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8 tips on working with Wedding Vendors!

1. Don’t let your fingers do the walking in the Yellow Pages. Pick up the phone and call family and friends first to get referrals for wedding vendors. Obviously, talk to newly married couples and grill them on their experience with specific vendors they used.

2. Even after a glowing review from someone you trust, check with your local Better Business Bureau to ensure your friend’s experience wasn’t a fluke. They have consumer complaints on file against vendors who don’t play by the rules.

3. Interview more than one. Even if your buddy had the best experience with the photographer, that photographer’s portfolio may not reflect the style you’re shooting for. Interview two or three.

4. Bring a list of detailed questions. If a vendor isn’t willing to give you all the details of his services, prices, and products up front, you’ve got trouble.

5. Get everything in writing. Not only is a signed contract or written estimate a sign of good business, it also ensures that there are no miscommunications as to the services you’ve requested and the services the vendor thinks you requested.

6. Make a deal. Don’t ever just agree to what’s first offered. Try to negotiate a lower price or extra services.

7. Be a pest. Periodically check in with your vendor (let them get to know you by name) to ensure that everything is on schedule and there are no hiccups. You’ll at least want to confirm two weeks before the wedding.

8. Use StrictlyWeddings.com when all else fails! We are here to help you have the perfect day on your wedding day!

3 Comments on “8 tips on working with Wedding Vendors!”

• Becca July 10th, 2009 2:12 pm

  Can’t live without one-trust me, I tried and fell on my face and gave in and hired one and it was so much stress off of me.

• Anita June 13th, 2009 3:27 pm

  Be sure to read this, it is so you make sure you will be sane, by choosing the correct vendors! Do not let them take advantage of you, after all it is your day. If you feel like you are not getting along, cut your loses, and move on. When choosing vendors, make sure to check them out, and MAKE SURE, they have time for you and that their schedule is not too tight-meaning other weddings on your day as well.You want to make sure that they do not let their assistant’s take over when you have hired them. Best of Luck!

• Liz June 9th, 2009 4:54 pm

  Thank you, thank you for this post! I for one had a nightmare with vendors. They do not show up, they cancel appointments etc., and it makes a Bride just that more nervous. If these people cannot do what they advertise they do, please do us all a favor and get out of the business. A Bride’s Day is the biggest day of their life!! Do your homework, and check up over and over with who you hire, and make sure you have a well thought out contract. Ask family members to help you read thru the fine lines, to make sure your wedding vendor is not taking more than their share. I have seen some take a huge mark-up, and always get more than two to three opinions, and see how they run their business, for sure! Sorry, for the long THOUGHT on this one, but it is so important. It is your DAY, make it fun and as less stressful as you can. I for one, would hire a wedding planner, but be sure to check them out as well. Best of Luck, on your Perfect Day, mine was so beautiful, and all the wonderful photos for years to come.

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