Before
Booking Them
Hiring the
right team is critical to planning your dream wedding...and it can also be
quite stressful.
How do you
find the right match for you? How do you know who to trust? Where do you go for
advice?
First of
all, this is not an easy task and it’s totally normal for couples to feel
overwhelmed, frustrated or confused.
It’s not
like you plan a wedding every day! This is all probably brand new to you, so be
patient with yourself.
A few
tips to finding the right ones for you...
Do Your
Homework. You’ll get much more out of a meeting or conversation with a wedding
professional if you do a little background homework first.
Spend some
time on the internet or talking to friends who’ve recently been married. Find
out the average prices in your area and what services are available.
Get an idea
of what you like and don’t like. Wedding websites and chat rooms can be a great
resource. This way when you meet with a wedding professional you’ll be able to
ask better questions and have an idea of what to look out for.
Meet With
Them. An in person meeting is the best way to interview a potential wedding
vendor. It lets you get the full experience of their personality, style and
professionalism. If that’s not possible, have a phone conversation.
Ask
Questions. There are no stupid questions! Make sure you get clear, specific
answers to your questions. If you aren't sure what something means, ask them to
clarify. Keep asking questions until you completely understand. If a wedding
vendor has a problem with you asking questions, they probably aren’t the one’s
for you. The best wedding professionals are understanding and take the time to
help you make the best choices for your wedding.
Listen. Don’t
just hear the words they say, really listen. Watch the vendor’s body language.
Are they confident and comfortable with their response? Do they look and sound
nervous? Do you get a “funny feeling” about them? Take all the sights, sounds and
feelings into account along with their responses; if your gut tells you
something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.
Check
References. Portfolios are hand-picked to show off the best work, but they may
not represent the “average” wedding performance. Videos are edited for the
optimum presentation. But real referrals from satisfied clients are hard to
fake.
Call up
both client and professional references. Ask questions and use those listening
skills. Even if they give a rave review, you’ll often be able to “read between
the lines” if there were any issues or problems. Ask around and search the
internet for reviews. Check the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding
complaints against the business. Weigh all of this information into your
choices.
Here
are 8 Must Ask Questions to ask ALL your potential wedding professionals before
booking:
1. How many
weddings do you do per year? How much experience do you have? This is an
extremely important question. Ideally, your wedding professional should have
ample experience specifically with weddings. Not only will they be more skilled
in their craft, this also makes them a valuable source of information and
ensures that your wedding day goes smoothly.
2. How much
do you cost? Price is often relative, especially when you factor in experience,
reputation and expert skill. Generally, the most talented professionals have a
higher price tag because they are worth it.
3. How much
is the deposit?
4. What
specifically is included in that cost?
Because
packages often vary, it’s likely that you won’t be able to compare one vendor
exactly to the next without doing a little figuring. The lowest cost isn’t
necessarily the best deal; some higher quotes include services that you have to
pay extra for in other packages. Make sure you take this into account.
Find out if
your deposit is refundable under any conditions. Does the wedding professional
have a back up plan if something happens to them?
6. Do you
use a contract?
If the
answer is No, RUN! A contract is designed to protect both you and the wedding
professional. Don’t settle for a verbal agreement that won’t hold up in court.
7. Are
there any additional fees?
Taxes service
charges and travel fees can add up quickly. Make sure you understand exactly
what is included and if there are any other fees you’ll have to pay. This
should be clearly defined in your contract.
8. Do you
carry liability insurance?
The answer
you’re looking for here is Yes. This protects you in case an unfortunate
accident should occur on your wedding day. It’s also a sign that this is a
reputable business, since most “fly by night” operations don’t invest in
insurance.
If chosen
wisely, with the right wedding vendors you get expert help and advice...for free!
WOULD
BOOKING ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR WEDDING, WITH O EXTRA COST TO YOU BE SOMETHING
THAT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN?
Sincerely,
Bruce
Witherell – Aries Entertainment – 413-743-4246
The
wedding experts – The Entertainment Specialists