Your vendor questions, answered.

The venue, photographer, and caterer — they drive the calendar and the largest spend. Book them first, typically 6–12 months out in metro cities, then music, decor, outfits, and beauty.

Venue and catering together usually absorb 40–50% of an Indian wedding budget, photography and video about 5–8%, and decor 5–10%. Your priorities can move the split, but it helps to set the numbers before shortlisting.

Start with recent weddings in your circle, then verify with portfolios, reviews across platforms, and direct references. For food and beauty especially, always try before you book — a tasting or trial tells you more than a portfolio.

Ask each vendor to quote the same scope — same hours, same events, same headcount — as a line item. Compare the inclusions and exclusions, not just the headline number, and watch for travel, overtime, and setup fees.

Yes. A written agreement with inclusions, exclusions, payment schedule, and cancellation terms protects both sides. At minimum, keep the detailed quote and every deposit receipt.

A common structure is 30–50% on booking to confirm the date, with the balance in instalments and the last amount paid after the event. Avoid paying the full amount upfront, and always keep a receipt.

Availability for your date, coverage hours, number of staff, what is included, travel and overtime fees, the backup plan for illness or equipment failure, and how changes and cancellations are handled.

As soon as the venue date is locked, often 6–12 months ahead and earlier for peak season. The good ones book up first, and photography also needs a planning call before the wedding to build the shot list.

Reconfirm every vendor twice — about four weeks and one week before the wedding — and keep a short backup list. If a cancellation happens, the contract terms and a replacement list are what save the day.

Vowably keeps every vendor quote, deposit, payment date, and contact in your planner, tied to the budget and timeline — so you compare offers and track payments without losing a number.