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Before you pay a deposit

The deposit is when your money is most at risk. Go through this list with every vendor before you pay, and get the answers in writing. A good vendor will be happy to answer all of it.

1. A written quote with every item listedA quote that only says "décor package" or "full-day coverage" leaves room for surprises. Ask for the items, hours and quantities.
2. What isn't includedCheck VAT, travel, setup and breakdown, staff, delivery and anything charged per guest. Ask for it in writing.
3. The deposit and when the rest is dueMany vendors ask for 30 to 50% to secure your date. Be careful with more than half upfront, and get the dates of the other payments in writing.
4. What happens if you cancel or postponeRead the terms for both. Under the Consumer Protection Act, a charge for cancelling an advance booking has to be reasonable, so ask how theirs is worked out.
5. What happens if they cancel or can't make itWill they find someone of the same standard, or refund you in full? Illness and double bookings happen.
6. Who will actually be thereWith photographers, videographers, planners and hair and makeup, ask if it's the person you met or someone from their team.
7. Backup power for load-sheddingDoes the venue have a generator or inverter, does it run the kitchen, lights and sound, and who pays for the diesel?
8. The overtime rateWeddings run late. Know the hourly rate before the night, not after.
9. A plan for bad weatherFor anything outdoors: is there a tent or indoor space, and does it cost extra to use it?
10. When you'll get what you paid forFor photos and video: how many weeks until delivery, how many photos or how long a film, and in what format.
11. Their real work and real couplesAsk to see a full wedding, not only the best five photos, and to speak to a couple they worked with recently.
12. That the business is realLook for a physical address, a business registration and reviews from real couples. Be wary of a price far below everyone else's.
13. A signed contract, and payment into a business accountPay by EFT into an account in the business's name, never cash to a stranger, and keep the proof of payment and their receipt.