Points to Remember



 
  • Book early! Many service providers are booked a year or more in advance - especially during the ever-popular months of June through September.
  • Ask for referrals from everyone you know who has been involved in planning a recent wedding. Most people will be glad to share their experiences with you and will offer any insights they have picked up in the process.
  • Other good bets include professional organizations, the Better Business Bureau, your local chamber of commerce, the Internet and other wedding professionals.
  • Always check with the Better Business Bureau if you have any questions or concerns about doing business with a certain vendor.
  • Complete your Budget Worksheet before you begin meeting with anyone!
  • Once you have some referrals, you'll want to interview your best prospects by phone. You can exclude the ones that are not available on your day or who are located too far away. Ask remaining prospects to send you references and any literature in advance. This will give you an indication of their services and allow you to check those references.
  • Avoid any vendor who hesitates to give you names and numbers of references.
  • Your goal is to find wedding professionals who will understand your vision and can suggest ways to tailor their services to meet your style and budget. So ask lots of questions!
  • Your prospects should quiz you as well. Answer them as honestly and completely as you can. You'll get far better service if the vendor understands your needs and expectations.
  • Schedule another meeting as soon as you've settled on a vendor. This is the time to finalize all details - in writing! Make sure your contract lists all service details including: when, what, where and how much. You should also be comfortable with the provisions for any changes or cancellations.
  • The contract should be as specific as possible. For example, your floral contract should refer to more than flowers. It should list the exact number and types of arrangements as well as the blooms and greenery to be used in each.
  • Ask to take a day or so to read over a contract before signing it.
  • Any changes made after the initial signing should be added to the contract along with new signatures and signing date.
  • Most vendors will require a deposit to hold your date once you have signed the contract. Think carefully about your choices before placing deposits since most are nonrefundable.
  • Consider using credit cards to pay vendors. You will have a much better chance of getting a refund later on if there is a problem or dispute. And many credit cards will allow you to earn points towards everything from long distance calling minutes to frequent flyer miles.
  • Provide service providers with a schedule of wedding-day events plus the addresses, contact names and phone numbers of all the other vendors.
  • Don't let the "pros" boss you around. Yes, you are paying them for their expertise and services, but remember - they are working for you!


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