So, you’re about to get engaged. First off, congrats! Secondly, are you ready for the avalanche of “So when’s the wedding?!” from every relative you’ve ever met (and some you haven’t)?
Before you even have a ring on your finger, you’re knee-deep in Pinterest boards, comparing floral arrangements like it’s an Olympic sport, and dodging your great-aunt’s unsolicited opinions on buffet-style dinners. But let’s be real, the wedding-industrial complex is a beast, and before you even start planning your dream day, you need to lock down the right vendors.
Not to be dramatic, but choosing the wrong vendor is like picking the wrong foundation shade, by the time you realize your mistake, it’s too late, and you’re stuck with awkwardly orange wedding photos for eternity. So, let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. Here’s how to choose your vendors without losing your sanity (or your fiancé).
1. Define Your Vibe (Before Your Mom Does It for You)
Are you envisioning a rustic barn wedding with twinkle lights and mason jars? Or do you want a chic rooftop soirée with an open bar that’ll make your guests forget the cost of their flights? Before you start DMing every vendor in your city, get clear on your aesthetic.
Because if you don’t, you’ll end up with a wedding that looks like your mom designed it in 1987 (think ruffled bridesmaid dresses and a fondant cake no one actually wants to eat).
Pro Tip: Make a secret Pinterest board unless you want everyone in your life sending you links to “help.”
2. Stalk (ahem, Research) Vendors Like It’s Your Job
Your FBI-level Instagram stalking skills have never been more useful. Go beyond the picture-perfect curated photos and read the reviews. And I don’t mean just the five-star ones, dig into the one-star horror stories for the tea.
If a DJ has multiple reviews saying, “He played ‘Macarena’ five times in a row,” consider that a red flag. If a florist’s reviews mention, “My bouquet arrived looking like a gas station special,” maybe swipe left on that one.
Pro Tip: Don’t just rely on their Instagram. Check wedding forums, Facebook groups, and even Reddit (yes, Wedding Reddit is a thing, and it’s gold).
3. Schedule Consultations, And Pay Attention to the Red Flags
A vendor consultation is basically a first date. If they show up late, forget your name, or give off serious “I ghosted my last three clients” energy, trust your gut.
Also, watch out for the classic “Bride? What bride?” syndrome, where they direct all their attention to your fiancé because they assume he’s making the decisions (LOL). If they can’t respect that you’re the CEO of this operation, next!
Pro Tip: If they can’t answer “What’s your backup plan if something goes wrong?” RUN.
4. Beware of the “Wedding Tax”
Did you know that the word “wedding” instantly inflates prices by 3000%? Try this experiment: Call a bakery and ask for a “white frosted cake” for a party. Then call back and ask for a “wedding cake.” If the second price makes you want to throw your phone into the ocean, welcome to the club.
The trick? See if vendors offer “event pricing” instead of “wedding pricing.” If not, negotiate like you’re bartering at a flea market in Marrakesh.
Pro Tip: Always ask, “What’s included in the price?” Some vendors will charge extra for things like cake cutting (which is just… using a knife?).
5. Ask for Receipts (a.k.a. Contracts, Always Contracts)
I don’t care how sweet and trustworthy your photographer/florist/caterer seems, if they’re not giving you a written contract, they might as well be a magician because poof, your deposit will disappear.
Make sure contracts include:
- A clear cancellation policy
- What happens if they bail (because life happens)
- Every single service they promised (so they don’t conveniently “forget” later)
Pro Tip: Read the fine print. Otherwise, you’ll be the girl who assumed she was getting a six-tier cake and ended up with a glorified cupcake.
6. Get Recommendations From People Who Get You
Your cousin’s best friend’s neighbor might swear by her wedding planner, but unless that person’s taste aligns with yours, take it with a grain of salt. Instead, ask your most stylish, Type-A friends (you know, the ones who already have their wedding spreadsheet even though they’re single) for their top vendor picks.
Also, ask married couples you trust: “If you could redo one vendor choice, who would it be?” Because trust me, everyone has one.
Pro Tip: If multiple people in your circle recommend the same vendor, that’s a good sign. If multiple people warn you about someone? Girl, believe them.
Final Thoughts (Because You’ve Got a Wedding to Daydream About)
Look, finding vendors isn’t always fun. It’s like online dating, you swipe (scroll), match (email), and hope for the best. But with a little research, some deep detective work, and a healthy dose of skepticism, you’ll find the perfect team to bring your dream wedding to life.
So go forth, future bride, and may your vendors be talented, your contracts be ironclad, and your wedding hashtag be the punniest thing the internet has ever seen.
What’s been your biggest vendor struggle so far? Drop your stories in the comments so we can all laugh (and cry) together!