Asking the Right Questions

What questions should you ask your vendors?  Think about them before making the call.

You want to know first whether they are available for the date and time that you have decided upon.  When you hire vendors, you should have this slot decided upon before calling them.  Remember that they are receiving many calls, so expecting that they reserve your entire day is unrealistic.

Secondly, you want to know if they are in your price range.  Ask what the fee is.  But also ask if there are any conditions which allows for a discount, what those conditions are, and what prevents you from getting them.  In this day and age, many officiants allow special rates for elopement, which is where you have a short ceremony with just your witnesses.  Each officiant would have to say what conditions apply for him or her.  Others may have a sliding scale based on location, your income, and possibly, your age.  Be sure to ask.  Your officiant is perfectly willing to line these things out.

Third, you will need to find out if the vendor will travel to the location that you have in mind.  Distances are a great deterrent in these days of high gas prices, but if you are willing to pay a higher fee, most vendors will go almost anywhere.

Finally, any question that you can think of is fair game to ask your vendors.  If you write them down before you speak over the phone or before you meet in person, you will find that you are more satisfied because your vendors will be better able to meet your needs.