List of questions to ask your vendors?

[Deelight]

Unless I was dreaming which is utterly possible I know someone listed this before (for some reason I think it was Bee* but I could be wrong) but I tried searching for it and can''t find it.

I remember it was a good list but forgot to bookmark it if someone can point me in the right direction or has a list of their own I would be very thankful.


I feel kinda awkward and stupid when I go to visit people because I am not 110% sure what to ask.

 

[Honey228]

I''d check theknot.com if you don''t find the list you''re looking for here. As I recall they have lists of questions to ask different types of vendors and/or points for the contract to make sure that you don''t miss anything.

 

[bee*]

Hi Deelight-I did post that list-just let me find it again and I''ll post it for you! I think that I still have it bookmarked.

 

[bee*]

Yep found it! Obviously some things might be different as this is for weddings in Ireland which go on all day and all night but here it is!

Prior to the meal:
- What are the arrangements for greeting guests as they arrive?

- How do you display and organise the table plan and are place name cards included?

- Are menus supplied? How many per table?

- What flowers / decorations are on the guests tables?

- Do you provide flowers for the top table?

- How much can you incorporate the colour scheme into the room? If they provide flowers - ask them if you can choose the flowers or just the colour?

- Can I instruct them on setting the tables - are there any restrictions?

- Cake stands - what types you have

- Availability of oval table & discuss placement

- Who will organise drinks etc before we arrive from photographers?



The Reception Meal:
- Can you play music during the meal from a cd or is there piped music in the hotel complex?

- What time will you serve the meal at?

- Wine for dinner - do you only charge for what is poured or the amount of bottles opened - and make arrangements for how many bottles should be used - ie say you could use 20 bottles but before opening any more you check with you or h2b etc
Free pour/table pour of wine.
If leave bottles of wine on the table, there may be a lot of wine left over in open bottles. Free pour prevents this

- Do you come around with more vegetables during the meal?

- How much wine needed & what arrangements are normal

- Vegetarian menu/kid menu options?

- What wine will suit meal selected?


The Wedding Cake:
- When should cake be dropped in and is there a secured place for its storage?

- What time is the wedding cake put out, how much of wedding cake is cut etc?


The Afters:
- What is the best time for the afters guests to arrive at?

- What time do you put out the afters and what does it include?

- Afters – how many guests can be added to the wedding?

- Band setup, how long after dinner/cutting cake will the place be ready for band setup



Booking & Payment:
- How do we confirm our booking?

- Payment - what % is before and what % is paid after?

- how many rooms are allocated to wedding party?

- When to finalise numbers and any costs incurred if it differs on the day?

- Is service charge included in the overall price?




Hotel General Questions:

- How many waiters, bar staff are assigned to the wedding reception?

- Toilets & toilet paper – what happens if there is a blockage or if the paper runs out?

- Bar extension needed – how to go about setting it up?

- Room check-in & check-out times

- Meal tasting – Do you offer it, when can we do it, how many can we try?

- Availability of vegetarian meals and do vegetarian meals have to be pre-ordered?

- Can they arrange photographs on Golf course? (only applies if your hotel has an adjoining course)

- Where is residents lounge?

- Will a staff member that you feel comfortable with agree to take charge of planning for your party and be on duty for the duration of wedding so that you have somebody definite and trustworthy that you can build up a relationship with? Someone who has a good idea of what you really want (not what some "generic bride" might want).

 

[honey22]

1. Regarding final payment, does betrothing our first born child cover it?

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Just wanted to add one thing to Bee''s list for payment..I don''t think she had this one there sorry if I missed it! I always tried to ask about cancellation if there is an accident or emergency. How far out can you get your money back and can you reschedule in that type of scenario?

 

[Deelight]

YAY I wasn''t dreaming, thanks for re-posting it Bee*.

I checked the ones on the knot as well so at least now I feel slightly more prepared then I did before, if only the venue I wanted to look at would send me a wedding pack URGH.

I realised yesterday that FI and I (though we don''t have an official date yet will be married in 1.5 years

, panic time LOL.