Hello beautiful brides! My name is Katie and I write a little blog called Lovebird Productions. I am so grateful to be sharing with you today.
Photo Source: Style Me Pretty via Forever Photography Studio
A majority of the people that you will come in contact with when wedding planning are vendors. Any given day you will talk to your florist, taste test food with the cater and email your photographer. These relationships are built and maintained in the middle of a hectic but very exciting time. Why not make sure you are doing your part in helping your vendors?
After my wedding I realized that the wedding life wasn’t complete for me. I decided to quit my day job and start filming weddings. Growing a small business and becoming a vendor taught me a lot of important lessons for both the bride and professional. I thought I would share a few ways to help build your relationship with each vendor:
1. Initial Contact. When you first meet your vendor be prepared. Whether you are reviewing their services for a possible spot amongst your other wedding vendor or finalizing a few details, make sure you are on your A-game. As a vendor we want you to ask questions. Their are times I will not cover a topic and a bride will wait until we leave to email me a question. This is fine but I want you to be comfortable. One thing I like to work towards is a friendship after the wedding.
Be on time. This is important for all of life’s lessons. Your vendor is making time for you as you are for them so make sure you get there on time. You should always feel confident in any professional that you hire. If the vendor isn’t giving you the warm fuzzies or you are not connecting with them you may try searching for other options. Politely thank them for their time, secure another vendor but be sure to let the other one know. A kind email saying you went in another direction is okay as long as you are tactful and send it in a decent follow up time period.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask. I tell brides at our first get together to ask whatever they want. Are my cameras HD? Yes. Are you going to be dressed in a nice outfit or casual work clothes? Dressy attire. Are you going to need lunch provided on the day of my wedding? Yes. A sister has got to eat. All kidding aside, when a bride quizzes me it makes me feel better about our relationship and the ultimate goal, to create the best wedding possible just for you.
3. Be honest. I say this point with caution. Your honesty is needed but be sure to be kind also. If you are confused on a topic or you have a suggestion let us know. Every vendor you hire wants to provide you with the best services and your honesty is important along with your signature style. A cater may have served grilled chicken at every reception they have been apart of but if that isn’t your style politely let them know. They are a professional and can scratch the chicken and add in the baked potato bar. Have you ever been to a reception with a baked potato bar? I haven’t either but a girl can dream.
4. Keep in touch and correspond promptly. A lot of vendor selection is done months before the wedding. Feel free to keep in contact with your vendor throughout your planning process. A good vendor will be doing the same. Build a relationship with your vendor. We love the company!
5. You get what you pay for. I know that every bride hears this but to an extent it is true. You may not want to save by not letting a videographer but Uncle Jim isn’t a professional. Remember wedding vendors make a living in their field of expertise. I am not saying that you should break the bank hiring a wedding planner, five-star cater and Shakira to perform at your reception but you should be willing to pay for business services. Getting what you paid for doesn’t mean spending a fortune. It means that you spent your budget wisely on professionals who do excellent work. Let family and friends enjoy your big day not bake 200 cupcakes the morning of the wedding.
6. Give us all the details. This is true for every type of vendor whether a florist, DJ or fire breather (a bit of a stretch…ha!) We want to know exactly what to expect, anticipate and prepare for. If your groom’s best man typically drinks too much and wants to crash the stage, let the band members know. Point out the problem so they can be ready with the solution.
If you want a vendor to be at a certain place waiting with a certain item then let us know! The more you communicate the better. Keep in mind that you should communicate like a normal person but none the less talk to us. A good vendor will be asking questions as well. If you don’t let us know your expectations then we cannot satisfy them.
7. We can’t drink so don’t bother. I love a glass of wine now and then but not while I am working. If a vendor is working all day remember to provide a nice lunch or refreshments for them. With most brides I work with require me to be with them all day (which I love) but by 10 pm at night while you all are dancing I am still working. I would love to have a glass of pinot and chat but there is still filming to be done. I am very grateful, as I am sure many vendors are for brides who are giving. You all rock but the booze has to wait for another time.
8. If they did their job well let everyone know. Hey, we need business. If I am successful at my job pass along the news to others. Submit reviews. Thank the vendor and hand out there business card at your next wine tasting. We are always looking for new and exciting brides. Hearing from a former bride just how wonderful the vendor is can be the icing on the cake for a new bride.
I hope these tips helped and make you confident to meet with each vendor you hire. Wedding planning is fun, stressful, chaotic, tiring, exciting and a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t lose sight of the main goal. You are marrying the love of your life. If a detail is out of place, who cares? You are now a Mrs!
You can find more posts by Katie on her blog. Be sure to follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook as well! 
This is great advice, Katie!