Are you meeting with wedding vendors and wondering what is okay to ask and not to ask? I listed below six of the most common questions we get from our couples regarding vendor consultations. I note which questions are okay to ask and which questions aren’t.
Question 1: “Is It Okay to Ask a Vendor for a Discount?”
Of course! Some wedding vendors offer a 5% discount to teachers, law enforcement, or members of the military, so feel free to ask if a discount is available. If you don’t fall into those categories, decide which parts of the vendor’s package you can release to bring the cost down. In some instances, that can be reducing the number of service hours offered. You can also ask whether they have alternative offerings that align more comfortably with your budget. Just remember that it’s perfectly okay to inquire about a discount, but never okay to demand one.
Question 2: “Is It Okay to Share Vendors’ Proposals with Other Vendors?”
No. The proposal, mock-up and/or sketch that a vendor provides you during a consultation are proprietary. You shouldn’t share it with other wedding vendors. Instead, share your vision, your ideas and your inspiration photos with each vendor and allow them to use their own talents and expertise to create a proposal and/or mock-up for you.
Question 3: “Is It Okay to Ask Vendors to See Proof of Their Business Licenses and Insurance?”
Yes. In fact, I encourage it. All of your wedding vendors should have business insurance that covers them and their work. If something whacky happens at your wedding, you want to ensure that your wedding vendors are covered. The same goes for their applicable licenses. Vendors will have proof of their licenses and certifications in their offices, so they should be easily accessible for the vendors. It’s not okay to demand a vendor to add you to their policy. Their policies are in place to protect their services, not you. You can purchase your own wedding insurance for protection.
Question 4: “Is It Okay to Inquire about the Number of On-Site Staff at My Wedding?”
It’s definitely okay. To get the best answer, be specific! If your wedding guest experience is important to you, ask the caterer about the number of banquet staff members working at your dinner. Ask the caterer about the number of bartenders working at your cocktail reception and dinner reception. Ask the photographer and/or videographer about the number of shooters they will have on-site. And, if you have a large bridal party, ask the make-up artist and hair stylist (before you sign the contract) how many artists they will have on-site for your wedding day beauty. All of these staff counts could affect your overall wedding day experience.
Question 5: “Is It Okay to Ask Vendors to Match the Price of Other Wedding Vendors?”
Yes and no. You can ask your vendor to match the price of another vendor, but it is rare for a vendor to agree, unless the price difference is within a 5 to 10%. If the price difference is more than 15%, there is most likely a reason (or two) for the price difference, such as experience, customer market, and expertise. Most wedding-related services are a luxury service, so I encourage couples to share their actual budget in advance. Doing that helps you to get the best possible offering from wedding vendors.
Question 6: ”Is It Okay to Say You’re Planning a Party instead of a Wedding?”
It’s never okay to lie to your wedding vendors. If they find out they can void their services for breach of contract. Here is the deal: Wedding vendors DO charge a different price for weddings than they do for a party or dinner. But, it’s not because they want to “price gouge” you. It’s because weddings are labor-intensive. They require more time, more staff, and more resources than a corporate event, a birthday party or even a shower. If you aren’t honest, you may not get the final product or service you wanted for your wedding and you won’t have anyone to blame but yourself.
Love and Soul Always, Kawania