Questions to Ask Wedding Suppliers Before You Pay Anything
Before you pay any wedding supplier in the Philippines, ask these questions: Is a contract included? What exactly is in the package (and what's NOT)? What's the cancellation/refund policy? Are there additional fees (overtime, corkage, crew meals, out-of-town)? Can I see reviews from recent clients?
Every Filipino couple has heard a version of this story: "I thought the lights and sound were included, but they charged us extra on the wedding day." Or: "We paid the full amount but the photographer ghosted us two weeks before."
These situations are avoidable. The key is knowing what to ask BEFORE you sign anything or hand over a deposit. Here's a supplier-by-supplier guide with the specific questions that protect your money and your peace of mind.
Before ANY Supplier: The 5 Universal Questions
Ask these to every single supplier, regardless of category:
| # | Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Is there a written contract? | Verbal agreements are not enforceable. A contract protects both sides |
| 2 | Will you issue an official receipt for every payment? | Receipts prove payment. No receipt = no proof |
| 3 | What is your cancellation and refund policy? | Know this BEFORE you need it. Some suppliers keep 100% of deposits |
| 4 | Are there additional fees not included in the quoted price? | Overtime, crew meals, out-of-town fees, setup/teardown charges |
| 5 | Can I see reviews or testimonials from recent clients? | Check Facebook reviews, Google reviews, and ask for references you can contact |
Red flag: Any supplier who resists giving a contract or official receipt. In the Philippines, legitimate businesses issue BIR-registered receipts. If they can't, think twice.
Venue and Caterer Questions
These are usually your biggest expense (40-50% of total budget), so be thorough.
About the package:
- What is the per-head cost? What's included per guest (appetizer, main course, dessert, drinks)?
- Is the venue fee separate from the catering, or bundled?
- What's the minimum and maximum guest capacity?
- How many hours does the package cover? What's the overtime rate per hour?
- Is the menu customizable? Can we do a food tasting before booking?
About logistics:
- Is there air conditioning? Is it included or extra?
- Is there a corkage fee for outside food, cake, or drinks? How much per item?
- Are tables, chairs, and basic linens included?
- Is there parking? How many slots?
- What time is ingress (setup) and egress (cleanup)?
- Is there a backup plan for outdoor venues in case of rain?
About restrictions:
- Are there approved/accredited suppliers only, or can we bring anyone?
- Are there noise restrictions or a curfew?
- Can we have confetti, sparklers, or other effects?
Budget protector: Ask about the service charge and VAT. Hotels typically add 10% service charge + 12% VAT on top of the quoted per-head price. A ₱3,000 quote becomes ₱3,660 after taxes. Get the all-in price before committing.
For more on venue costs, see our complete budget breakdown.
Photographer and Videographer Questions
Your photos and videos are the only thing that lasts forever after the wedding day. Get these questions right.
About the package:
- How many hours of coverage? When does the clock start (preparation or ceremony)?
- How many photographers/videographers are in the team?
- Is a same-day edit (SDE) video included? How long is it?
- How many edited photos will we receive? What's the turnaround time?
- Do we get the raw/unedited files?
About the style:
- Can we see 2-3 full wedding galleries (not just highlights)?
- What's your editing style? (Ask them to describe it, don't just look at the curated portfolio)
- Have you shot at our venue before?
About logistics:
- Is there an out-of-town fee (OOTF)? How much? Does it cover transport, accommodation, and meals?
- Do you require crew meals during the reception? How many?
- What's your backup plan if you're sick or have an emergency on our wedding day?
- What equipment do you use? Do you have backup equipment?
Red flag: Photographers who only show you their best 20 photos. Ask for a full gallery from a recent wedding. That shows their consistency, not just their highlights.
Wedding Coordinator Questions
A coordinator can save you money and stress. But not all coordinators are the same.
About scope:
- Is this full coordination (planning from Day 1) or on-the-day (OTD) coordination only?
- How many meetings are included before the wedding?
- Will you attend the rehearsal?
- How many team members will be present on the wedding day?
About responsibilities:
- Do you handle vendor coordination and follow-ups, or just day-of logistics?
- Will you create a detailed wedding day timeline?
- Do you have a network of suppliers you can recommend? (Ask if they receive commissions from referrals)
- How do you handle last-minute problems on the wedding day?
About experience:
- How many weddings have you coordinated in total?
- Have you coordinated at our ceremony and reception venues?
- Can we speak with a recent couple you coordinated for?
For tips on what to avoid in your planning process, read 12 Wedding Planning Mistakes Filipino Couples Make.