“Yes to the dress”….now what?

The date is set, the venue has been selected and you said “yes to the dress”! 

So now what?

 VENDORS! 

You don’t have to, can’t and shouldn’t try to do everything alone.  There are vendors of every size, shape, budget — some are super and some not so super.  So what can you do to make sure your BIG DAY is not marred by someone else’s mistakes? 

Here are a few pointers for today and don’t worry, we will have much more to say about this important topic in future blogs.

~ DO YOUR RESEARCH!   Do whatever you can to find out everything about the company.  Use the internet as your best tool.  The Better Business Bureau is the first place to start.  Check out the comments posted from past brides.  Go to bridal shows, bridal shops, salons…ask if they have worked in the past with a vendor you have in mind!

~ A CONSULTATION:  Once you have a vendor in the running, schedule a meeting with the person that you potentially plan to hire to actually do the work.  It’s important you meet face to face with the people who will be involved on the actual wedding day.  Make a list ahead of time of the questions you want answered.

~ REFERENCES:  Get several!  And don’t just look at the list – call the references.  Ask about any negatives that may have come up for them i.e., what happens if staff gets sick or has an unexpected emergency?  At Team Beauti we have built-in safeguards for just such emergencies!   

~ REVIEW THE WORK:  Ask to see pictures from different events they have participated in.  Team Beauti keeps before and after photos for just this purpose.  If pictures are not available, walk away!

~ GET A PRICE QUOTE:  Make sure you understand exactly what is included and excluded in the bid and get it in writing.  Eliminate any surprises right up front.  It is tempting to rule out a vendor based on price but know what you are getting for the lesser bid – it may not be worth it. And always keep in mind:  You get what you paid for! 

Don’t book based on what you see and read on the internet.  Meet face-to-face with your vendors.  Questions to ask before the meeting should include:

•    How long have you been in the business?

•    How many weddings do you do per year?

•    What associations are you a member of?

•    Will you personally be at my wedding, if not, who is?

•    Do you have a price list and do you have a contract to sign?

•    Do you have references from past clients that I can contact?

 

 

 

 

Meeting, evaluating, and deciding on your wedding vendors is crucial.  Don’t take a chance on using someone without doing your research and asking questions.  Will unexpected things happen on your BIG DAY?  YES, but with the right vendors in place, things will be taken care of and forgotten by the time you walk down the aisle!

Joanne & Peggy