Finding the Right Vendors

No mater what aspect of your wedding, finding the right vendor is extremely important. The right vendors will work with you to make things perfect. In addition, your vendors can really help you stay on budget, offer advice, and provide suggestions based on their experiences. Here are some tips and things to consider when choosing your wedding vendors:

• Get referrals: If you know someone who has recently been married, talk to them and see if there are vendors that they would recommend. In addition, ask them what they liked and disliked about their wedding vendors because what may be really important to them may not be quite as essential to you. If you don’t know anyone who’s getting married or has recently gotten married, you can look online. There are plenty of forums with brides discussing the vendors they’ve used. One caveat is to read vendor reviews with caution. Although the reviews can be extremely helpful, you need to understand that some people are almost impossible to please. Also, keep in mind that there are always two sides to every story. The vendor may have done things the way they understood them to be, but the bride may not have communicated things exactly the way she had envisioned them. We’ve all know some “bridezillas” who are extremely tough on their vendors, so keep this in mind.
• Talk to at least 3 vendors before making a decision: Talking to a number of different vendors for each item will help you to choose the right people for you. There are just some vendors that you will connect with and for some reason you’ll just know that you are on the same page with things. Even if the first vendor you talk to seems like the perfect match, I would still recommend seeing some other vendors because you may get some good suggestions, and budget saving ideas. If you are still convinced that the first person was the right one, you’ll gain some confidence in your decision. When talking to vendors communicate what you expect to the best of your abilities. In order to ensure that you are satisfied, you need to make sure that they understand what it is that you are looking for. The more specific you can be, the better. Good communication will also ensure that the quote that they provide you will be as accurate as possible. If you don’t know exactly what it is you want, don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions and work out the details using their experience, you preferences, and the budget. Just make sure that when you are done going through everything that you are both on the same page and that you feel positive about what has been decided.
• Don’t make price the only factor: Although the budget is very important, it should not be the only factor in your decision. When comparing price, however, make sure that you are not comparing apples to oranges. You’ll need to consider everything that is included. Are there extra items or services offered by a vendor? In addition, you need to consider the vendor’s reputation, their willingness to answer your questions, their openness to working with you, and your ability to communicate well with each other.
• Honesty: The best vendors will tell you up front if there is something that cannot do for you, if they don’t think that you would be satisfied with something, of if there is something that they can suggest that might be a better option for you. Personally, I would rather deal with a vendor who is honest and up front with me. What I don’t like are the vendors who promise things and then cannot deliver, or increase the price significantly than originally discussed to deliver on their original promises.
• Think things over: In most cases choosing vendors can be difficult because you are afraid that they will be booked if you don’t make up your mind right away, but take at least some time to think it over. Once you’ve decided on a vendor, you generally need to make some kind of deposit, so changing vendors later on can cost you. In addition, it can be stressful to run around at the last minute to find a new vendor if you need to make a change. Take a little time and be confident about your decision.

When talking to vendors, communicate your expectations clearly, keep an open mind, and you will find the best people for your wedding.

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