Most wedding suppliers are genuinely reliable, but a wedding is a high-stakes, non-refundable event with no second date — it's worth a few checks before you pay a deposit, whatever the supplier.
Ask to see recent, real work
A polished highlights reel or portfolio is a starting point, not proof — ask to see a full, unedited gallery or set from at least one recent, real wedding, ideally similar in size or style to yours. This is especially important for photographers and videographers, where style is highly personal.
Get everything in writing
A written contract or booking confirmation should cover: the date, exact times, what's included, total cost and payment schedule, cancellation and postponement terms, and what happens if the supplier themselves can't make it (illness, equipment failure) — who the backup is, and whether you get a refund if there isn't one.
Insurance
Ask caterers, marquee companies and entertainment acts for proof of public liability insurance — most venues will actually require this before allowing a supplier on site, so it's worth confirming early rather than finding out a week before the wedding that a supplier can't be insured in time.
Deposits and payment schedules
A deposit to secure the date is normal and expected; be more cautious of suppliers asking for the full balance a long way in advance of the wedding, and always pay by a method that gives you some recourse (card payment generally offers more protection than a direct bank transfer for larger sums).
Reviews, but read past the star rating
Genuine reviews are useful, but read a handful in full rather than just the star average — look specifically for how a supplier handled anything that went wrong, which tells you more than a page of five-star ratings with no detail.
Trust your own read of them
You'll be working with these people, sometimes closely, for months — a supplier who's slow to respond, vague about what's included, or pushy about upgrades during the booking process is unlikely to improve once you've paid a deposit.