Hopefully, by the time that you reach this point in your planning process you've secured a date, venue (church and reception etc), and made a definite budget. Now the fun part begins...interviewing & picking vendors. You are most likely hiring a photographer, florist, musicians, possibly even a planner or day of coordinator. Of course, there are many other vendors you will be speaking too as time gets closer like a caterer or calligrapher...but make sure you book the "BIG" ones as soon as possible.
I know for a fact the good photographers book up FAST....like over a year in advanced! YIKES!!!! Also keep in mind, just like a job interview, you DO NOT have to book a vendor on the spot (
10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VENDORS:
1. What do your packages include? Proofs, Bridal portraits, rights to your photos, all day planning, meeting with other vendors, rentals...these are just a few things that may or may not be included in vendor packages. Make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and what items will cost extra. For example, many photographers will not shoot all day long...they shoot for a certain number of hours then charge extra. Make sure you are aware of these things and CAN afford them in your budget.
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| Photo Courtesy of Jenn Hopkins at Jennhopkinsphotography.com |
2. Do you work only with certain venues or vendors? Some vendors are particular about where and how they work. For example, some wedding planners only use specific florists for weddings. Make sure you are in agreement with these opinions before hiring your vendor.
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| Jennhopkinsphotography.com |
3. What is your experience? years? Number of weddings? Make sure you know that your vendor has EXPERIENCE!! No one wants their wedding planner to be a "first timer" on their special day. OR think about this...you hire a florist who specializes in landscaping....not weddings :( It sounds silly...but it happens!!! Make sure you know the size, location and themes of previous weddings. Asking about experiences will also show you about your vendors personality which will be majorly important down the road.
4. Can you work within our budget? At this point, you should know exactly (or close to) how much you will spend on certain elements in your wedding. Make sure your vendor can work within your budget. Sometimes vendors get "carried away" and forget they are working with someone else's money. Be firm about how much you have to spend!! It is better to know up front than to be eliminating things at the end of planning to be able to afford it :)
5. Do you work with a team or alone? Most vendors have some assistance when pulling off a big day! Whether this is a second shooter or another wedding coordinator make sure you know what that person will provide! Will this cost extra? It sounds silly, but make sure you know exactly who you will be working with...you don't want any surprises on your special day!
6. Will this be the only wedding you work on for that day? This question is particularly important for florists and planners. It is very normal for vendors to book more than one wedding per day. This shouldn't NECESSARILY be a negative. If you are working with a reputable vendor, they are probably very prepared for this, but if it is a new vendor, I would be cautious. Also, keep in mind, you want to know exactly who you will be working with on your big day, so if your planner has multiple weddings...make sure you know who will be there to assist YOU!
7. How do you communicate with other vendors? It should come as no suprise that vendors need to communicate prior to the event in order to full off a smooth and successful wedding. Make sure you know exactly how they will do this! Will they have a meeting a week before the event? or speak on the phone? or email? Make sure your vendors plan to communicate with others so that everyone knows the vision for the day!
8. What is your cost? Make sure you get a number from the very beginning before deciding on the vendor! Some vendors will try to tell you that it is personalized and they can't give you a number! I'd beware of this!!!! You want at least a base number that then can fluctuate as you add or take away elements! It sounds silly...but you may end of regretting your choice if you do not ask this question!!!
9. What elements of the day are you responsible for handling? This is something I wish I would have known from the beginning. For example, if you have a planner, you want to know if your planner will take all decor items home with her/him or if she will give the to a family member. You want to know that he/she will take care of set up for the toast or timing of the reception. Knowing up front is the best way to ensure your planning and day go smoothly!
10. What sets you apart from other _______________(photographers, planners, florists, bands etc)? Have the vendor answer this question! Although it may be cheesy...you will begin to see who the person is and what traits they will bring to your special day!
Many of these questions seem like common sense, however, many of them are questions I wish I would have asked my vendors!! It never hurts to know exactly what you are getting prior to hiring someone for your special day! It may take some time...but it will be WORTH IT!
HAPPY PLANNING!
~G
Sources: weddinglovely.com; tlc.com; herecomestheguide.com; jennhopkinsphotography.com
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