Hiring the right team is critical to planning your dream wedding…and can also be quite stressful. How do you find the right match for you? How do you know who to trust? Where do you go for advice?

First, this is not an easy task, and it’s normal for couples to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or confused. It’s not like you plan a wedding every day! This is all probably brand new to you, so be patient with yourself.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right One…

Do Your Homework

You’ll get much more out of a meeting or conversation with a wedding professional if you do some background homework first.

Spend some time on the internet or talking to friends recently married. Find out the average prices in your area and what services are available.

Get an idea of what you like and don’t like. Wedding websites and chat rooms can be great resources. This way, when you meet with a wedding professional, you’ll be able to ask better questions and have an idea of what to look out for.

Meet With Them

An in-person meeting is the best way to interview a potential wedding vendor. It lets you get the whole experience of their personality, style, and professionalism. If that’s not possible, have a phone conversation.

Ask Questions

There are no stupid questions! Make sure you get clear, specific answers to your questions. If you aren’t sure what something means, ask them to clarify. Keep asking questions until you completely understand.

If a wedding vendor has a problem with you asking questions, they probably aren’t the one for you. The best wedding professionals are patient and understanding and take the time to help you make the best choices for your wedding.

Listen

Don’t just hear the words they say; really listen. Watch the vendor’s body language. Are they confident and comfortable with their response? Do they look and sound nervous?

Do you get a “funny feeling” about them? Take all the sights, sounds, and feelings into account, along with their responses; if your gut tells you something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.

References & Reviews

Portfolios are hand-picked to show the best work but may not represent the “average” wedding performance. Videos are edited for optimum presentation. But actual referrals from satisfied clients are complex to fake. Call up both client and professional references.

Ask questions and use those listening skills. Even if they give a rave review, you’ll often be able to “read between the lines” if there are any issues or problems. Question about and search the internet for reviews. Check the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding complaints against the business. Weigh all of this information into your choices.

Wedding Planning Made Easy: 8 Questions to Ask Your Vendors

1. How many weddings do you do per year? How much experience do you have?

This is an essential question. Ideally, your wedding professional should have ample experience, specifically with weddings. Not only will they be more skilled in their craft, but this also makes them a valuable source of information and ensures that your wedding day goes smoothly.

2. How much do you cost?

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 they are worth it.

3. How much is the deposit?

This will help you plan your budget. Be extra cautious if the vendor does not require a deposit to reserve your date.

4. What specifically is included in that cost?

Because packages often vary, likely, 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 you must pay extra for in other packages. Make sure you take this into account.

5. What happens if I cancel? What happens if you cancel?

Find out if your deposit is refundable under any conditions. Does the wedding professional have a backup plan if something happens to them?

6. Do you use a contract?

Suppose the answer is No; 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.

7. Are there any additional fees?

Taxes, service charges, and travel fees can add up quickly. Make sure you understand exactly what is included 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. 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.

BONUS: Do you do this full-time?

You may see many wedding vendors do this only part-time, which can only mean they have higher priorities other than your wedding, such as a full-time job. What if they get called into work or get sent out of state for work?

You may find yourself looking for a replacement, and sometimes it might be last minute.
If chosen wisely, with the right wedding vendors, you get expert help and advice…for free!

Conclusion

In summary, asking the right questions is essential when choosing the best wedding professionals for your big day. Using our guide of 8 must-ask questions, you can ensure that you find the perfect vendors to bring your wedding vision to life. 

From determining their availability to understanding their experience and style, these questions will help you make informed decisions and streamline the planning process. You can enjoy a stress-free and unforgettable wedding day with the right team of professionals.