Who are your Vendors?

Ideally?  They’re your friends.  I don’t mean that your forcing your besties to be creative.  I mean that you’ve found a creative who really clicks with you!

No doubt you have tailored your wedding list to include the people in your life that mean the most to you.  Why should your vendors be any different?  You are going to interact with all of your vendors in some form or fashion leading up to your wedding, on your wedding day, and even sometimes after your wedding!  The whole process should be enjoyable!  Even more enjoyable than just checking items off your to-do list, which if we’re being honest, is perfectly satisfying in itself!

Three Ways to Validate your Vendors

Okay, you’ve found someone or some company that does what you need them to do.  Florist, calligrapher, photographer, DJ, etc.  They fit the job description, but there are SO many of them.  How do you know who’s right for you?

1.  Find them on social media.

They should have some sort of daily or weekly presence.  You’ve already decided that they’re artistry (whatever that might be) is awesome, but you need to know who they are!  You’re going to be working with these people in some form or fashion, and you want to know what they’re like as people.  Do you know where they are based?  Do you feel comfortable calling them on the phone to make a change?  Make sure there’s a real live presence on the other side of that website.

2.  Read the Reviews.

I don’t always review, to be honest.  When I do it’s because I either had a terrible experience OR I had an amazing experience that the world needs to know!  Your vendor can write all they want about what they offer, but you want to know how it was received and finding those reviews will help create an overall understanding of what to expect from your vendors.

3.  Meet with Them!

Who doesn’t love coffee (or some other kind of beverage mixed with down time)?  I love meeting with my clients, and your other vendors should too!  This is a great way to find people who click with you and completely understand your vision.  Some vendors may have a product that you need lock, stock and barrel (like Etsy) and this is not as important, but they should at least be willing to communicate with you in some way.  Other vendors, like your wedding planner, wedding photographer, videographer, officiate, these people will be spending a whole lot of time with you at your wedding!  You will need to feel comfortable communicating your ideas with them leading up to, and on your wedding day!  You want to make sure they understand you as a couple and that you, in turn, see them as friends.

The #1 Way to find a Vendor?

Can you guess what I’m about to say?

WORD OF MOUTH

That right there is your best friend.  It actually could be your best friend who sent you your dream vendor.  The best part about it?  They know that vendor, they probably used them and they have all of the ins and outs of the process and their experience with them.

It doesn’t have to be your best friend who told you about them though.  If you have already found that dream vendor, whether it’s your venue, your wedding planner, or the band that you’ve dreamed of having for years; ask them who they recommend!  If you click together, no doubt you’ll click with the people they click with.  That’s a lot of clicking with little effort.

Still looking for your vendors?  I have a whole list of them I am thrilled to brag about!  If we click, you’ll totally click!  Happy Planning!

Contact me to find some amazing vendors!