When planning your big day, you'll have many important tasks to do. To make your wedding day perfect, you need to plan methodically and make the best possible choices. You may find some things chaotic or overwhelming, but as you proceed and keep checking things off your to-do list, it gets easier. Keep in mind that planning a wedding isn't one person's job, it's a team job. You need to choose a venue, hire a wedding videographer, a photographer, music, and much more. Your vendors will play an important role in the organization of your wedding. In this article, you can find the most common mistakes to avoid when hiring wedding vendors. Consider all of them carefully and learn from them.
Not being transparent about your budget limitations
First, you need to create a budget for different categories and vendors. You may easily exceed your budget in an attempt to book the very best and the most expensive vendors for your big day. Sticking to the budget may be challenging, but it's the right thing to do. Be upfront about your finances and ask a vendor to share their pricing or package information with you. Then, check if some compromises and adjustments can be made.
Couples that don't have a firm budget are at a much greater risk of overspending. If you research well enough, it shouldn't be a problem to find a reliable vendor that fits your budget and provides the services you need.
Letting other people make your decisions
Your friends and family members will probably have some recommendations when it comes to hiring wedding vendors. Still, you have to keep in mind that the wedding is your day and you should make these decisions on your own. Your loved ones should understand and respect that. Don't get carried away by someone else's choice.
It’s never too early for hiring wedding vendors
If you have already seen a particular wedding vendor's work and want to hire them, don't think that it's too early for the booking. Book them as soon as you choose the wedding date, and save yourself from the stress. The wedding date is usually set once you book the wedding venue, so let that decision be the first, and then hire all other vendors.
Choosing the cheapest option
You should make a list of the possible wedding vendors and check their prices. Don't hire someone just because they are the cheapest option. There is likely something that they lack in comparison to the others.
Not checking your venue’s approved vendor list
People usually don't know, but some wedding venues have a list of approved vendors, and only they can work there. This may actually help you narrow down your search. However, for couples who already have a particular vendor in mind, that can be a problem. When you find the perfect wedding venue, remember to ask if they have an approved vendor list. Some may be willing to make an exception, but others won't. For some couples, it may be the make-or-break factor. If you value flexibility over anything else, keep in mind that the venue's choice may not always be the best one.
One of the mistakes to avoid when hiring wedding vendors is not checking the venue’s approved vendor list.
Photo by StockSnap via Pixabay
Not researching your vendors
Before hiring any vendor and signing a contract, make sure you see what other couples are saying about them. Check out their website and reviews. Read the comments, critiques, and praises on their social media pages and research the previous weddings and events they covered.
Not meeting the vendor
Meeting and talking with your vendors before hiring them is crucial. When making the first contact, you need to share a few important pieces of information about your wedding day, such as:
Your wedding date
The chosen venue
Guest count
If the vendor confirms their availability and says that they can provide for that number of guests, you can go to the next step. Write down the list of questions you'll ask them when you meet. Then, it will be much easier to decide if they are the right choice for you, and it will be easier for them to understand your needs and preferences. If you cannot meet in person, make a video call. Different people have different energies, and you need to find a good fit for you, someone who will be easy to work with.
Not asking a wedding planner for help
If all of these tasks sound unpleasant, too confusing, impossible to squeeze into your schedule, etc., then you should hire a wedding planner, saving you so much time and energy. A wedding planner gets to know your goals, style, personality, and budget, and they can match you with the best vendors. Furthermore, they can take on all the administrative work - calls, emails, scheduling, site visits, logistics, meetings, etc. You can focus on enjoying your day, stress-free.
If you hire a wedding planner, you’ll be able to focus on your partner and enjoy your wedding day to the fullest.
Photo by Artistic Films via Pixabay
Skimming the contract
Wedding contracts are legally-binding documents, so don't rush through them. You and your partner should read them carefully. If there's any confusing language or details in the contract, better ask about it on time (before you sign) than regret it later.
Not asking about the next steps
After signing a contract with a wedding vendor, sometimes it isn’t clear what comes next. Remember to ask each of your wedding suppliers what their specific timeline is. Some vendors might start working with you right away, while others may wait until shortly before your wedding day.
Forgetting to have fun with your partner in the process
Wedding planning can be challenging and stressful, but it's also exciting and fun. You can make a little romantic celebration after booking each vendor. For example, share a bottle of champagne, book a spa treatment to relax, or go out for a walk and delicious dinner. Think about how moving in together will bring so much joy into your life - when you start living together and sharing personal space, your love can only grow and become stronger. Don't let wedding preparations make you nervous; think about all the nice things to come, all your goals and dreams, and stay positive and focused on each other during the whole process.
Don’t forget to have fun with your partner during wedding planning.
Photo by Karen Warfel via Pixabay
Final thoughts
An enormous amount of work goes into planning the perfect wedding, so you should keep in mind all of these mistakes to avoid when hiring wedding vendors. Include your partner in the decision-making process, maintain your enthusiasm, try to stay relaxed, and count the days until the most important day in your life. Good luck!
This is a guest post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship with the author or with any outside companies linked to in this post.