When we decided on our date, everyone thought I was insane. I really wondered, does wedding planning take a full year or more? Would having less time cause me to become a Bridezilla? My focus is to stay true to why we were getting married: To celebrate our desire to spend the rest of our lives together and share it with those who are important to us. I am realizing this might be hard if we have no band, DJ, photographer, caterer or anyone else important to make our day enjoyable and remembered!
Our First Wedding Vendor Experience
A few years back we went to a wedding of a family friend of Casey’s and the band was amazing. The first thing I thought of was to check with them to see if they were available. Of course, they weren’t. The manager did say that he had created a mirror band that was available. Score! A mirror band is a band that is put together to look, sound and entertain like the first, successful group. A great option to help with your budget too as they are usually less expensive when starting out so that they get exposure as well.
So I rallied the troops who were interested in hearing the band and headed to Boston on a Sunday night for a 7:30pm show time. Ugh. Oh, and did I mention this great winter delivered a snowstorm on our ride down? We decided to make a night of it. I picked up my mom and friend. We headed to dinner first…didn’t leave enough time and had to take our food to go! Headed to listen to the group, stopped to grab another friend and made it with five minutes to spare. The band was AWESOME!
We all headed to the lobby and I talked to the bandleader. Then my friend tapped me on the shoulder and said that she overheard another couple say they had the same date that I did. Game on…The manager came over and the other couple left. I said I wanted to move forward and would write him a check. He explained about the other couple and he was unsure what he wanted to do. After many phone conversations, lots of apologizing, and what felt like me offering him free therapy, he went with the other couple.
At our company, we are very honest with clients about our first come first serve policy for our inventory. I know some people think this is to add pressure to the sale, but honestly, what we have today, we might not have tomorrow. The worst part for me about the band situation was that this manager had told me this other couple had waffled for a month or two before they decided. I guess they saw me stay to talk after they left and they finally felt the pressure.
Things to Remember When Booking Wedding Vendors
I guess this experience taught me a valuable lesson, always ask if the wedding vendor is available. Then ask each vendor what steps need to take place to have them hold the date for you. Most vendors need a non-refundable deposit, but some will hold a date if you are working on a contract with them. Keep in mind a quote is not a contract! Now it was time to find my other vendors before they were all gone! At least I know there will be many other people with the same anniversary as us!
