Do You Know the Right Questions to Ask Your Vendors?

Many of you don't know the "right" questions to ask your vendors when meeting with them. This could cause confusion and upset on the day of the wedding. Be clear as to exactly what you are getting from your vendors and make it known as to what is expected of them. Make sure they can oblige. Here are some questions to get you started:

Reception Site:
- How many weddings do you host per day? At one time?
- Is there a place where our ceremony can be held? If so, will you provide chairs? Is there an additional fee?
- Do you provide linens/centerpieces/plates, silverware, etc.?
- Do you provide catering? If so, is everything cooked on-site? Can we do a tasting?
- Do you have a minimum number of guests for the day/time that I would like?
- What is your maximum capacity?
- Do you have a bridal suite?
- Do you provide bartenders and all beverages (alcohol, soda, juice, etc.)?
- Can we take pictures on the grounds?
- Is there adequate parking for our number of guests?
- What kinds of decorations are allowed (candles, confetti, etc.)?

Photographer:
- Do you specialize in weddings?
- Do we receive an album with our package?
- Is there a time limit for coverage on the day of the wedding?
- Do I get all of the images on a high resolution DVD with rights to them?
- How many weddings have you photographed?
- Do you shoot candid/photojournalistic/posed?
- Will my photos be available for online viewing?
- How long after the wedding will my photos be ready?
- Will YOU be my photographer on the big day? Will you have an assistant or a second shooter?

DJ:
- Do you specialize in weddings?
- Will YOU be our DJ?
- Is there a time limit for coverage on the day of the wedding?
- Will you announce the bridal party for the formal introductions?
- Will you be as involved or uninvolved as we'd like you to be?

Videographer:
- Do you specialize in weddings?
- Are you able to work well with our photographer?
- Will YOU be our videographer?
- What is your shooting style?
- Will you provide us with a microphone for the ceremony?
- How long after the wedding will my video be ready?

Florist:
- Do you provide a breakdown of the cost of each item (bride's bouquet, groom's bouttenier, etc.)?
- Do you provide a breakdown of the flowers being used in each item (bride's bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, altar arrangements, etc.)?
- Can you provide items such as an aisle runner, candles, etc.?
- Do you charge a delivery fee? How far will you go and how many stops will you make (church, reception site, etc.)?
- Will you provide a "toss" bouquet?
- Will my flowers be fresh?
- Will you preserve my bouquet after the wedding or know someone that will?

Wedding Coordinator:
- Do you specialize in weddings? YES
- Is there a time limit for coverage on the day of the wedding? NO
- How many weddings do you work per day? ONE
- Do you attend every wedding personally? YES
- Can you arrange for vendors to work their prices into my budget? YES
- Do you attend and coordinate the ceremony rehearsal? YES
- Will you do the set up and decorating for me on the day of the wedding? How about the breakdown? YES
- Will you communicate with my vendors so that my day runs as smoothly as possible? YES
- Do you work alone or with an assistant? WITH AT LEAST ONE ASSISTANT
- Will you do a site visit if you have never been to my venue before? YES, EVEN IF I HAVE BEEN TO YOUR VENUE BEFORE, I USUALLY LIKE TO ATTEND A SITE VISIT WITH YOU

For all of your vendors, it is important to know the deposit amount, when the balance is due, and the cancelation policy.

Happy planning!
xo
Carisa