When booking a service of any kind, there are some questions you should ask your wedding suppliers. Covering the essentials will help you save money, avoid unwanted surprises, or even help you make a decision when you’re trying to choose between two suppliers.
In fact, we’ve already prepared detailed lists of questions for every major supplier you’ll need. Even if you’ve booked already, we recommend looking at them anyway, just to see if you’ve missed anything important.
Questions to ask your wedding planner
Questions to ask your wedding venue
Questions to ask your wedding cake maker
Questions to ask your wedding band or DJ
Questions to ask your hair stylist and makeup artist
If you find yourself a little pressed for time, or maybe just with too much going on, we’ve narrowed it down to 10 questions you should ask your wedding suppliers. These questions will help you choose the best options. Here they are:
1. Do you require a deposit, and is the deposit refundable if I change my mind?
Most suppliers will take a deposit, but what happens to it if something comes up? Some suppliers will keep the entire deposit, some will keep part, and some will refund if you simply reschedule rather than cancel.
2. What is your cancellation policy?
This question is closely related to the first one, and it matters greatly should things not go to plan. It’s important to note that it’s a two-way affair – while your wedding may be cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, suppliers sometimes have to cancel on their end too. You need to know what they’ll do for you in this case, especially if you’ve already paid them some or all of the money.
3. What is your backup plan if you’re unable to attend on my wedding day?
A multitude of reasons could cause a supplier to miss your wedding – everything from illness to a natural disaster. A good supplier will have a back-up plan in place. Make sure to ask what it is, and that it’s ok with you. Don’t forget, you should also have wedding insurance to cover instances like these.
4. Am I allowed to make changes to my order/booking? If yes, what’s the cut-off date?
This question will apply to suppliers like florists, cake makers, and car hire. It’s not uncommon for a couple to change their mind once or twice during the planning, especially on things like decor. Of course, there’s a cut-off date for all of these, and if your cake has already been made, changes may not be possible.
5. Are there extra charges for bank holidays, mileage, etc?
While most wedding suppliers work weekends, some have extra charges on particular days, holidays, or based on your venue’s geographical location. It’s best to ask in advance, so you’re not surprised when paying the final bill.
6. Do you require a meal on the day?
All suppliers who are staying at the venue with you may need to be fed. This includes the wedding planner, the band, photographer, videographer, and the like. Don’t worry, you won’t have to find them a seat at one of the tables. Most will schedule a discreet break and stay out of the way of the celebrations. It’s also worth asking the venue if these meals are part of your package – many venues include these for free, or for a nominal fee.
7. Does my package allow for any changes?
This applies to things like venues, stationery, catering and photography – any supplier who’ll offer you a set amount of options at an attractive price. Not all packages are set in stone, so feel free to ask if there’s any wiggle room. For example, if your stationery offer includes save-the-dates, but you don’t need them, ask if they can be substituted for something else.
8. How do you prefer to be contacted, and during which hours?
Every business runs differently, and while most suppliers would like to be available by phone or email all the time, it just isn’t possible. When you find out their preferred method of communications, you’ll have your questions answered faster – so make sure to ask.
9. My budget is… what can you do for me?
This isn’t a question of how little you can afford – it’s about getting the most for your money. We’d all like to have A-list everything on a regular person’s salary – and while often that’s not possible, you can get pretty close if you shop around. Suppliers have different prices, and many will offer alternatives – so tell them how much you’ve allocated for their particular service, and ask what they can do for you.
10. When is the final balance due?
Some suppliers want to be paid in advance, some just before the wedding, and some on the wedding day. Ask them all and put it into a spreadsheet or a schedule. This way, you’ll be able to budget better, and you’ll avoid possible penalties.
And of course, all the best supppliers in Ireland and abroad are right here in the weddingsonline supplier directory, and the weddingsonline venue directory.
Main image from Melissa and Ralph’s real wedding by Algarve Weddings by Rebecca
