There are so many talented people in the world and we are lucky to have so many right here in Utah. Check out our Soiree Preferred Wedding Vendor Gallery for your vendors. We guarantee you won’t go wrong. These are professionals in the field of event planning that we go to when we plan our own events.
Today we’re going to make some suggestions for making sure you find the right vendors for your event.
1. Referrals: The recommendation from a venue, friend, or on googlemaps can be all you need!
Ask around! As a vendor, the greatest compliment a client can give is the referral to a friend. A referral speaks for itself both positively and negatively. Don’t simply rely on a vendor’s website or brochure. If you heard a vendor is great, find out for yourself.
2. Interview/References: If you don’t have a referral or even if you do, find out for yourself.
Just because your neighbor thought the vendor was a good one maybe you’ll feel differently. Meet with the vendor and ask your questions. Personality is important. Make sure it is a good fit. Call former clients and ask the main question: “What would you change about your vendor?” Every vendor will list only references who they know will be positive. So ask…I guarantee there is SOMETHING everyone would change and make sure you can live with the fact the vendor didn’t know or do that!
3. What does your package include?
Get all of the information BEFORE you sign the contracts! Ask for details, menus that are included in your package, a la carte pricing for photos, food, bar menu. Pricing for a la carte photos just in case your friends and family want their own snapshops. There are so many questions that you need answered. Don’t rely on the samples you are given. Ask for the details to be written in your contract. Don’t rely on a verbal agreement because you never know if that person who made the promises will still be working your event when the time comes. Look out for your best interest. Ask when the final product will be delivered. Who will work your wedding day? How many staff members will be there?
4. Don’t pay in full: Never pay for your services in full!
Expect to pay a 50% deposit when you book your vendor. Depending on how far out you have booked the vendor, they might even require you to submit a second deposit. Don’t pay in full until your wedding day or at least the week of your event. Many vendors will offer you a discount if you pay in full at the time of booking. Even though the savings might be tempting, don’t! Things happen on both sides and it’s best not to have to ask for the refund.
5. Meet with your Vendors:
Meet your vendors at least 30 days prior to your wedding. Make sure you are all on the same page with your expectations and provide each vendor with a detailed timeline outlining your expectations for arrival, strike, etc…
6. Follow Up: Don’t wait for your wedding vendor to contact you after your event. Reach out to them and ask how things went.
Try to get a few photos prior to the proofs. This will keep the day alive and keep you in anticipation of seeing the entire day on film (or digitally). Maybe your videographer will share a 3 minute clip of the wedding day. There is no need to wait 6-12 weeks to get a glimpse!
Stay tuned for more advise from our Soiree Productions wedding planners. We’ve heard it all and seen it all! Have a question? Email your questions to us at info@soireeproductions.com or call us to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll point you in the right direction. We’re happy to help!