BY THE WEDLEY TEAM · PRACTICAL PLANNING GUIDANCE · UPDATED
The short answer
Send the same brief to each shortlisted supplier, then compare the complete proposed service. A lower quote is only a useful saving if it covers what you need. Ask for missing details in writing before making your decision.
Write the brief once
Include your date or honest date status, venue or area, expected numbers, the service you need and any access or timing constraints. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. For flowers, that might mean the number of table arrangements; for catering, the meal format and staffing requirements.
A supplier cannot quote the same job if each enquiry describes a different wedding. Keep a version of your brief beside the responses so that a later change is visible.
Compare these fields side by side
Use the blank comparison sheet in the starter kit. Put “not confirmed” in gaps instead of assuming an inclusion. Some categories will not apply; mark those explicitly too.
| Check | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Scope and quantities | Exactly what is supplied, for how many people or hours. |
| Staff and equipment | Setup, service, collection, equipment hire and who provides each. |
| Full price | Delivery, travel, extras and applicable taxes included or excluded. |
| Timings | Arrival, access, service end and any overtime rate. |
| Payments | Deposit, instalments, balance dates and payment method. |
| Changes and cancellation | Read the actual terms; ask about unclear wording. |
A cheaper headline can describe a smaller service
In a fictional example, Supplier A quotes £900 including delivery and setup. Supplier B quotes £780 plus £90 delivery and £80 setup. If you need both extras, B’s comparable total is £950. That does not automatically make A the better choice: availability, experience, scope and how confidently the supplier answers your questions still matter.
Avoid assigning a score to an unknown answer. Ask the same follow-up question of each supplier and keep the response with the quote.
Use a clear follow-up message
“Thank you for the proposal. Could you confirm whether the total includes delivery, setup, collection and applicable taxes, and list any circumstances that could add a charge? Please also confirm the payment dates and the latest date for changes to our numbers.”
Adapt the wording to the service. Do not send sensitive guest details with a general quote enquiry; start with the information needed to establish scope.
Choose, confirm, then connect the plan
Check availability and agree the booking directly with the supplier. Keep the agreed version of the quote and the contact who will be responsible on the day. Add the payment dates and any planning decisions that follow.
In Wedley, starring a quote selects it for your journal and connects the relevant supplier, budget and contact information. It does not sign a contract, make a booking, contact the supplier or pay a deposit.