You’re engaged. Now what? There’s lots of checklists and things to do to make your dream wedding come true. You’ll need to hire a plethora of vendors. Where do you start? Who’s the best? Who will do exactly what you want within your budget?

WHERE TO START

First, ask your friends and family who have recently been involved in weddings for referrals. Use their recommendations to determine who to schedule meetings with. Look through magazines and web sites and if a company catches your eye, check their references and set an appointment. Be sure to bring lists of questions, many basic questions are available within this web site based on the service you’ re shopping for. Refer to these lists, add your own questions, and you’re ready to meet with prospective vendors. Don’t be pushed into signing anything, you’re the customer, make sure you’re getting what you want and that it fits into your budget. Remember the vendors you hire work for you.

ABOUT THE CONTRACTS

Just as you would any other legal documents for large items you purchase such as a car or home, be sure to have a written contract and/or letter of commitment from each of your wedding services. This is the only way to be sure you and the service people agree on all details. Include a definition of the specific service; times of arrival and departure, goods that will be delivered and time of delivery, contracted costs, overtime costs, deposits required, balance due and due date. If you have list of details (such as types of flowers in each bouquet or arrangements) or items to be included (like the total number of tuxedos and their sizes that you are renting), amend the contract to include that information. Both you and the service supplier person should sign, and you should both have copies. Be sure the contract covers any price increases and that you will pay the original quoted price.

Since your reception will likely be the most costly item in your wedding budget, that contract should contain the most details. If you are purchasing a wedding “package”, make sure that all those items are specifically listed in the contract, from the exact food items and courses that will be served that evening to the brands of liquor poured at the bar to the style of service (white-glove, full tuxedo) that will be attending to your guests that evening. If your reception facility is undergoing a renovation that should be noted in your contract along with the completion date, as well as any provisions that will be made should the renovations not be made in time for your special day. Any special considerations for your event that are being made by your facility should be noted in your contract. For example, if they are providing table arrangements for you, or they are providing an extra bar during the cocktail hour, the contract should state this clearly.

Other services such as band, DJ and limousine services should provide times when all events are happening, when and where they will be and at what times. If there are things you do not want vendors to do, stipulate this in the contract as well.

Have someone bring all your contracts to the wedding to answer any last minute questions or concerns.