Mistake 1 - Lack of Vendor Research
So what does this mean? It's simple - most brides fail to do their home work on the vendors they want to work with them for their wedding. Following the proposal - comes the ring, then the date, then the dress or the wedding venue and the list goes on and on. The problem is most brides get all excited about "the details" and fail to commit to a special time to research their dream wedding vendor.
So a bride picks up a magazine, goes online and starts making calls to vendors. The truth is the best wedding vendors get very booked and very quickly too! Before you pick up the phone - gather all the photos, tear outs and web pages of vendors that fit your style for the wedding service you are needing and then compile a list of your best 3 to best 5 vendors per category (if you want that many options). From this first list - narrow down the options to your best 2. Find out as much information as possible regarding these 2 vendors. For instance -
- Appointments - Does this vendor require an appointment for you to see them - Top wedding vendors are usually very particular about appointments and really like to commit special attention to a client who has done so. As a top wedding vendor my self, voted Houston's Best in Wedding Invitations (for which I am truly honored) - I have had to turn brides away who showed up without an appointment because I was working with another Bride who did. It really breaks my heart to do so but I have to honor my word and time to the bride who made the extra effort to find out how our company works.
- Pricing - Find out what you can regarding the price points for services offered by this wedding vendor. The fact is - you may not be able to obtain exact pricing for what you are wanting but see if you can obtain a general idea from friends, family, internet etc. This will help you know if this wedding vendor fits within the budget you have allocated for that service. Another great idea would be - visit this wedding vendors web site for more details, attend bridal shows that feature this top wedding vendor so you can ask questions in an informal setting.
- Availability - Find out if this vendor is available - You can place a call to these vendors asking about availability for your proposed wedding date. Make it a simple quick call no strings attached. After all, before you set all your heart on them you want to know if they even have room to work with you. Do not ask for a quote at this point - It is a little premature to do so. Top wedding vendors usually don't like to provide quotes for the particular service you want after only knowing you for 2 minutes! (More on this to come in Mistake #2).
Believe me it would be worth your time and money to do your research. If you want the absolute best to work with you - make sure you do your absolute best to get to know of them - Do your home work! Find out all you can before the formal meeting - After all you deserve only the best for your special day!
Sincerely Yours,
Vivian J. Adeniyi | Event House

