ShareYourGroupShareYourGroupWedding

Questions to ask wedding vendors

Most wedding disappointments come from things nobody asked about. Here are 53 questions to put to the venue, the caterer, the photographer and other vendors before you pay an advance. Copy a list, send it on WhatsApp and ask for answers in writing.

Venue

  1. Is my date free, and until what time can the music and the function go on?
  2. What exactly is included in the price: hall, lawn, rooms, furniture, lights, air conditioning, power backup?
  3. How many guests fit comfortably for dinner, not just standing?
  4. Can we bring our own caterer, decorator and DJ, and is there a charge for that?
  5. How many rooms are included, and from what time to what time?
  6. Is there parking, and are there valets?
  7. What is the plan if it rains?
  8. What are the payment dates, and what is returned if we cancel or change the date?
  9. Who will be the manager on duty that day, and what is their number?
  10. Are there any rules on fireworks, loud music, alcohol or decoration on the walls?

Caterer

  1. Can we taste the exact dishes we are ordering?
  2. Is the price per plate, and what is the minimum number of plates?
  3. What happens if more guests come than we booked for, and what does each extra plate cost?
  4. How many counters and how many serving staff will there be?
  5. Do you bring crockery, water, and cleaning staff, or does the venue?
  6. Can you serve Jain, fasting, diabetic-friendly or less spicy food for some guests?
  7. When does the food service start and stop?
  8. What happens to the food that is left?
  9. Are taxes and service charges included in the quote?

Photographer and videographer

  1. Can we see one complete wedding you covered, from start to end?
  2. Who exactly will come on the day, and how many people?
  3. How many hours and which functions does the package cover?
  4. What do we receive: number of edited photos, album, full video, highlight film, raw files?
  5. When will we receive each item?
  6. Do you charge extra for travel, stay, drone shots or extra hours?
  7. How do you back up the pictures after the event?
  8. Can we give you a list of family groups that must be photographed?

Decorator

  1. Can you show pictures of work at this same venue?
  2. Are the flowers real or artificial, and which ones?
  3. What is included: stage, entrance, passage, mandap, tables, lighting?
  4. When will you set up, and when will it be ready?
  5. Who removes everything afterwards, and by when?
  6. If a flower is not available that week, what will you use instead?
  7. Is the quote final, including transport and labour?

Makeup and mehndi artists

  1. Can we do a paid trial before booking?
  2. Which products do you use? I have sensitive skin or an allergy to mention.
  3. Will you come to the venue, and at what time will you start and finish?
  4. Does the price include hair, draping and touch-ups?
  5. Will you yourself do the work, or an assistant?
  6. How many family members can you also get ready, and at what cost?
  7. For mehndi: how long will the bridal design take, and how many artists come for the guests?

Music: DJ, band, dhol

  1. Have you played at this venue before, and do you know its sound rules and closing time?
  2. What equipment do you bring, and do you need power or a stage from us?
  3. Can we give a list of must-play and never-play songs?
  4. How long will you play, and what do extra hours cost?
  5. Who handles the microphone for announcements?
  6. For the baraat: how many players, and for how long?

Priest, granthi, qazi or pastor

  1. How long will the ceremony take?
  2. What should we arrange, and can you give a written list?
  3. At what time should the couple and the parents be seated?
  4. Will you explain the meaning of the rituals to the couple and the guests?
  5. Can the photographer move freely, or are there moments when they should not?
  6. Is any document or certificate issued, and what is needed for it?

Before you pay any advance

More wedding help