Questions to ask Vendors... - The PASH Wedding Forums and Message Boards

transferred post · #1 12-07-2005, 03:37 AM

This is a thread that was started in our old BlissWeddings.com forums by MattandMegan on 10/17/05. Feel free to add your comments by pressing Post Reply.

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posted by MattandMegan

I was thinking of typing up my own sheets for when I start to visit vendors (VERY SOON!!). Is there a link on Bliss or another great wedding site that gives a list of great questions to ask?

I've looked on The Knot, but I wasn't able to find what I was looking for (although, that could be because I was searching in the wee hours of the morning!!). I'd love any direct links someone might have! TIA!!

~Megan~

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posted by Marge129

http://www.blissweddings.com/library/checklists.asp

Scroll thru that list... it has a few checklists that may be helpful.

~Margie

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posted by MattandMegan

Thanks! I'm an idiot... I've been to this link before and totally remember it. DOH!

... has anyone actually sat down on the phone/in person with a Vendor and just gone down a list of questions like this?! I want to be sure I get the same info from each Vendor, so I like the idea of the form... I just don't want to be annoying if I start rattling off a bunch of questions!!

~Megan~

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posted by Marge129

Tell you the truth... I don't remember! My mom went with me to all those meetings and I let her ask all the questions since she was paying! I think she did have a list, though and the vendors wer very nice about answering all her questions. It's the ones who get annoyed and don't want to answer your questions that you should stay away from. If you don't like them at the first meeting, you probably won't want them helping with your wedding.

~Margie

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posted by NovemberGal

My FH and I did take a list when we visited our possible reception sites. And the one we ended up going with was the most receptive to them, actually, but we only visited 2 in person. They actually answered a number of the questions in their general "spiel", but were quite happy to go over the rest with us.

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posted by syringa

Knowing in advance what to ask is helpful. However, be aware that a generic list may be directed to a larger community than the one in which you live, so you will want to pick and choose which of the questions relate to your event and to the particular merchants in your area.

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posted by sparklesweetie

I've been using the checklists from here for my sites and for a list of pictures that I want taken. They do help-at least they do me, but I'm contsantly making lists. And I agree, if they aren't willing to awnser your questions, then you probably don't want to mess with them anyhow.

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posted by 555Ann555

I took a list with me to each of the vendors I saw, but I chatted to each of them about our requirements and got information on their styles & provisions etc. before I got the lists out. Then I just asked them anything on the list that hadn't been covered yet...

I've found that works quite well for follow up meetings too, the suppliers normally give the chance to ask any extra questions at the end of the meeting incase they haven't covered everything you need to know.

Ann

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posted by Chacha-Bride

I think I’m way too anal but I used the list I got from Bliss and attached some other little questions I thought of and called ahead. If they couldn’t meet some of my basic requirements I eliminated a trip to visit their facilities. Saves me a ton of time.

Some of the extra questions I added where for the special needs of my guests. My Future sister in law is going to be my flower girl and she is in a wheelchair yet because a lot of the venues are considered non-profit or private property they may not be assessable for her. My brother from another mother (this guy who is like my brother) is allergic to nuts so I ask about if the caterers can make special dishes for people with food allergies and if there is a charge for that.

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posted by MattandMegan

Thanks for the replies so far, ladies!!

~Megan~

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posted by 080605bride

I didn't use any list off of a website. I hired all of my vendors by asking my own questions. If they are unwilling to answer your questions, I wouldn't hire them-they may be unwilling to do what it takes to make you happy. I wouldn't worry about being annoying- they are "competing" for your business. You have a choice where to spend your money. ASK away!!!!!!