Did you hire the vendors that are best for YOU?

I can't tell you how many times I have received an e-mail from a bride

wanting to know more about my services and before I can call them back,

they hired the first person that returned their phone call. So many brides

rush into making choices on their wedding vendors without choosing the

vendor that best suits them.

Your story doesn't have to sound this way! You can have the perfect

vendors for your wedding without feeling like you spent too much time

researching them...hire a seasoned wedding consultant.

So how do you know if you’ve chosen the right vendors? You came into this not really knowing much about wedding prices or what to expect from wedding vendors. You work a full-time job and are going to school and simply don’t have the time to research all of them and read every wedding book there is on the topic. Let me help you with 5 simple tips!

1) Do they make you feel comfortable?

This is the most critical part of choosing the right wedding consultant.

This means they should be prepared for your meeting, familiar with the

details you’ve already shared with them, some idea of what they can do

for you to make your wedding perfect and a good solid contract that outlines

exactly when and where your event is and what exactly they are doing to

serve you. Not that they have to have the best sense of humor, but you should

enjoy their company and want to work with them when you leave. Being in their

presence should put a smile on your face and put you at ease.

2) Do they seem to understand your vision?

Being understood is a huge part of knowing that your wedding will go exactly as

you wish. Were they paying attention to you throughout your meeting or were they

distracted? Are they excited about working with you or do you feel like just another

bride with them? If you have to correct miscommunication frequently or don’t feel

like they are paying attention while you are speaking, this is not a good sign.

A good rule of thumb is that they should always be repeating back to you their

understanding of what you want for a confirmation that they are on the right track.

3) Do they have a quality product?

In many of these businesses, the product is not simply what they are making or

the final outcome of their services. Their product is also themselves. They should

be professional, well dressed and make a good impression at every meeting and

on every phone call. If they are ever disrespectful or bossy, this is not the right vendor

for you. If they are acting in ways or are dressed in ways that shock or offend you,

this is not the right vendor for you.

On top of the impression they give you of the business, their products should be

award-winning as well. Make sure you can see or sample their products and make

sure to check those references before committing to anyone!

4) Are they within your budget for that area?

You don’t have a budget!! This is definitely the time to put one together! EVERYONE

has a budget, even if you think you don't! If you say you don't have a budget and you

tell you vendors that you don't have a budget, the first thing that comes to mind it to

make this wedding over the top! Once you see the number associated with "over the top"

you will realize that you do in fact have a budget. Budgets don't mean that you don't have

money to spend...budgets mean that you would like to stay within a certain dollar figure

and you won't have to cash in your families retirement to pay for it. All of the vendors that

we work with will tell you what areas to cut back on but still get the same look at feel.

5) Do they seem to have your best interests in mind?

When all of these areas come together, you should feel really good about those

people you have hired. They make you feel comfortable, they understand your

vision, have quality products, and have stayed within your budget. Are they willing

to suggest ways to save money? Are they willing to suggest great vendors to you

that also fit all of these characteristics? Do they seem comfortable around you and

treat you like you are valuable to their business? Do they do everything in their power

to give you a good impression and make you happy? If you were able to answer no

to any of the above criteria, it may be time to rethink your vendor decisions.

If you are interested in learning more about Alred Wedding Consultants, please

feeel free to call us to set up a no obligation consultation.