Questions to ask a wedding venue, caterer and photographer before you book

Venue

• Is our date available, and is another event booked the same day?
• What is the total cost including service charges, taxes and fees?
• How many guests fit comfortably for the ceremony and for a seated dinner?
• Is catering in-house, or can we bring our own?
• Is there a food and beverage minimum? What is the alcohol policy?
• What is the rain plan?
• When can vendors arrive, and when must the music end?
• What are the deposit, payment schedule and cancellation terms?

Caterer

• What is the price per person for our guest count, and what does it include?
• Which service styles do you offer?
• Can we customize the menu, and is there a tasting?
• How do you handle allergies and dietary restrictions?
• How is bar service charged?
• Are rentals, cake cutting and vendor meals included?
• How many servers will there be?

Photographer

• Can we see a full gallery from one recent wedding?
• How many hours are included, and what does overtime cost?
• Is a second photographer included?
• How many images will we receive, and when?
• Who owns the images, and can we print them ourselves?
• What happens if you are sick on the day?

The questions that apply to everyone

Whatever the answers are, get the ones that matter in writing, in the contract.

• Is tax included in this total?
• Is gratuity included?
• What does overtime cost?
• Are there travel, delivery, setup or breakdown fees?
• What happens to the deposit if we change the date?