These worksheets are designed to walk you through your vendor appointments.  I know how frustrating it can be to have no clue whatsoever as to what questions to ask catering halls, for instance. You dont have to ask every question that's on the sheet, and you will see that your vendor will provide most of the information you need.  But just in case they forget, here are your nifty cheat sheets.  Feel free to add any other questions you might have.

A few suggestions:  Make sure you read any contract line to line.  If there are ANY questions you may have, ask you vendor to clarify.  Also if there was something implied by your vendor that is not in the contract, have them write it in.  Make sure times and addresses are stated, along with overtime charges, and taxes.  Also make sure they put down the initial deposit and payment schedule.

This is going to be one, if not THE most important decision you will be making regarding your wedding.  You want to ask yourself what it is your looking for in a reception hall.  This will help you narrow down your search and help you decide what factors are important and what minor flaws can be overlooked.  So whats your preference?  Are you looking for something rustic and old fashioned?  Maybe something sleek and contemporary?  How about a waterview?   Is food your most important requirement?  We all have our own preferences, as strange as they may seem.  I'll share a lil secret with ya.  My most important factor when it came to catering halls were windows.  Now your asking youself, "Diva, out of all things one could possibly want, you insisted on windows?"  Why yes, indeed!!  I visited plenty of beautiful catering halls that had everything going for them.  But the second I took a look at the grand ballroom and noticed no windows, I suddenly felt closed in.  I immediately knew windows were a major factor for me.  God forbid the party gets too rowdy, at least I have the option of jumping out of the window.  So again have your standards and stick to them.  Oh and most importantly - go with your gut feeling.  It will never lead you astray.  Who cares what your future mother in law likes.  Even if they are offering to pay for it, its your DAMN wedding.  Stick to your guns, girlfriend!!

Reception Hall.xls 

Fellow divas, this is one vendor you DO NOT want to sell yourself short on.  I cant tell you how many brides tell me that their day flew by and that they barely remember a thing.  That is why your photographer and videographer are so important in the scheme of things.  50 years from now when memories are hard to come by, you can always reminisce with your grandkids on how wonderful your wedding was and have the pictures to prove it.  There are also people that are on the fence about using a videographer.  Now that's all personal choice, but consider this.  Not only does a videographer catch your emotions, but he also captures those of your guests.  You are only one person and therefore cannot be everywhere at the same time.  The videographer will get those moments you missed such as your flowergirl dancing on top of her fathers feet.  Or the well wishes your guests want to leave you.  All the little things you missed will be forever held on your video.  So think about it before you make that decision.  Again, this questionnaire is pretty extensive, but you dont have to ask every question.  Oh, and most importantly, try to get a feel of the photographer's personality.  After all, you will have to spend the majority of your wedding day with this person!!!

Photography sheet.xls

Depending on your tastes, flowers can run a couple of hunderd dollars, to thousands of dollars.  Before you go looking at florists, I suggest clipping as many pics of flower arrangements that you like.  It will guide your florist as to what your flower style is.  Whatever your budget might be, let them know how much you are willing to spend and see what they come up with.  Also keep an open mind as to what flowers are in season.  This may save you a ton of money!!  Also its good to know how many tables you might possibly have, as that may affect the price of your centerpieces.

Florist.xls

A word of advice from a guest's point of view.  The DJ will make or break your party.  Always keep that in mind.  I've attended weddings where the DJ begged for people to come up and dance.  Not cool.  I've also been to weddings where the food got cold because everyone, including grandma with her walker, were on the dance floor cutting a rug.  The only suggestion I can make is try to attend as many bridal showcases as you can.  It will give you a good idea of your MC's personality as well as the experience of your DJ.

DJ.xls

Out of all your vendors, please be cautious with your limos.  Make sure EVERYTHING is written in the contract, from overtime fees, to what they consider is "overtime", to what happens if your choice of car is not available at the last minute.  I've heard too many horror stories to know that the best way to cover yourself is to have everything in the contract.

Limos.xls