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.
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.
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
