So, you’re gettin’ hitched? Well hot dog, congratulations! But before you toss on your tulle, pucker up for the photo booth, and swing your hips to “Rock Around the Clock,” there’s one thing every cool bride or dapper groom must do:
VET. YOUR. VENDORS.
That’s right, kitten. Behind every smooth-sailing wedding is a crew of total dreamboats — caterers, DJs, florists, and more — who know their stuff. And behind every disaster, there’s a flaky flake who didn’t deliver.
So don’t get caught with a soggy cake or a DJ who only knows one slow jam. Here’s your go-to guide to vendor vetting, 1950s housewife-style — sass, smarts, and spreadsheets included.
🍽️ Catering: Feed Me, Seymour!
They say the way to a guest’s heart is through their stomach, and baby, they’re not wrong.
🔍 Questions to Ask Your Caterer:
- What menu styles do you offer (buffet, plated, family-style)?
- Do you handle special diets (gluten-free, vegan, allergy-friendly)?
- Can we do a tasting? Is it free?
- What’s included (staff, rentals, cake cutting)?
- Where do you source your ingredients?
- Do you have a liquor license? Can we bring our own booze?
- Do you offer late-night snacks or custom menus?
- How do you handle last-minute guest count changes?
Bonus Tip: Ask if their servers dress to impress — you don’t want Chuck E. Cheese vibes at your Cherry Pop party!
🧁 Helpful Resource: The Knot’s Guide to Wedding Catering
🏛️ Venue: Let’s Set the Scene, Queen!
The venue sets the tone, honey. Whether you want a ballroom blitz or a backyard bash, you need a space that fits your vibe — and your budget.
🔍 Questions to Ask the Venue:
- Is our date available?
- How many guests can you host comfortably?
- What’s included: tables, chairs, linens, A/V?
- Do you allow outside vendors or have a preferred list?
- Is there a getting-ready suite?
- What are the setup/tear-down hours?
- Is there a backup plan for bad weather (if outdoors)?
- What’s the parking situation like?
Cherry Tip: Ask how they handle loud music and sparkler exits. We like our fun flashy, and not shut down at 9pm.
🏰 Helpful Resource: WeddingWire’s Venue Checklist
🎧 DJ: Spin It, Daddy-O!
Your DJ’s not just a playlist pusher — they’re the MC of the night, the vibe wrangler, the keeper of the groove. Vet them like they’re applying to date your little sister.
🔍 Questions to Ask Your DJ:
- Do you offer MC services as well as music?
- What’s your style — interactive, chill, high energy?
- How do you build the playlist?
- Can we request a “do not play” list?
- Do you take song requests from guests?
- Do you bring your own equipment and backup gear?
- How do you handle crowd lulls?
- Will you coordinate timing with our planner?
🎙️ Helpful Resource: Brides’ DJ Interview Guide
📸 Photographer: Strike a Pose, Sugar!
This ain’t just about snapshots — it’s about capturing moments. If your photographer can’t get your best angle and your groom’s tearful smile, it’s a no-go.
🔍 Questions to Ask Your Photographer:
- Can we see a full wedding gallery (not just highlights)?
- Do you shoot solo or bring a second shooter?
- What’s your style: candid, editorial, traditional?
- How many hours are included?
- Do you provide a timeline consultation?
- What’s your turnaround time for galleries?
- Do we receive digital files, albums, or prints?
- How do you back up your images?
📷 Helpful Resource: Junebug Weddings’ Ultimate Photographer Questions
🌸 Florist: Flower Power, Baby!
Your blooms should pop, not flop. A good florist will know how to turn your vision board into a reality — and stay within your wallet’s comfort zone.
🔍 Questions to Ask Your Florist:
- Can you work with our theme/colors?
- What flowers are in season during our wedding?
- Do you do mockups or design proposals?
- Do you provide rentals (vases, arches, candles)?
- How do you handle delivery and setup?
- Do you reuse florals for ceremony-to-reception?
- What happens to the flowers after the event?
🌷 Helpful Resource: Martha Stewart’s Florist Interview Tips
💄 Final Pep Talk from Cherry Pop Events:
Look, doll — planning a wedding is like choreographing a full-scale sock hop with better dresses and way more champagne. You wouldn’t let just anyone plan your honeymoon, would you? So don’t let just anyone handle your big day.
Do your homework. Ask your questions. And if someone gives you the ol’ runaround — walk, don’t jitterbug, away.
Need help managing your dream team? Cherry Pop Events is your retro-loving, stress-busting, sequin-wearing wedding planner who knows all the right people. We’ve already vetted the best — so you don’t have to.
🔗 Let’s Make Magic, Sweetheart!
📞 Call us: 626-488-7164
💌 CherryPopEvents@outlook.com
🌐 cherrypopevents.wordpress.com
📍 Serving weddings with sass, sparkle, and style.
Leave a comment