Getting the most out of your wedding vendors

Rabidos and Rabidon'ts for making your wedding vendors go the distance for you.

The vendors you choose for your wedding are at the core to making your wedding dreams come true.  And the thing to remember is that your wedding vendors aren’t necessarily working “for” you, but rather “with” you.

So here are a few tips to make your wedding vendors work with you, which in turn will make them want to go a little further for you thus making your wedding fabulous and a little less stressful.

Rabido – When searching for vendors, let them know you’re shopping. This does two things, first they know you might just be getting started and feeling things out.  Second, they’ll be willing to offer up even more information so that you can be educated when narrowing down your selections.

Rabidon’t – Don’t ignore your vendors.  Whether it’s a potential vendor or one you’ve hired, responding to an email or voicemail within 24 hours isn’t just nice, it’s good business.  The idea that you’re too busy for your own wedding really doesn’t sit well with planners, photographers, DJ’s and venues.  Not responding signals that you don’t care about the efforts they’ve put into helping your wedding dreams come true.

Rabido – When you receive a proposal from a prospective wedding vendor, let them know you’ve received it, will review it and will get back to them in a timely manner.  That acknowledges that you’re keeping them top of mind.

Rabidon’t – Don’t be afraid to ask your prospective wedding vendors if they have any specials or discounts.  Wedding vendors will make concessions to work with you; after all they want the business.

Rabido – Do plan to tip your wedding vendors.  Of course tipping is up to you, but it’s always a nice thing to do.

Rabidon’t – Don’t forget to feed your wedding vendors on the day of your wedding.  Now this doesn’t mean you should set up a table at your reception, but you should arrange with your wedding venue or caterer a place behind the scene to feed them a hot meal.  And NO it’s not okay for the band, photographer, planner or any other vendor to drink at your wedding, but that’s another blog post for another day.

Rabido – And finally do trust your wedding vendors when they dole out advice.  They’ve been doing this a lot longer than you and know what will work and won’t work.

Until next time...

Cheers!