Saturday 15 August 2015

How To Get the Best Out Of Your Wedding Vendors


When planning your wedding, you may work with no less than twenty vendors – décor, rentals, DJ, photographer, live band, security, and many others. The beauty of the event depends largely on how well all the vendors work together to produce an event that flows seamlessly from start to finish.

Although it can be overwhelming communicating with so many people and companies for a single event, these five (5) tips are sure to make vendor coordination much easier and more effective.


Photo credit: http://merrybrides.tumblr.com/post/39661289539/weddingplanner
1.     Select Vendors Within your Budget Range
Stay true to your budget. If you’re planning a wedding on a GHS 50,000.00 budget, don’t contact a top-tier event stylist whose fee could very well swallow up your entire wedding budget.
I know many people love a good bargain. But it is unfair to ask a vendor to slash his/her fee by 70% just to fit your budget.
If you would like a luxury event that would break the internet, then take the time to save up so you can have enough money to have the wedding of your dreams.



2.     Get Reviews From Past Clients
Beyond photos on social media, ask past clients for their experience working with your shortlisted vendors. Such reviews are priceless because they tell the story behind the photos and videos. They give you an idea of the real-time experience of working with a vendor, and many of such sentiments cannot be adequately captured in photos and videos online.
For instance, you may see a photo of a lovely set up and décor, but only a past client can tell you how helpful the vendor was in capturing their vision and bringing it to life. Only a past client can tell you how the vendor went out of her way to assist another vendor on site to produce a lovely event.




3.     Schedule a Consultation
Once you have narrowed down your vendor options by looking at your budget and seeking reviews, the next step is to schedule a consultation with the vendor. This will give you an opportunity to connect with the vendor on a personal level. Ideally, this initial consultation should be in person or via video call (e.g. Skype). Phone calls, Whatsapp and email will not suffice, because they cannot accurately capture the personality of the vendor. Some people may sound cold and brash in their emails or texts, but once you meet them face-to-face, you realize how warm and friendly they are. So make the time and schedule an in-person consultation so you can get to meet the person behind the photos and reviews.


Photo credit: http://www.123rf.com/photo_29571712_stock-vector-illustration-of-a-couple-having-a-discussion-with-a-wedding-planner.html
4.     Sign a Contract
Now that you have selected the vendor you would like to work with, go ahead and make it official by signing a contract. Unfortunately, many people get overexcited and forget to pay attention to documentation. A well-written contract should include the following information: date and time of event, payment schedule, details of services/products to be delivered, etc.
A contract eliminates ambiguity and misunderstandings because the obligations of each party care clearly outlined and accepted by both parties. So avoid any disappointments and sign a contract with your vendors.

Photo credit: http://www.clipartpanda.com/categories/wedding-gift-clipart


5.     Hire a Wedding Planner
Are you overwhelmed at the thought of communicating with over twenty separate vendors for a single event? Keep calm and hire a wedding planner. Wedding planners have already established relations with trusted vendors, so they are in a good position to take care of your vendor coordination needs. Wedding planners can recommend vendors that fit your wedding budget and style. Also, since the wedding planner’s reputation is linked to the performance of vendors, he/she will ensure that vendors deliver quality work to meet your expectations.

Photo credit: https://www.pinterest.com/janae92/event-planning/


Happy planning :-)
Photo credit: http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/married.html