As you start planning your wedding, it is best to seek recommendations regarding the venue and wedding vendors and suppliers from friends and family. Chances are, that they have used the services of some of these, and can give you valuable insights into finding your own wedding caterers, coordinators etc.
Let us discuss some general guidelines and tips to bear in mind when hiring your wedding professionals.
- Never settle for the first wedding professional you come across. It is a good idea to interview or meet with at least 2 or 3 vendors for each type of service. Even if someone comes highly recommended, do not hesitate to interview them first. This will let you know your options both in terms of the style of wedding you want as well as your budget. Naturally, you mustn’t plan for too many interviews that will leave you feeling overwhelmed.
- During your one-on-one meeting with the vendors, if you feel you aren’t getting the answers to your doubts and queries, or, for some reason, do not feel comfortable with the person, then it is best to move on. The person you hire should be a good listener, pay attention to your needs and must be flexible enough to accommodate your requirements. He should also set aside time to address your concerns.
- You also have the right to ask for at least 3 references from your wedding professionals. Do take the time to contact these references to find out their experience with the vendor. It is best to stay away from people who cannot provide references.
- Once you have made a final list of all the professionals, go ahead and book them immediately or their schedules might fill up quickly.
Interview Questions to ask your wedding suppliers
- How long have they been in this business? How many weddings per year do they do? The cost they quote will also be directly proportional to their levels of service and experience etc.
- What is included in their package? When is deposit due?
- Do they work the style of wedding you want-outdoor, beach, specialty etc?
- For Music DJs- What is the style of music they specialize in?
- For wedding caterers/cake makers- When can they arrange for food tasting?
- Questions about their cancellation policies
- Questions about Taxes and additional fees
- Question about liability insurance
Before signing the contract
- Read the contract completely. Watch out for clauses regarding the fees, overtime costs, taxes and tips.
- Make sure that the contract lists down the time, date and venue of the wedding accurately. Where applicable, the contract should also stipulate the arrival and departure times, addresses as well as the details regarding the services to be included.
- Read the clause about deposit, the last date for it and all other costs and their due dates.
- Do not hesitate to clarify your doubts; if you do not understand something in the contract-Ask!
- If there are any changes made to the original contract, have the written down and signed.
- Once the details have been finalized, make sure that both you and the wedding professional sign two copies of which one will be kept with you.
Hiring the right team of wedding professionals is critical to planning the dream wedding. We hope these general hiring guidelines will help you select the most suitable candidates that you can trust and depend upon. Visit our suppliers section to find a list of wedding professionals in your area.
All images via Flickr and Wikimedia Commons
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Dipa M
Born and raised in India, Dipa has spent several years in the USA. With a degree in Engineering, she discovered her passion for writing 5 years ago. Since then, she has written for various online publications all across the globe. When she is not reading or writing, she is out for a walk with her 2 year old Cocker Spaniel, Coco. She is also the editor of weddingsOnline India.
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