When communicating with vendors, patience is much appreciated. From my new bride-to-be perspective, however, there are times when you need an answer right away. If you have a large window, let’s say a year or two, before your event, keep in mind that vendors might need to prioritize clients that have smaller windows. Here are six tips to ensure you have a wonderful, productive experience with your wedding vendors.
Tip #1: Decide What You Need, Then Look for Vendors
There are a lot of planning websites, books, and binders to help you learn ALL of your options, and these will give you ideas of which way you want to go very quickly. For example, band versus DJ, church versus outdoor ceremony, professional videographer versus renting a video camera for a friend or relative to use. Once you have a list of vendors you want to work with it is a good idea to get referrals or do some research so you have a few vendors to choose from.
Tip #2: Plan Your Budget First
Plan your budget before reaching out to vendors. This allows you to know which vendor is in, out or a just a stretch for your budget. From what I hear, more expenses always come up, so if you go over budget to start, it is a slippery slope.
Ask vendors their prices ranges to start. This allows you to know if you should even look at their work or chat with them about options. Some professions range in price quite drastically, so it only saves you time and prevents you from falling in love with someone you cannot afford.
Tip #3: Learn More About Who You’re Working With
It is important to know who you are working with. Think about asking how long they have been in business and how many events they do in a season. The amount of events they do in a season is important due to the fact that some people can go to the store, buy some equipment and call themselves a professional. Honestly, that is what scares me about some vendors. I want to know their experience so I can see if what they charge is appropriate, how much help they will be to me, and to make sure they didn’t just buy business cards and want to dabble.
Tip #4: Ask LOTS of Questions
Make a list of questions and ask all of the vendors these same questions so you can compare ‘apples to apples’ as they say. If you think of a good question or learn of an extra that one vendor offers after the first few calls, reach back out to the previous vendors to see if they will match it. This only helps you and it is their job to help you!
Tip #5: Decide if You Like Them
The final litmus test for a vendor: Do you like them? Some of your vendors will help you throughout the process, or just show up on your big day. Consider them a guest if you will. If you don’t like them or don’t have the ability to communicate freely with them, it will only make your day more stressful.
And don’t be afraid to ask for another point-of-contact if you’re not feeling like the person you are communicating with understands you or your vision.
Tip #6: Be a Good Communicator
Let your vendors know the best way to communicate with you. This will help you both stay connected throughout the planning process. Respond quickly to questions and updates to ensure everything goes smoothly. Particularly as you get closer to your event date, your vendors will be making final arrangements and may have several items that need your prompt attention.
You probably have never planned an event this big, spent this much money and had this many different vendors and components to worry about. Keep your eye on the prize and remember (this one is easy to forget sometimes)…have fun!