It's time to choose your wedding pros! Why do we call them pros? Because they are so integral in making your event a success! Pros consist of the vendors you choose to make your day memorable, meet your wedding day needs, and make it go more smoothly. Some vendors you may use are officiants, djs, caterers, bakers, florists, planners, musicians, and more! If the right pros are in place, you can relax, enjoy your day, and know everything will be taken care of.
When it comes to choosing your vendors, you should plan them in plenty of time to insure they have your date available. It will be one of the first things that you do after securing your venue. The sooner you book your pros, the more time you have to work on a payment schedule and to refine your details. You don't have to know every detail before you go to them. As a matter of fact, they should be willing and able to give tips and pointers that will help your wedding planning go more smoothly, too!
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH: When choosing your pros, be sure to take research them. Ask friends who have recently been married who they used (if they did a great job). Google each business and read reviews. Go to their website, Instagram, Facebook, etc to see examples, comments, and services.
INTERVIEW more than one prospect. Compare prices, services, packages. Pay attention to how each one responds, the attention they give you, and to details. If you have a hard time getting them to return calls, emails, or texts, run away fast! You need dependability and you need them to be reachable.
25 QUESTIONS TO ASK VENDORS:
Is our wedding date available?
How much experience do you have?
What services do you offer?
What packages & prices do you offer?
Do you customize packages for our needs?
How much is the deposit?
Do you allow a payment plan?
What additional charges should I be aware of?
Do you charge tax?
Do you charge a service fee?
Do you charge according to hours, guest count, or is there just a set fee?
Do you include any needed consultations in your pricing, or is that an additional fee?
What is the best way to communicate with you?
What tips could you give for us in this area? (Your vendors should be experts and be able to give you tips that will help your day be even more amazing than you expected.)
Do you have examples, samples, or portfolio of your work?
How many weddings have you done?
How many weddings do you do per year?
Do you have a team, or back up, in case of a change in plans or emergency?
Do you charge a fee to reschedule?
Are you willing to brainstorm ideas to help our wedding become a unique reflection of us, or our vision?
Will you advocate for me as a client when performing your wedding tasks and working with other vendors?
Will you be available to speak with other vendors in order to best collaborate with?
Do you provide a contract with policies and pricing?
What is your change or cancellation policy?
Do you enlist help when needed in order to fulfill your obligations?
The result of your vendor search will steer your wedding day. It is great to save money, but remember that sometimes vendors cost less, because their services are not as good. Do your homework and it will pay off on the BIG DAY!