SO MANY CHOICES!! With all the vendor options out there, how do couples make the right choices?
While budget is always a consideration, let the buyer beware of vendors offering Big Bargains. There is no "last year's photo album" - as in last year's line in gowns, which may be discounted, but still stunning. Last year's photographer - maybe. But there is a reason for that. Maybe the studio's quality or service has dropped. What about the vendor with great copy and images on her site? Would you believe that there are vendors who "borrow" good copy they find elsewhere - and hire photographers to advertise videographer's services? There are. Of course there are sometimes legitimate discounts to be had; slower than expected seasons. Sudden increases in competition. An economic recession. A reasonable discount is a far cry from a Big Bargain.
I also would caution against companies which try to sell you the whole wedding package: Of course they can plan your wedding, do your photography, dj service, lighting, even your flowers, videography and invitations! Perhaps they can plan your honeymoon - design your bridal gown and coming soon... even find your husband or wife for you! I may be going a bit too far here, but unless each one of those vendors had achieved professional success prior to forming a cozy collaborative, this may just be a way of vendors having found a way to make profit from creating a vendor stable, with the couple losing in the deal by having less than top-quality professionals.
The best ways to research and trust your vendors are:
1) Rely on a top notch, experienced event planner who has an impeccable reputation to pre-sort the quality vendors with your style, taste and budget in mind. Then ask your vendors or your event planner for personal references. Most of the vendors you are researching have probably worked with one another, most likely on more than one occasion, so once you find one you like and trust, ask for recommendations!
2) Check the bridal/wedding forums for mentions of vendors. One disgruntled bride shouldn't be taken too seriously. Half a dozen furious complaints should.
3) Most wedding venues keep lists of their preferred vendors and event professionals; people they respect, trust, and know are able to work with the upmost professionalism. Since the venue is usually one of the first items crossed off a brides to-do list, check in with yours to see if they have any recommendations. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and first-hand experience can be trusted much easier than a vendor's website or blog ever could!
No comments:
Post a Comment