Planning a wedding can be very stressful, it seems like there are a million things to do, places to book and people to see. And then there's the meet up with vendors. If you don't have a set lot of questions and a definite idea of what you want, you may not get the best out of them. Here are 5 questions to ask potential wedding vendors.
Wedding planning can be stressful, make sure you have a way to get organised early on in your journey
1. Availability
Obviously. This is a no brainer. There's no point delving into the packages and the designs and all the little bits and pieces until you've confirmed that this vendor is available to provide for your big day.
Of course, you're right at the beginning of your wedding planning journey the availability of some types of wedding vendors will inform your choice of date. This is true of ceremony and reception vendors, caterers and wedding planners (if you are so lucky as to have a wedding planner!).
Note: the best thing about working with us and our Artificial Flowers is that availability for the day becomes much less important. Give us enough notice, we can probably make it work!
2. Package Inclusions
If it's a cheap package, make sure you delve into why... A lot of vendors who are starting out will charge less because they're trying to build their business from scratch. But a long established business who is still offering a cheap service may be cutting some corners somewhere.
Don't be afraid to ask, "what's not included?"
3. How long have you been in business?
Like we said before, often you'll get a good price from a new business. Being a new business doesn't necessarily mean they're not going to offer a good service, but it is worth asking a few questions. A pastry chef that is just starting out will most probably be happy to offer you cake samples.
Being a new business doesn't mean you won't get a good service
If they're not licensed, you're not married!
4. Licenses and Insurances
"Do you have the necessary licenses and insurances?"is a good question to ask.
Particularly important with a celebrant, if they're not licensed, you're not married!
Insurance wise, you just never know what could happen. You want a vendor to have at least thought about this and to be across any relevant legislation.
5. Ask to see previous work, references
Even if a vendor is new in the industry, they're obviously good at what they do. They have to be, otherwise they wouldn't be going into business! So if they're good at what they do, they'll be happy to demonstrate some of their prowess.
A photographer that is only just starting out in weddings has still been taking photos for enough time to be good at it. Ask to see their non-wedding related work. Ask the pastry chef for cake samples, the decorator for sketches, ask to see testimonials or if they're not available ask for references from former clients or colleagues.
It's not rude to want to know that a person you are considering hiring is up for the job!