50 questions to ask your wedding vendors (free PDF)
Almost every vendor problem comes from the same place: something assumed that nobody asked about. That VAT was extra. That the photographer whose portfolio you saw was not the one attending. That the open bar closed at three.
These 50 questions are grouped by vendor type so you can take them to each meeting. They are not about distrust — they are about both sides leaving the meeting with the same thing in mind.
What's in the PDF
- 50 numbered questions grouped by vendor
- Venue, catering, photo and video, music, flowers
- A general block to ask everyone
- Tick boxes to flag the ones that matter most
- A4 printable, 5 pages
50 questions for every vendor
What to ask before signing with each vendor.
A sample, vendor by vendor
These are the ones that save the most money. The PDF has all 50, with boxes to flag yours.
- 1
Venue
- What does the rental include and what is charged separately?
- Is there a covered plan B in case of rain?
- What time must we clear out, and is there a penalty?
- How many weddings do you host on the same day?
- What deposit do you require and when is it returned?
- 2
Catering
- Price per guest and what exactly does it include?
- Does the final price include VAT?
- Is there corkage if we bring our own wine?
- Open bar by the hour or full, and which brands?
- When do you need the final guest count?
- 3
Photo and video
- Who exactly is the photographer attending?
- What if they fall ill? Is there a substitute?
- Can we see a full wedding, not just the highlights?
- How many edited photos and by when?
- Can we use the photos freely?
- 4
Music / DJ
- Do you cover ceremony, cocktail and party or just one part?
- Do you bring your own sound and lighting?
- Until what time do you play, and what does an extra hour cost?
- What is the plan if the gear fails?
- 5
General (ask everyone)
- What deposit do you need and what is the payment schedule?
- Cancellation and date-change policy?
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Who do I talk to on the day if there is a problem?
Frequently asked questions
What should you ask before hiring a wedding vendor?
At minimum four things: what the price includes and excludes, whether VAT is separate, the payment schedule and cancellation policy, and who your contact will be on the day. Those four answers in writing prevent most disputes.
What deposit is normal for a wedding vendor?
Usually 20% to 50% to hold the date, with the rest split across one or two payments up to the month before. The percentage matters less than having the schedule and refund conditions written into the contract.
Should you ask for an itemised quote or is a total enough?
Always itemised, line by line. A clean total hides what is not included, and that is exactly where surprises live: corkage, overtime, setup, VAT or travel. Also ask in writing what the price does NOT cover.
Can I take these questions printed to the meeting?
Yes — that is exactly what they are for. The PDF has tick boxes so you can flag the five that matter most for each vendor beforehand, and none get lost in the conversation.
What if you did not have to print anything?
Guests, seating, budget, tasks, vendors and your wedding website, all connected and updating themselves. Try it for 7 full days, no card needed.
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