30 questions to ask wedding vendors before you book

Most wedding-day surprises come from a question nobody asked. Use these before you pay any advance. Ask for the answers on WhatsApp or email, so you have them in writing.

Questions for every vendor

1. Is my date available, and how long can you hold it?
2. What exactly is included in this price, and what is not?
3. Is GST included in the total or added on top?
4. How much is the advance, and when are the other payments due?
5. What happens to my advance if I cancel or postpone?
6. Can I see photos or videos from a recent event like mine?
7. Who will actually be there on the day, and how do I reach them?
8. What are the charges for extra hours, extra events or travel?

Venue

1. How many guests can you seat, and how many for a buffet?
2. What time can we enter and leave, and is setup time included?
3. Can we bring our own caterer and decorator, or must we use yours?
4. How much parking is there, and is there valet?
5. Is there power backup for the full event?
6. Are rooms included for the families, and how many?

Caterer

1. Is the price per plate, and what is the minimum number of plates?
2. Can we do a tasting before we confirm the menu?
3. Are service staff, counters and crockery included?
4. How do you handle extra guests on the day?

Decorator

1. Can you share a sketch or reference of the mandap and stage?
2. Are flowers fresh or artificial, and which ones?
3. How long does setup take, and who clears up afterwards?
4. Does the venue allow everything in the design, like open flames?

Photographer and videographer

1. Who will shoot my wedding: you or someone from your team?
2. How many photographers and videographers, and for which events?
3. When will we get the photos, the film and the album?
4. How many edited photos are included, and is the raw footage shared?

Makeup artist

1. Is a trial included, or how much does it cost?
2. Which products do you use, and can you work with my skin type?
3. Will you come to the venue, and is travel included?
4. How many people can you do on the day, and how long does each take?

Red flags

• No written quote, only a number on a call.
• Pressure to pay today “or the date is gone”, with no proof.
• Only old or stock photos.
• Vague answers about cancellation or what is included.

Compare and book in one place

In the Wedza app you can see partners near you with real photos, prices, ratings and available dates, chat with them before you book, and send a booking request. Ask these questions in the chat so the answers stay with your booking. Get the Wedza app, free on Android and iPhone.