Thursday, February 17, 2011

5 Tips to Choose the Right Vendor

You’re getting married – Congratulations!

Beyond the ever important questions of when & where comes, “Who’s making your cake?”, “What photographer are you going to hire?” and even “Who’s your Justice of the Peace?” In an industry where everyone knows someone, how do you know who to hire that will deliver everything to your expectations?

Does your Great Aunt Hilda have a friend whose nephew does photography on the side? Or do you absolutely HAVE to use the same Justice of the Peace as your sister who was married four years ago? In the wedding industry there are endless possibilities and you don’t have to use the referrals of your family and friends. The key part of choosing a vendor is knowing that this person will delivery everything you ask for and so much more. The way to finding that is all about building relationships.

Tip 1: Don’t be afraid to meet with multiple vendors. Sit down with Great Aunt Hilda’s friends’ nephew and see their portfolio, then meet with three other photographers. Ask them questions to ensure they see the same vision as you. By making sure you are all on the same page, you know that the end product will meet your expectations.

Tip 2: You don’t have to hire someone because your friends did. Prices change over time and with the experience of the person you’re hiring. Because someone charged $300 to bake a cake four years ago, it does not mean that by hiring the same person, you will get the same product or the same price.

Tip 3: Research, research, research! Know what else is out there. The more you know the more price savvy you will become. The more knowledge you are armed with will provide you with the most bang for your buck. It will also help you to be sure that you are getting a great quality and consistent product.

Tip 4: Be open and honest. If you don’t like a suggestion that someone makes to you tell them. If your florist suggests that you use peonies instead of roses and you don’t like the idea, tell them. Remember, you are not going to hurt their feelings by not taking a suggestion. Know what you want, listen to the suggestions and be honest about your opinions (but still be nice).

Tip 5: Like the people you’re working with. This is your special day. If your Justice of the Peace rubs you the wrong way, how will they deliver a ceremony that you will remember for years to come? If your photographer can’t get beyond their own vision, how will they see yours? The very essence of your wedding is the people that pull together all the little details to awe & wow your guests.

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