Ginger Films
Why This Matters So Much
Most wedding horror stories aren't about bad taste. They're about vendors who didn't turn up, changed the price at the last minute, or disappeared after taking an advance. A little checking before you pay prevents almost all of it.
This guide works for planners, venues, caterers, decorators, makeup artists and photographers. For photographers specifically, we also have 10 questions to ask before you book.
Warning Signs
- Only polished highlights, no full work. Ask to see a complete wedding, not a showreel.
- No written quote, or a quote that's vague about what's included.
- Pressure to pay today "because the date is going".
- Asking for everything upfront.
- No real references, only screenshots of reviews.
- Slow, unclear replies before you've paid. It rarely gets better after.
Questions to Ask Every Vendor
- What exactly is included, and what isn't? Get it in writing, line by line.
- Is tax included in this price?
- Who will actually be there on the day? The person you met, or someone else?
- How do travel, stay and meals work if you're out of town?
- What happens if events run late? Is there an overtime charge?
- What's the payment schedule? Advance, middle and final.
- What's your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
- Can I speak to two couples you worked with recently?
- Have you worked at my venue, or a similar one?
- What's your backup plan if someone falls ill or equipment fails?
How to Check Reviews Properly
- Look at reviews on more than one platform (Google, Instagram comments, wedding sites)
- Read the negative reviews and see how the vendor replied
- Look for recent reviews, not just old ones
- Ask a past client a direct question: "Would you book them again?"
Protect Your Money
- Pay in stages, linked to milestones
- Pay through bank transfer or traceable methods, and keep receipts
- Sign a simple contract or at least confirm everything in writing over email or WhatsApp
- Keep all quotes and receipts in one place so nothing gets lost
What About Planner Companies in Big Cities?
People often ask "which is the best wedding planning company in Mumbai / Delhi / Bangalore?" We won't name competitors, and honestly the "best" depends on your budget and style. Use the questions above on every planner you speak to. A good one will be happy to answer all of them.
From our side: we'll answer every one of these questions in writing before you pay us anything. You can see how we work and get your real number in about 90 seconds on our instant proposal page.
