Choosing The Best Vendors for Your Wedding

So, you’ve chosen your wedding date and found your perfect venue? Next comes the process of finding the right vendors to help make your big day the best it can be.

First, determine what is most important to both of you. Some couples must have fresh flowers in the bouquets while some are fine with silk. Others might not have much of an opinion one way or the other about specialty linens but having a DJ who can really engage with the guests and keep the dance floor packed is their number one concern. Knowing what parts of the wedding are priorities for you and your partner helps you assign what portion of the budget for which vendor.

Know what you need. Some venues, such as Michaud’s, already have event coordinators and banquet managers on staff. Other venues have a ‘preferred vendors’ list of companies that they work with exclusively. Find out what, if anything, your venue supplies or if they have any stipulations before you put deposits down for your own.

Meet them in person. It’s important to keep in mind that compatibility is key: do you think a particular DJ is obnoxious? Or a photographer is pushy? Does their style or personality mesh well with yours? If the person doing the consultation with you won’t be there on your wedding day, then ask to meet the person who will. They should always have examples, photos and videos of their work available for you to view. They should never ask you to come to someone else’s wedding to view their work – chances are, they’ll do the same at yours and would you really want strangers showing up at your ceremony or reception? Make sure that not only you are able to communicate your wants and needs, but also that the vendor is listening to you and understanding your expectations. A professional will be able to tell you up front if they are unable to reconcile their part of your vision with your budget.

As important as it is that they understand your needs, make sure that you fully understand their contract. If you have questions about any part of their policy, they should be able to answer them clearly and concisely. Pay particular attention to their cancellation or date change policy; if the need for either arises, you’ll want to know what your
options are ahead of time.

Are they familiar with your ceremony and reception venues? If not, are they willing and able to meet with you at your venues ahead of time? Also, how quickly do they return your calls, emails or texts? Do they answer any questions that you may have in a timely manner?

Overall, do your homework – Read their reviews on multiple websites, but take them with a grain of salt. Chances are if a review outlines every single detail of the day and it seems like that particular vendor could do nothing right from the moment they walked in the door, there was more going on than just a disappointing DJ or wedding cake. Instead, look for any key issues that seem to come up again and again, such as showing up late or taking too long to return calls.

Bottom line: go with your gut. If you’re uncomfortable with any of the company’s policies or if you simply don’t feel like you’re being listened to, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

Visit the Bridal Show page on our website for vendor information and web links. Come to Michaud’s Catering & Event Center annual Bridal Show on Saturday, January 12, 2019 to meet some of Northeast Ohio’s best wedding vendors!