You’re freshly engaged, and are thrilled to finally begin planning your big day! While the urge to get out there immediately and find vendors is overpowering, there are some crucial decisions you need to make before embarking upon your vendor search.
We’re sharing everything we know to help you find vendors who have what it takes to bring your wedding dreams to life.
Create a List of the Vendors You Need
No two weddings are the same, and the specific vendors you hire depend on the type of celebration you plan.
As you go over the elements you’d like to include in your big day, create a detailed list of the types of vendors you’ll need.
Establish a Budget
Once you know who the necessary vendors are, the next critical step is to establish a vendor budget and break it down so that you have a realistic picture of what you can afford to spend within each category.
Here’s an example:
- Photographer: 10%
- Catering: 15%
- Cake: 5%
- Wedding gown: 10%
- Venue: 25%
- Reception Music and Entertainment: 10%
- Flowers and Décor: 10%
- Wedding Planner: 15%
Your budget should accurately reflect the number of guests you’re inviting, and yes—larger weddings are almost always more expensive.
Bridesmaids typically pay for their own dresses, so at least purchasing gorgeous gowns for them to wear is a bill you don’t have to worry about footing yourself.
If you realize your budget won’t cover all the vendors on your list, see if there are any you can handle yourself—maybe florals or entertainment for example—or find a cheaper alternative.
Search Multiple Places (and Read Reviews!)
Search the web and use word of mouth and social media to find vendors. Be sure to visit each potential candidate’s website and read reviews, exercising the necessary discernment.
If there are local stores that sell wedding gowns and attire, they may have vendor recommendations as well. If there’s a bridal convention in your area, be sure to check that out too.
Create a list of the vendors who look promising, either on a spreadsheet or in a notebook depending on your preferred organizational method.
If you’re working with a wedding planner, they will likely have a list of vendors and can also assist with the vendor search and selection process.
Once you have an idea who you’d like to contact, it’s time to reach out to them to learn more.
Create a List of Questions to Ask
Before you hire anyone, it’s important to be clear about what you’re looking for. This will assist in recognizing if they’re up to the task.
This is why it’s vital to know what type of wedding you’re throwing. If it’s heavily tied to a theme or has any other specific vibes or elements, it’s important to ask questions related to those specifics and see if the vendors have any creative insight into what they could offer to make it next level.
In addition to those specific questions, here’s a list of general questions to ask:
- What different package options do they have, how much are they, and what’s included in each?
- Do they have any experience with a wedding like yours?
- Given your budget, what are they able to provide?
- What are their contingency plans?
- Do they have any references and examples of their work they can provide?
- What is their policy for cancellations or postponement?
- Are they available on your wedding day?
- Is there anything they need from you?
- What is their preferred method of communication?
Jot down the questions that are specific to your celebration, along with the ones listed here. Be sure to have them handy when you begin interviewing vendor candidates, and if you’re interviewing quite a few, be sure to take notes.
In addition to being prepared with questions, it’s also a good idea to show each vendor visual examples of what you’re looking for. Together with your description, this helps create a comprehensive picture of what you want.
Red Flags to Look Out For
Interviewing potential vendors is just that:a job interview. You want to hire someone who is professional and has what it takes to fulfill the obligations required of their role.
Aside from being skilled at what they do, communication is key. Be wary if they’re vague, unresponsive, or flaky.
If they’re trying to rush or pressure you into hiring them, that’s another red flag.
Make sure there’s a contract (and read the whole thing before signing!) and if they don’t disclose pricing—or it keeps changing—run.
Never pay the full amount upfront.
Ask for a payment schedule, and keep detailed records of the payments you’ve made.
Finally, if it sounds too good to be true, it just might be.
Conclusion:
Do your due diligence, and be methodical in your approach. The better you are at articulating your wedding day dreams, the easier it will be to find the vendors who can make those dreams come true.
