Today’s topic is very straightforward, so I’m going to get straight to it! In a consultation, Heather and I openly and fully encourage you meeting multiple vendors before deciding on one for your wedding day. What we fail to mention is that there is a polite way to go about vendor shopping. We support getting the bang for your buck, but you must remember a few things:
(Budget)
Your manners. This should be easy. Be kind and courteous when talking to vendors. Yes. You are paying for this wedding and their services. But, this is their livelihood…aka their job or career. They are living and providing for other people in their lives just like you, your fiancé, and your parents.
Flexibility. Professionals are usually flexible and easy to work with, so you should be too! It’s important to get quotes from vendors summarizing what you want and how much it will cost to have it. Quotes are pretty much adjustable up until a few weeks before your wedding day. Also, most vendors understand and expect you to want to change a few things and make adjustments. This is normal. Don’t think that the initial quote will be what you are stuck with, it’s usually flexible!
Sharing. This is regarding quotes. The name of the game for many brides is to get what you want for the least amount of money. This is totally fine. However, there is a way to go about this. It’s just NOT okay to share a quote with another vendor to see if they can undercut the price. It’s tacky. It isn’t a good look, ladies.
Instead of sharing a quote, schedule a meeting with another vendor. During the meeting, explain your vision and what you’d like and also include your budget. Have a conversation with the vendor about what’s possible with the amount of money you are comfortable spending. The vendor will then create a custom quote based on that meeting. AFTER that meeting, you and your fiancé sit down, review both quotes, and see which one is the best fit for your style and budget.
That’s the secret to vendor shopping. Does this take more time than getting one quote and emailing it out to other vendors to see who can do it for cheaper? Yes. But this is the proper and polite way to do it. This is also the smartest way because if you email a vendor quote out to have vendors bid on who can do it for less, then 9 times out of 10, you will have no one respond back to your request…you will look bad, and no one wants that. We are glad to help match you with the best vendors that will fit your budget and style so your vendor shopping is easy!
These vendors are helping you create one of the most memorable days of your life, remember that.