If you’re in the early stages of the wedding planning process, you may be starting to evaluate potential vendors. This can be overwhelming at times, as there are often lots of options to choose from and it can be challenging to narrow them down. 

Evaluating Wedding Vendors

It’s important to be selective and upfront with potential wedding vendors. Being clear about what you want is the only way for them to know whether or not they can deliver it, so don’t be afraid to be transparent and honest. Let’s go over some important questions you ask potential wedding vendors…

What do you charge and what does that include?

Budget is one of the first things you should ask right off the bat. Getting an idea of their prices is a good way to understand if they’re the right fit for you. However, it’s essential to understand what exactly is included in those prices. Getting a list in writing is a good way to remember what you were told and make sure that the vendor sticks to the pricing that they gave.

Do you require a contract?

Getting a contract is one of the best ways to make sure that everyone’s on the same page and you’re going to actually get what you paid for. If a vendor is hesitant to use a contract, then that’s a sign that they might not be the right choice for you.

 

Sometimes things happen and a wedding is canceled or postponed. This is an important understanding to have in your contract so that everyone knows what would happen in this instance, especially when it comes to your venue. Would you be given a refund? Can you transfer their services to another date?

What kind of liability insurance do you have?

Insurance may not be the most romantic part of a wedding day, but it’s important to make sure that you’re staying protected. Asking vendors about their liability insurance (and making sure they have it!) is a good way to make sure that you’re not putting yourself at risk. Even vendors like a photographer should typically have insurance, so don’t be afraid to cross a potential vendor off your list if they’re not insured properly.

Do you have other weddings booked around the same time?

This question may not be one of the most important ones to ask, but it can give you an idea of their capacity and give you peace of mind. If your vendor does have multiple other weddings in the same timeframe, consider asking them how your big day would fit into their schedule and if they have a backup plan for if something goes wrong.

Do you have a style specialty?

When it comes to your florist or bridal stylist, it’s important to understand what their background is. Getting an idea of their past work can help you plan for the future, so consider asking if they have a portfolio you can look through. In today’s world, most vendors will have social media you can reference.