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.

Here’s a few tips to finding the best vendors for your big day…

*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 have recently been married. Find out the average prices in your area and what service 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, ask to have a skype call with them, or plan for a lengthy 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 for you. The best professionals are patient, 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 & comfortable with their response? Do you get a “funny feeling” about them? Take all the sights, sounds & feelings into account along with their responses…if something just doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

*Check References: Portfolios are designed to show off a vendors best work, and videos are edited for optimum presentation…So referrals from reals clients are worth a mint and most likely aren’t faked. Call up both client and professional references. Ask questions and use those same 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 & search for internet reviews on wedding sites like weddingwire.com & eventwire.com, etc.

Here are 8 Must Ask Questions to ask before booking a potential wedding vendor:

1. How many weddings do you book 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, but this also makes them a valuable source of information and insures that your wedding day goes smoothly.

2. How much will it cost to hire you?
The key here is to remember that 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. You will often find that these professionals are usually in high demand, and so their booking fees may be a bit higher as well.

3. 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 would have to pay extra for in other packages. Make sure you take this into account.

4. How much do you require for deposit & how far in advance do we need to book you?
Remember that some vendor offer unadvertised flexible payment plans, so be sure to ask about these if need be.

5. What happens if I cancel? What happens if you cancel?
Find out if your deposit is refundable under any conditions. Does the wedding professional have a backup 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 he wedding professional. Don’t settle for a verbal agreement that won’t hold up in court if things go south later.

7. Are there any additional fees?
Taxes, service charges & 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 a sign that this is a reputable business, since most “fly by night” operations don’t invest in insurance. Most wedding venues will require your vendors provide proof of liability insurance prior to the event, so choose wisely.

If chosen wisely, with the right wedding vendors you get expert advice…for free!