › Is drone footage included in your packages (and are you licensed)?
- › How long will the final highlight film and full feature film be?
- › Do we get access to the raw, unedited footage?
Florists
The team bringing life and color to your venue.
- › Do you have a minimum budget requirement for weddings?
- › Can you suggest seasonal blooms that fit our color palette to help maximize our budget?
- › Can ceremony arrangements be repurposed for the reception (e.g., sweetheart table)?
- › Do you provide a mockup of the centerpieces before the wedding?
- › Are setup, delivery, and late-night breakdown fees included in the quote?
Entertainment (DJ / Emcee)
The heartbeat of your reception. Make sure they can read a room.
- › How do you motivate a crowd if nobody is dancing?
- › Do you act as the Emcee (MC) to make all the announcements?
- › Do you take guest requests, and do you require a "Do Not Play" list from us?
- › Do you provide all your own sound equipment, microphones, and dance floor lighting?
- › Do you have backup equipment on-site in case something fails?
Hair and Makeup
Your glam squad. Timing and logistics are everything here.
- › Is a hair and makeup trial included in the bridal package?
- › Do you charge a travel fee to come to our getting-ready location?
- › How long do you allocate per bridesmaid, and how long for the bride?
- › Will you bring an assistant for a larger bridal party?
- › Do you provide touch-up kits for the bride and bridal party?
Bakers
The creators of your sweet finale.
- › Do you charge a tasting fee, and is it credited toward our final total if we book?
- › Do you specialize in buttercream, fondant, or both?
- › Will you coordinate with our florist if we want fresh flowers added to the cake?
- › Is a cake stand rental included or available?
- › Do you handle the delivery and setup, and what is the fee for that?
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Reviewing contracts and interviewing vendors can feel like a full-time job. Our planning team is here to manage the logistics, negotiate on your behalf, and build your dream team.
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