You have decided to plan a celebration! You have made your ''To Do' list . You need to find a Venue, a DJ, a Photographer, a Caterer and a Decorator. Now your vendor search has begun but what questions should you be asking during your search?
Planning an event can be daunting, but with some guidance, the process can be simpler. Below we have shared a few general questions to ask any vendor in the search for the appropriate one for your next event. These questions apply to wedding vendors, as well.
1. How long have you been in business?
Usually the longer the vendor has been in business, the more experience they have to share with you.
2. Can you share examples of your previous work?
It is great to see examples of the vendors previous work. This can be helpful when selecting the best vendor for your event and the expectation you have.
3. Are you available on my event date? It is very important to make sure the vendor is available on the date and time requested. You want to make sure they are dedicating the appropriate time for your event.
4. How many events do you work in a day? Great question to ask to avoid the vendor double booking and to also know the hours of availability on the day of the event.
5. Do you have liability insurance ?
The liability insurance protects you and the vendor in case an incident occurs during an event, such as a guest tripping over the videographer's tripod or a guest knocking over rental centerpieces.
6. What is your cancellation policy?
It is good to know how far in advance or how close to the event date can you cancel if needed. Some vendors may charge you to cancel their service. Some vendors may return back a portion of your payment to you.
7. What is your payment plan?
Good to know how much you need to pay for a deposit, if you need to pay in full prior to the event or if you can pay on the day of.the event.
8. Do you have a minimum?
A minimum fee is lowest fee the vendor may charge you to provide service.
9. What are your travel fees?
This covers the cost for the vendor to travel to and from the event location. Some vendors may charge by mileage or by region the event is being held in.
10. Do you have overtime fees?
In case your event runs over the original endtime, the vendor will most likely have an hourly or single overtime fee.