Finding the right vendors can make all the difference in ensuring your wedding day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Unfortunately, we’ve all heard horror stories about the food being terrible, the pictures being lost, the cake never arriving, and so on. Luckily, with a little due diligence, these nightmares can be avoided! To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled a list of how to choose the right wedding vendors for your special day.
Experience and Reputation
When searching for wedding vendors, it’s crucial to look at their experience and reputation. How long have they been in business? What do their past clients have to say about their services? Researching online reviews and looking at their portfolio can give you a good idea of their level of expertise and the quality of their work.
Budget and Availability
Before hiring any vendor, it’s important to consider your budget and the vendor's availability. Make sure the vendor you choose fits within your budget and that their availability aligns with your wedding date. Side note: despite wanting to save money on your wedding, be wary of the “low cost” providers. Many of these companies are utilizing shady business tactics to lock you in with an upfront payment and then fail to deliver once your day arrives. It’s also a good idea to get a clear understanding of what is included in their services and any additional fees that may be added later.
Style and Personality
Keep a close eye on their style and personality. You want to make sure their style matches your vision for your wedding day. Do they have a portfolio that showcases the style you’re looking for? If not, can they accommodate it? At Poulin Productions, we have had a few couples ask if we can replicate a wedding video they saw elsewhere. And yes, we are more than happy to alter our style to ensure you are happy with the final outcome. It’s also essential to have a good rapport with your vendors. You want to feel comfortable and confident that they understand your needs and can bring your vision to life.
Communication and Flexibility
Good communication is key when it comes to wedding planning. You want to make sure the vendor you choose is responsive and easy to communicate with. Do they respond to your emails promptly? Are they available to chat on the phone? Little things like these can say a lot about what your future working relationship may be like for the days leading up to and the day of your wedding. It’s also important to look for vendors who are flexible and willing to work with you to make your day as special as possible. Perhaps you’re uncomfortable with your videographer using your film for promotional materials. Are they willing to change that clause in the contract? This will say a lot about their flexibility when it comes to other details. And yes, we are more than happy to do that ;)
Backup Plans
Wedding planning is unpredictable, and it’s essential to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. Ask your vendors about their backup plans and what they would do in case of an emergency. You can also ask how they’ve handled backup plans previously. Having a vendor who is prepared and has contingency plans in place can give you peace of mind on your big day.
To conclude, choosing the right wedding vendors can make all the difference in the success of your big day. Consider their experience, reputation, prices, availability, style, personality, communication, flexibility, and backup plans before making your final decisions. By doing your research and choosing the right vendors, you can ensure that your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more!