8 Questions To Ask Wedding Vendors Before Booking
1) HOW MUCH EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE?
This is an extremely important question. Ideally, your wedding professional should have ample experience specifically with weddings. Not only will they be more skilled in their craft, this also makes them a valuable source of information and ensures that your wedding day goes smoothly. Vendors just starting out in business are just learning their trade, their pricing will reflect that but you need to understand their services will also reflect that as well.
2) HOW MUCH ARE THE SERVICES?
Price is often relative, especially when you factor in experience, reputation and expert skill. Generally, the most talented professionals have a higher price tag because their skill level, reputation and experience justify their rate and your peace of mind.
3) How MANY WEDDINGS DO YOU DO A YEAR?
A professional will normally do their skilled trade full time, not part time. A full time professional will normally limit the number of clients they take on a year to be able to provide a high quality of customer service.
4) WHAT SPECIFICALLY IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Because packages often vary, it’s likely that you won’t be able to compare one vendor exactly to the next without doing a little figuring. The lowest cost isn’t necessarily the best deal; some higher quotes include services that you have to pay extra for in the lower quoted packages from other vendors. Make sure you take this into account.
5) WHAT HAPPENS IF I CANCEL? WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU CANCEL?
Find out if your retainer is refundable or not and under what conditions. Does the wedding professional have a back up plan if something happens to them?
6) WHAT DOES THE CONTRACT INCLUDE?
If they do not have a contract….RUN! A contract is designed to protect both you and the wedding professional. Don’t settle for a verbal agreement that won’t hold up in court. Go over each sections and ask questions. A professional will be happy to answer any concerns.
7) ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL FEES?
Taxes, service charges and travel fees can add up quickly. Make sure you understand exactly what is included in the price and if there are any other fees you’ll have to pay. This should be clearly defined in your contract.
8) DO YOU CARRY LIABILITY INSURANCE?
The answer you’re looking for here is Yes…ALWAYS. This protects you in case an unfortunate accident should occur on your wedding day. It’s also a sign that this is a reputable business, since most “fly by night” operations don’t invest in insurance.
– Tonya
