What to ask your wedding vendors

What to ask your wedding vendors

Building your team of wedding vendors is essential to you and your guests' experiences on your wedding day - so asking the right questions of potential vendors is so important in building that team. How do you know what questions to ask? Here are my top questions to ask your venue, photographer, caterer, DJ, baker, and florist.

Your venue

1. How many hours do we have to access the space? Are there overtime fees?

2. Do you have your own sound equipment and speakers, or will those need to be rented or provided by the entertainment?

3. Are there noise restrictions?

4. Can we bring in our own vendors, or do we have to chose from a preferred vendors list?

5. Are tables, chairs, linens, plates, silverware, and glassware provided, or will I have to rent them myself or get them through my caterer? If you provide them, do we have to tear down tables and chairs?

6. Are there any restrictions on what we can serve? (alcohol)

7. How often will we be in touch leading up to the wedding?

8. Is there a coordinator on staff? Who will be my main point of contact?

9. Are there any restrictions on what we can do to decorate the space?

10. Do you have a backup plan in case of inclement weather?

11. Do you have a plan for power outages or other emergencies?

12. What is your refund policy?

13. How do you structure the payment schedule?

14. Is the venue handicap accessible?

15. Is there anything that we are not allowed to do at the venue?

Your photographer

1. How long have you been a photographer? How many weddings have you worked?

2. Can we see a sample gallery from a recent wedding?

3. Can you describe your personal style?

4. What is it like to work with you on our wedding day?

5. What are your packages and what services do we need to pay extra for?

6. Do you have a backup plan if you become unavailable to shoot due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance?

7. What is your turnaround time?

Your caterer

1. What meal services do you offer? (example: buffet, plated, family style, etc.)

2. Have you ever worked at our wedding venue?

3. Do you have a license to serve alcohol?

4. Can you accommodate special menu requests and guests’ allergies or dietary restrictions? Are there additional charges for dietary restrictions/menus adjustments?

5. Do you offer catering packages or is everything à la carte?

6. What is your pricing policy regarding children's meals?

7. How far in advance do I need to set the food and drink menu?

8. How does your billing for beverages work (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)? Do you charge per guest or per amount of drinks served?

9. What date will you need the final guest count for the wedding reception?

10. Are there certain equipment, power, and water needs you require?

Your dj/band

1. What genres can you cover?

2. How do you work with couples to create a playlist?

3. Can you also act as emcee and make announcements?

4. How do you get people on the dance floor?

5. Can you learn specific songs for us (if interviewing a band)?

The baker

1. Can you cater to dietary restrictions, such as vegan, gluten-free, dairy free, etc.?

2. Do you design custom cakes, or do I chose from set designs?

3. What is your delivery process?

4. Do you provide or rent cake stands, cake knives, etc.?

5. How do you price your wedding cakes?

The florist

1. What is the typical budget your couple's wedding? How much on average do they spend on flowers?

2. What is your service area?

3. What flowers are typically in season during our wedding?

4. Do you provide other decorative items, such as vases or candleholders? Do you charge extra for them?

5. What do you charge for delivery and set up?