When planning a wedding, selecting your wedding vendors is just as important as selecting your wedding planner. It still amazes me how many brides come to me, stating that different friends or family members have been selected to perform various aspects of the wedding. Now, don't get me wrong, there are a lot of talented people in this world! The issue that's often overlooked is the fact that your friends and family members want to enjoy your wedding day just as much as you do and having to spend it "working" may be more than they've bargained for. If you hire a professional, they're there solely to do a specific task and less likely to be concerned with having fun. Now, with that being said, how do you go about choosing your wedding vendors?
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For starters, you have to set a realistic wedding budget. Choosing a vendor does not have to be expensive. However, it's a lot easier to choose the right vendor if you know how much money you have allotted. If you've hired a great wedding planner, he or she will help you choose the right vendors to fit your budget.
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Secondly, do your research; check references, read reviews, ask to see samples of their work and by all means, taste food! I heard someone recently say at a wedding conference, "Other people can sing your praises better than you can". And it's true! It's great to have a good rapport with a vendor but you want to have added peace of mind by checking references or reading reviews. You definitely don't want to waste your hard earned money.
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Lastly, get it all in writing! Whatever you've hired your vendor for, you want to make sure that you get it documented; the time of their arrival for set up and what they're responsible for. Often times, friends and family members won't have a contract and responsibilities can get muddled. You don't want this to happen to you.
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Of course, it is totally up to you to allow anyone you choose to take on the many, many tasks of being a part of your wedding day. However, be sure to keep in mind the importance of hiring the right vendors. This is your special day. You are going to want each and every element to be perfectly timed and choreographed to leave the people speechless at the end of the night and you with a lifetime of fond memories. Late arrivals, a lopsided cake and cold or poorly prepared food might leave people speechless but not in the way you’d like.
Happy planning!