How to Work With Wedding Vendors

These are the folks who will help you orchestrate your dream day and may even make your planning easier. Choose them with care, and keep the lines of communication wide open.

Instructions

STEP 1: Find good vendors by shopping around. Talk to family and friends, and especially ask for references from newlywed couples.

STEP 2: Call your local Better Business Bureau and check for consumer complaints filed against vendors you're considering.

STEP 3: Schedule meetings with each vendor and ask a lot of detailed questions to get an idea of the services they offer and the style in which they offer them.

STEP 4: Get all the details - that is, final agreements and estimates - in writing and keep two copies of each contract, signed and dated by you and the vendor.

STEP 5: Pay with a credit card, which can offer some protection if certain promises aren't kept.

STEP 6: Make necessary deposits and keep all receipts.

STEP 7: Contact your vendors periodically prior to the event to make sure things are on schedule and that nothing slips through the cracks.

STEP 8: Confirm all arrangements two weeks before the wedding.

STEP 9: Express your gratitude at the end of the big day with an appropriate monetary tip and perhaps a fine bottle of wine.

Tips & Warnings

--Negotiate your contract - get them to lower their price or throw in extra perks.
--Speak up and be explicit - it's your responsibility to make your expectations known.

 

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