Do your due diligence!

By far this tip is one that EVERY bride should take heed off.

I have heard so many horror stories from brides and many stem from BAD vendors. They range from vendors not showing up, providing subpar services, cheating the couple of their money, were dishonest and so much more. Something no couple should ever have to experience.  As I have said before, the wedding industry is like every other industry, it has its down side.

I hate to speak negatively when it comes to vendors, because so many out there are AMAZING  and TALENTED individuals. But those few BAD APPLES do exist and I feel obligated to warn brides of these types of vendors.

When I ask brides how it came to be that they hired this particular BAD vendor 9 times out of 10 I get one of the following answers:

1.  One of my friends recommended him/her.

It seems perfectly fine to take the word of a friend, because you’d like to hope they wouldn’t point you in the wrong direction. But it is possible your friend is the only person that has had a good experience with the vendor. Even BAD vendors can have a good day.

You need to gather a good sample of clients for that particular vendor. You want to know what more than one bride had to say about the vendor and the vendor’s services.

2.  It was the first person I found on the internet when I searched ______.

The first vendor that shows up in your search isn’t necessarily the best choice. Where a vendor is located on a search has nothing to do with the quality of work they provide. So jot down a few of the names that appear and begin your research.

3.  Another vendor recommended them.

Taking the recommendation from another vendor seems like the best thing to do, but not necessarily.

Now, this is a tough one, because I myself am a vendor and I recommend fellow vendors all the time. I only recommend honest vendors with a strict work ethic. With that said, even when I make a recommendation I expect brides to do their own research.

Some vendors don’t hold the same high standards as I do when it comes to recommendations.  They may offer you a name of someone they have never met, worked with, or are poorly informed about.

Another problem that arises is the fact that some vendors receive monetary compensation for recommendations. So they are less likely to care about the quality of work a vendor provides, because they are getting a cut for their recommendations.

Most vendors want to help you through this incredibly wonderful journey, but you must educate yourself , as well.

4.  They were offering a “good” deal at a wedding show/expo, so we booked them on sight.

A wedding can be very expensive and if you are able to save, of course, you should take advantage of it.  But don’t be quick to make a decision.  Everyone loves a “good” deal, but be sure it is truly a deal.

Be sure you are booking the vendor, because you LOVE their work, feel comfortable with him/her, and feel they are going to be a wonderful addition to your vendor list. Don’t book them just because they are cheaper.

5. I met them at a wedding show/expo.

I do recommend it is best to meet with the vendor you plan to book at least once, but don’t just book them because you met them face to face.

There aren’t any restrictions when it comes to the quality of vendor that participates in a wedding show/expo.  Even at a wedding show/expo you may find vendors that provide subpar services or are dishonest etc.

Do your homework! After a wedding show/expo gather all the business cards and begin to do your internet search. Look at their website, Facebook page, reviews etc.

These all seem like perfectly fine ways of finding a vendor, and they are, but not alone.  These are ways to gather names of possible vendors and doing your due diligence is the second and most important part.  Once you have done your research you will be able to make a more informed decision.