6 Ways to Hire the Best Wedding Pros
How do you find the right matches for you? How do you know who to trust? Where do you turn for advice?
Well, I recommend starting with a wedding planner :) BUT... read on for a few more tips and some advice
First of all, this is not an easy task and it is completely normal for couples to feel overwhelmed, frustrated and confused. COMPLETELY normal. This is your one and only wedding and it is not like you plan one every day! This is all probably brand new to you, so take a deep breath and read on.
Photo: Courtesy of Jonathon Campbell Photography
Working with a wedding planner eliminates the need to do this with each vendor you need (do you know how many vendors were required to create the event shown in this collage? Ten. TEN! And that doesn't even cover the ceremony or catering...). However, these things still apply when looking for your planner!
A few tips that can assist you in finding the right vendors for you...
1) Do Your Homework. You will get much more out of a meeting or conversation with a wedding professional if you do a little info checking first.
Spend some time on established chat rooms with recent brides or talking to friends who've recently been married. Find out the average prices in your area and what services are available. So many brides are "blown away" when they receive quotes because they have no idea of general costs. Get an idea of what you like and don't like. This way when you meet with a wedding professional you'll be able to ask more defined questions and have an idea of what to look out for.
2) Meet With Them. An in person meeting is the best way to interview a potential wedding vendor. It lets you get the full experience of their personality, style and professionalism as well as how they interact with you. If that's not possible, have a phone conversation at least.
3) Ask Questions.
There are no stupid questions! No really, I mean it! Be sure you get clear, specific answers to your questions. If you are not sure what something means, ask them to clarify. Keep asking questions until you completely understand.
If a wedding vendor has a problem with you asking questions, they probably aren't the one for you. The best wedding professionals are patient, understanding and take the time to help you make the best choices for your wedding.
4) Listen. Don't just hear the words they say, really listen. Watch the vendor's body language. Are they confident and comfortable with their response? Do they look and sound nervous? Do you get a "funny feeling" about them? Take all the sights, sounds and feelings into account along with their verbal responses; if your gut tells you something isn't right, it probably isn't.
5) Check References. Portfolios are hand-picked to show off the best work (duh, you wouldn't put silly things on your resume, would you?!), but they may not represent the "average" wedding performance. Videos are edited for the optimum presentation. Real referrals from satisfied clients are hard to fake.
Call up both past client and professional references. Ask questions and use those listening skills.
You can also search websites for reviews. Check the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding complaints against the business. Weigh all of this information into your choices.
Tomorrow? Check back for 8 Questions to ask ALL your potential wedding vendors :)
Visit us at A Music City Event or call 615.727.3903
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