Before paying any deposits or signing a vendor contract, make sure all the important information is included in the fine print. From the date, time and location of the wedding to all the fees included or not included, Notes From the Mother of the Bride has a list of everything you want included in your vendor contracts.
For a list of must-ask questions for each vendor, click here.
The Band
Exactly how many band members are expected? What equipment will they bring, and what will they need at location? Who is responsible for what equipment? What will they wear? What time is set-up? We had a printed agenda down to the minute: when each course was to be served, when each special event or dance was to be announced, when to take the breaks. Be sure they know how to pronounce the names correctly.
26 questions to ask a potential wedding band or DJ
The Reception
All food and drink must be itemized. Most prices per person do not include service charges and gratuity. Specify liquor brand names if serving call drinks. Ask that refills on wine at dinner be by guests' request; do not automatically refill glasses.
Be definite about the final head count before you pay the bill. At the wedding have someone pick up unclaimed seating cards to verify your final count. Under-guarantee by 5 percent. This means if you are expecting three hundred guests, you "guarantee" 285 (i.e., you agree to pay for 285 people minimum). You and the caterer will account for final numbers. Speaking of percentages, expect 15 percent regrets if you have at least 25 percent out-of-town guests, slightly less if all guests are in-town.
25 questions you must-ask your caterer
The Bridal Consultant
Just what exactly will she do and not do; how many hours will she be needed? This is the person with the emergency sewing kit, extra socks, panty hose, bow ties, bustling expertise, and big shoulders to cry upon. Her duties involve the wedding ceremony and bridal party.
The Party Planner
What exactly will she do and not do; how many hours will she be needed? Will her duties begin after the ceremony with the reception, or will she help plan the ceremony?
30 questions you must-ask your wedding planner
The Photographer and Videographer
The best way to choose a photographer or videographer is to view sample albums and videos. Ask to see complete weddings from beginning to end. You'll notice "style" when you look at different photographers' works. Make sure the professional has back-up equipment and assistants. Professional photographers usually send their work to binders who fashion the album. Make sure you're familiar with the process.
Insist that photographers and videographers attend the rehearsal. Let them know ahead of time (in writing) of special photo requests. They need to see placement at the ceremony of props and players in advance Iso that they can position their microphones and other equipment unobtrusively. Check lighting. If the lights are too low, the video will be too dark. If they are too bright, it will look like a theater during intermission.
Take along a camera for candid shots during planning -- the wedding-dress search, fittings, florist, etc. Your bride will have a wonderful keepsake of all the preliminary stages of planning.
Place disposable cameras (they come decorated for weddings) at tables during the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, allowing guests to take candid photos. Some folks think the cameras are favors to take home, so it's a good idea to be specific with instructions.
20 questions you must-ask your photographer
20 questions you must-ask your videographer
The Florist
Present a budget, and stick to it. and don't forget the emergency extra boutonnieres, corsages, and bouquet flowers.
20 questions you must-ask your florist
Excerpted from Notes From the Mother of the Bride by Sharon Naylor. © 2005 Source Books.