Planning a wedding requires a lot of decision-making, especially when hiring wedding vendors. Since suppliers play a crucial role in creating your dream wedding, knowing the most common mistakes to avoid when choosing wedding vendors can save you from any wedding horror stories.
Pushing through with bookings without meetings, reading contracts, asking for samples, and checking reviews can all prevent you from getting the best service. Likewise, failing to plan according to your schedule and budget may land you the wrong vendors. Know how to avoid these mistakes, so that you can focus on the celebration instead.
Not Setting a Call or In-Person Meeting
One of the most essential aspects of wedding planning is meeting with vendors in person or speaking to them through calls. It would be best if you ask questions about their services, rates, processes, timeline, and other details relevant to your event.
You would be communicating with suppliers a lot in the months leading up to the big day, so building a relationship with them is beneficial. Besides, these meetings will help you see how vendors appreciate and value their clients.
Blowing the Budget
Establishing a budget is one of the first things you need to consider when choosing wedding vendors. Create a budget breakdown to determine which supplier fits the budget or services you require.
When you book suppliers or make purchases without a budget plan, you might end up overspending, and consequently, with limited resources for other things.
Settling for the Cheapest Offer
It’s vital to strike a balance between cost and value. Despite following a budget, it doesn’t mean you have to go after the cheapest offers, especially if it means sacrificing quality.
If having plated meals means a more scrumptious menu, it’s wiser to choose it over a buffet with unsatisfactory food choices.
Forgetting to Ask for Samples
Don’t be shy asking for samples as vendors often prepare for it. In this way, you can see if their samples reflect the pictures you saw in their online portfolio or brochure.
- Venue: Schedule a visit to check if the venue looks the same in their advertisement. Check if the space is suitable for your floor plan and the number of guests.
- Caterer: Set a tasting session to know if you like how they cook. Find out if they have a range of beverage and vegan options.
- Cake Baker: Test the flavors and fillings. Check if they have suggestions based on your theme or budget.
- Band: Request to hear samples based on the genre you want. Ask if they can learn specific songs or come up with a playlist. Watch videos where their live band performances packed the dance floor.
- Florists: Check if they have the palette and types of flowers you want.
- Photographer: Ask for sample shots and video clips, especially in your chosen venue, if possible. Request for actual product samples of photo albums or printed pictures.
Failing to Read or Understand the Contract
Overlooking legal matters is another mistake you must avoid when choosing wedding vendors. Make sure to read the contract before signing, no matter how excited you are completing the wedding checklist.
It’s important that you understand details like rates, extra service fees, service hours, payment terms, inclusions, limitations, and cancellation terms. You also have to ensure every single verbal agreement is in writing. Otherwise, you may not be able to protect yourself should vendors fail to deliver their end of the deal.
Skipping Over Customer Reviews
About 86% of customers read reviews for local businesses before purchasing or availing a service. Client feedback lets you see whether or not a wedding supplier provides satisfactory services or beyond.
Personal experiences of previous clients serve as recommendations for you to discover how a supplier works or if there are any red flags you can avoid.
Conclusion
Wedding planning can be stressful at times, yet it doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you know how to avoid costly mistakes in hiring wedding vendors.
