Flowers. Music. Limousines. What comes to mind when you think of these? Weddings, of course! While you can have a beautiful wedding without a single flower, line of music, or limo, you may want one or all of the following. When you are interviewing these vendors, as them these questions. We have provided some things to look for in their answers.
Questions for a Florist
Can we please see your portfolio?
Look to see if their style and capabilities match what you’re looking for.
When will the flowers for our event arrives?
Make sure they are able to deliver your flowers with enough time to decorate your space and distribute them to the wedding party and other important persons.
Is there a delivery fee?
If there is, make sure you know about it and ask if you have other options, like having someone else pick them up for you.
Do you distribute and pin on flowers?
Your florist should know exactly who gets what. If they are unable to service the wedding in such a way, ask if they label the flowers so you know exactly what goes where.
Do you include a toss bouquet?
Some florists throw this in for free. If you want to preserve your bouquet, a toss bouquet is a great thing to have. They also tend to be smaller, and perhaps a little easier to catch.
Will you be doing any other weddings that day?
If a florist takes on too many events in one day, the quality of her work may be sacrificed. Ask about the size of her staff and how much business they can realistically handle in one weekend.
Have you ever done an event at our venue?
If you need your florist to set up or decorate something at your site, such as a chuppah or other special ceremony elements, make sure they are familiar with the space. Again, this will help prevent any wedding day mishaps.
Questions for Musicians
Will you be at the rehearsal (for ceremony musicians)?
It is important that they know that is happening and when. It is important to have them at your rehearsal. If they are unable to be there, make sure your officiant has gone over the ceremony with them and they know when and what to play.
How much space do you need?
Make sure they will fit in the space you have! If not, look for different musicians or other placement options.
How long before the wedding will you be set up?
You don’t want your musicians setting up their equipment as guest start to arrive. They should already be playing music about thirty minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Can you play a variety of music? What is your specialty?
Variety is most important for the reception, unless you want to stick to a specific style of music. Make sure your musicians are able to adjust their volume according to the activities (ie. more quiet music during the meal while guests are eating and chatting).
How many people are in your band?
Remember, the more people in the band, the more people that need to be paid. If you are looking for a bigger band, try checking out schools of music. They often have talented students who would be much cheaper and do just as wonderful a job.
Does the DJ have an assistant?
Anymore, an assistant is probably not necessary. All some DJ’s have is their computer, a microphone or two, and speakers. It works!
How long will sets and breaks be?
Musicians need breaks too! While they break, ask if they have a way to keep the music going (something prerecorded, perhaps). Also, make sure you have a place for them to rest. If you don’t want them sitting at the same tables as your guests, make sure they know they have a separate place prepared just for them.
What meals are expected?
Do they expect to be fed by you? Or will they bring their own meal? Make sure you account for them if you need to feed them.
What are your overtime rates?
If at the last second you want them to play another thirty minute set, will they be available for that? And what will they charge?
Questions for Transportation Companies
How many units are in your fleet? How old are they?
Unless you want vintage cars, the newer the better. Make sure you are able to see the ones you’ll be using. Also know if they have enough vehicles to suite your needs.
What happens if the vehicle breaks down?
Check to see if they have backup vehicles and what their procedures are incase of a break down. Get it in writing in the contract just in case something does happen.
What will the driver wear?
Most likely, they will wear something simple and nice. If you want something specific, ask if they can cater to what you want.
What is your policy on smoking in the car?
If you are a smoker and want to smoke in the car, make sure they allow it. If you can’t stand the smell of smoke, on the other hand, find a company that doesn’t allow it at all.
How many hours will the car be available and what are wait time and overtime fees?
This is good to know, especially if things don’t go exactly according to plan. Also, you may find that it is cheaper to rent one car to deliver you to the ceremony and then the reception, and then rent another one to take you to your post-reception rendezvous, eliminating the hours of wait time in between.
Are refreshments included? If so, what?
If refreshments are not included and you would like some, ask if they offer some, or if you are allowed to bring you own.
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