9 Tips for Choosing Wedding Vendors & Creating Your Winning Team

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Planning your wedding is really putting together your team of vendors or helpers who will work to make your wedding day dream a reality.

BE FOCUSED
Aim to get as much information, in the least amount of time to enable you to make clear decisions and book vendors you like, with confidence.

BE PREPARED
Have these essential basic information about your wedding at hand to share with potential vendors.

• Vision
• Location
• Guest list
• Wedding party size
• Budget
• Date

The more information you can provide, the easier it will be to get the right responses to your queries, and the less time wasted.

BE VOCAL

• Don't assume that vendors can know what is in your head (imagination).
• You need to spell out clearly and succinctly what you're hoping to get.
• Be prepared to answer questions, provided photos, mood boards, videos.
• Anything that will help to show just what you both have in mind for your wedding day.

BE PROACTIVE

• Visit/meet in person or send someone you trust will clearly represent you, knows and understand your vision and personality.
• Get samples of vendors work.
• Read reviews and speak to previous clients.
• Get recommendations from vendors of other vendors. eg The photographer may know a great florist, the church pastor a reliable wedding car hire company and the venue a fantastic band that plays your type of music.

BE FLEXIBLE

• It is good to know what you do and don't want. But it's just as important to be flexible.
• Listen to your vendors suggestions and recommendations. They are experienced in their field.
• Negotiate and get to a place of agreement if other boxes are ticked.

BE CLEAR

• Agree timescales.
• Read contracts, especially the small print.
• Know cut off dates for booking, cancellations and order amendments.
• Be aware of  penalties for late payments, additional guests, broken hired goods and so on.

BE RE-ASSURED

• Vendors should be clear about their responsibilities and your timescale on the day of your wedding.
• Who will be responsible for delivery or do you need to collect?
• Who will set up/ pull down at the venue?
• Who will be the contact person, will they be available for specific hours. and what is their contact number?

BE CONSCIOUS

• Before signing contracts and paying deposits, ensure you know what vendors' quotes include and what services will incur additional costs.
• Ask about packages, discretionary discounts for out of season or early bookings.
• They might include something you wanted, if you're already paying quite a large sum for booking them, at no extra charge.

BE DECISIVE

• Having done your homework, researched, asked a lot of questions and made clear notes, narrow down each type of service/vendor to a maximum of three.
• Look again at your wish-list and how each vendor aligns. Where are you prepared to be flexible or compromise?
• Discuss together as a couple and come to a consensus. Book your chosen vendors immediately, paying deposits and signing contracts promptly.
• Start on the right foot, keep communication open without being a pest. Trust them to do their job but go with your gut feeling. Don't be afraid to heed warning signs and cancel if necessary.

These tips should hopefully help you put together the right team of vendors to work with you to create your dream wedding.

Don't forget to join me again next Wednesday for tips on Wedding venues.
All the best with your wedding planning.
Marlene x

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