Planning the perfect wedding is one thing, paying for it is quite another. Wedding vendor quotes are the one of the most important aspects of planning your big day. Make sure you meet with several different candidates for each job so that youýll be able to make fair comparisons. Remember, if youýre not happy with any of your wedding vendor quotes, you have the right to look elsewhere.

Ceremony Venues
Churches and scenic overlooks can carry a hefty price tag. With your ceremony location, make sure that all wedding vendor quotes mention whether or not an aisle runner is provided, whether a sound system is included (and what type of microphones), and the number of hours youýll be allowed to use the facility. Make sure that the location consultant includes a rehearsal date and time in the quote as well.

Reception Venues
This quote should clearly outline what is included in site rental costs (use of site, security, cleanup, planner, food) and note what needs to be brought in (tables and chairs, electricity, day-of planner, insurance). Make sure the quote includes all hours that you will be allowed on property, with notes on when your vendors can arrive and when they must depart.

Assume that anything that isnýt laid out clearly in the quote is not part of the price. This means that if a location consultant doesnýt mention tables and chairs, it is unlikely she will later offer them up to you free of charge. Consider renting the location on an off day (Thursday, Friday, Sunday), and you may be able to secure a discount.

Caterers
Caterers almost always base their quotes on a per-head count. Keep in mind that all quotes should offer a discount for vendors and children (up to 50%) and should include the rates for taxes, service charges, and gratuities.

Most caterers ask that you provide a minimum number of guests before they will offer you a quote. This is because some caterers change their rates based on the number of people who will be attending. If your guest count is lingering nearing a benchmark number (50, 100, 150, etc.) make sure to ask if the per head cost is tiered.

Photographers
Photography estimates are one of the most easily misunderstood wedding vendor quotes. While some shooters offer up ýunlimited day of event availabilityý others operate on a per-hour, fixed-rate basis. When examining your quote, make sure that the photographer has clarified the exact hours that he or she will be available for your event. If itýs not included in the quote, make sure to clarify your photographerýs position on delivering digital negatives to you after the event.

DJs/Bands
Be careful when you review quotes from DJs and other entertainers, as what each person or group offers can vary by a large margin.

With DJs, make sure your quote includes hours of service, dance floor lighting, setup and take down, MC duties, and a backup computer, should your DJ be spinning all of his music electronically. The quote should be inclusive of speakers, but may not include electricity or a table.

With bands, look for the quote to include setup/takedown, hours of service, and MC duties. While electricity is typically provided on your end, make sure the band is bringing its own speakers and equipment.

Florists
You might be shocked by the wedding vendor quotes that you receive from local florists. Keep in mind that flowers require extra care, transportation, and arrangement before they are ready to display their glory on your special day.

Make sure your florist includes the number of arrangements, types of flowers, and any floral-related transportation costs. If your blooms are being shipped in from another state or country for the big day, make sure those costs are included as well.

Wedding Cake
Wedding cake quotes are pretty straight-forward. Vendors should include the cake style, cake shape, cake flavor, and number of servings. If you are using a backup cake to feed additional guests, this cost should be included as well. Make sure all cutting costs are included (if applicable) and any cake transportation or storage fees.

Stationers/Invitation Consultants
Wedding vendor quotes from stationers and invitation consultants should be relatively straightforward. All quotes should include prices for the creation of the stationery, two to three proofs, and shipping charges, if applicable.