Finding the perfect Vendor is a pain. It involves research, inquiring, consulting, and deciding. It is a very long and tiring process. Your time is precious and matters. I get that. That is why I am giving you my top 3 tips for consulting with vendors. Are you ready? Okay, here we go!

TOP 3 TIPS FOR CONSULTING WITH VENDORS: 

1. Pre-Consult: Provide as much information in your initial email as possible. 

Especially during Engagement season, Vendors receive a lot of inquiries. Help them out by providing as much information and details as possible. Include a Pinterest board, venue ideas, etc. This will help your vendor to let you know right away if they will be a good fit for your wedding day. 

I recommend providing the following information: 

• Pinterest/Inspiration board
• The amount you are willing to invest(spend) on that particular vendor. 
• How you found them/Vendor Referrals(name drop). 
• Date or projected date. 
• Amount of guests
• Venue
• The package you are interested in. 

2. In the Consult: Connecting with a Vendor.

When you are in the consultation call, you should feel calm, peaceful and a connection with that vendor. ESPECIALLY when it comes to vendors that relate to big parts of your wedding day: Venue, Photographer/Videographer, Florist, Planner, Hair/Makeup Artist. If you aren’t comfortable with them, you probably won’t be comfortable on your wedding day. That is the day you should be 100% yourself and comfortable.

If a vendor seems jaded and offputting. DON’T work with them! 

They should want to be hired by you. They should be pulling out all the stops and making a good impression on you BEFORE you even start paying them. There is not magically going to be a switch from their “consulting” personality to their “working with you” personality. So, if you at any time during the process feel “off” about working with them then I recommend moving on to a different vendor.

Each vendor is different because they are comprised of different people with unique personalities. This vendor that is a good fit for Sarah might not be a good fit for you and that’s okay. You will find vendors that are head over heels excited to work with you and be a part of your special day. 

Here are things to look for and think about when hiring a vendor:

• Similar Morals/Values
• Someone who believes in your wedding vision
• Someone who wants to make you feel great on that day
• Affordable for your budget
• Same aesthetic style as you want(If the vendor has a different style on their Instagram, find a vendor who matches aesthetically)
• Someone who listens to your questions
• Someone who wants to know you as a person, not just as a way to make money.

3. Let vendors know when you go with somebody else ASAP. 

As is true in dating. Don’t Ghost a vendor. If you are going to go with someone else, be honest and upfront with them from the beginning. We understand that this is a competitive market and you have options. However, it’s always helpful and kind to respond to vendors who aren’t a good match for you and let them know. 

Here’s an example of what to say: 

Hey _________, 

Thank you so much for taking the time to connect with me. I really appreciate your time and energy. I do want to let you know that I’ve decided to go with a different vendor who more closely aligns with my budget and vision. I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your weddings this year!

Thanks again!

Your name

GHOST·ING /ˈꞬŌSTING/

THE PRACTICE OF ENDING A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMEONE BY SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT EXPLANATION WITHDRAWING FROM ALL COMMUNICATION.

Closing Thoughts

I do hope that this helps in finding the perfect vendor for your budget. Trust me: they are out there and you will find them. There are so many unique and wonderful individuals who love helping couples bring their dream weddings to life.

• Trust your gut.
• Stick to your financial plan & priority list.
• Make Pros & Cons lists.
• Talk about it.
• Stalk their IG, Website, etc for how they interact and speak about past clients.
• Book a professional for at least your top 3 priorities.

Warm Wishes,

Cassidy