Compare the same scope, rather than only the headline price. Use these questions beside each written quotation and ask for unclear items to be confirmed before payment.
Make the scope comparable
- Ask each provider to quote for the same number of days, venue, transport and type of ceremony.
- Separate essential arrangements from optional flowers, refreshments, upgrades or other additions.
- Ask who provides each service and who is responsible if another company is involved.
Find the full amount
- Mark every item as included, optional, excluded or not yet confirmed. A blank should not be treated as included.
- Ask whether taxes, venue charges, overtime, extra days and third-party fees are included where applicable.
- Request an itemised total and written approval before any extra charge is incurred.
Read the payment terms
- Confirm the deposit, balance due dates and the recipient named on the agreement and receipt.
- Ask what happens if dates, wishes or circumstances change, including cancellation and refund terms.
- Keep the quotation, written changes, contract and receipts together so the family can refer to the same record.
Questions to keep with your notes
- What would make the final bill higher than this quotation?
- What can we remove or change without affecting the essential arrangements?
- Who must approve additional work, and how will approval be recorded?