As a bride-to-be, you have a lot on your plate when it comes to planning your wedding. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your wedding vendors, from the catering company to the florist to the photographer. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I have put together this checklist to help guide you through the decision-making process and ensure that you make the most of your vendor meetings.
1. Research:
Before you even start reaching out to vendors, it’s important to do your research. Look at different vendors’ websites and social media profiles to get a sense of their style and offerings. Read reviews from past clients to get a sense of their level of service and quality of work. This will help you to narrow down your list of potential vendors and make sure that you’re only meeting with those who align with your vision for your wedding.
2. Create a Budget:
Before you meet with any vendors, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your budget. This will help you to narrow down your options and ensure that you’re only meeting with vendors who can work within your budget. It’s also important to have a clear understanding of what services you’re looking for, as this will help you to compare prices and packages more effectively.
3. Prepare Questions:
Before you meet with any vendors, it’s important to prepare a list of questions. This will help you to get a sense of the vendor’s experience, level of service, and attention to detail. Some key questions to ask include:
- How long have you been in business?
- Can you provide references from past clients?
- What is your approach to working with clients?
- How do you handle unexpected changes or issues that may arise on the day of the wedding?
4. Schedule Meetings:
Once you’ve done your research, created a budget, and prepared your questions, it’s time to schedule meetings with your potential vendors. Make sure to schedule enough time for each meeting so that you can get a sense of the vendor’s experience, level of service, and attention to detail. It’s also a good idea to schedule multiple meetings with different vendors (I usually recommend at least talk to 3 vendors per category- i.e. 3 photographers, florists, etc.) to ensure that you’re making an informed decision.
5. Take Notes:
During your meetings with vendors, it’s important to take detailed notes. This will help you to remember what each vendor has to offer and compare them more effectively. Be sure to note the vendor’s experience, level of service, and attention to detail, as well as any key details about their offerings.
6. Follow-up:
After each meeting, be sure to follow-up with the vendor. This will help to keep the vendor interested and ensure that they are still available to work with you. It’s also a good idea to send a thank-you note or email to the vendor, as this will help to establish a good working relationship.
7. Trust Your Gut:
After speaking with a vendor, they might check all the boxes on paper but something just doesnt click. It may not be anything bad/negative but there is a reason you feel that way. Anytime I have seen a client select a vendor against that nagging feeling, they later regretted it. Trust your gut no matter what and work with the vendors that check the boxes and feel like the right fit too!
8. Make a Decision:
After you’ve met with all of your potential vendors and taken detailed notes, it’s time to make a decision. Take some time to review your notes and compare the different vendors. Consider factors such as experience, level of service, attention to detail, and price. Once you’ve made a decision, be sure to communicate it clearly with the vendor and finalize any contracts or agreements.
By following this checklist, you can ensure that you make the most of your vendor meetings and make an informed decision about your wedding vendors. Remember, your wedding vendors will play a key role in creating the atmosphere and memories of your special day, so take the time to find the right ones for you.