A comprehensive guide to booking success from a trusted wedding planner
After hearing countless wedding woes, the SAWCY girls are on a mission to arm every couple on our platform with the savvy skills needed to ace their wedding planning game. When it comes to your big day, choosing the right vendors can mean the difference between a dreamy "I do" and a disaster zone. That's why it's crucial to know how to properly vet your wedding vendors. Teaming up with the seasoned wedding planner Zita from 360 Link Events, we've put together a no-nonsense guide that'll have you navigating vendor choices like a pro.
It is no secret that the key to building a trustworthy relationship with a wedding vendor is connection and communication. Zita explains that it is "very important when sourcing or choosing wedding vendors that you connect". Keep in mind that some vendors are with you throughout the entire journey and others you only have to liaise with closer to the time. Clear, concise and detailed communication is crucial to ensure that everyone is on the same page and knows what is happening.
When it comes to selecting your wedding dream team, Zita recommends looking at a style, elements, or feel of a vendor that best suits your vision. It will help relay your concept more seamlessly and avoid extra back and forth. Scan SA Weddings, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for some swoon-worthy inspiration!
Once you've narrowed down your list of preferred vendors, it's time to dive deeper into your research. Take advantage of online platforms to explore their social media presence, peruse reviews and even reach out to couples who have recently enlisted their services to gain firsthand insights into their experience. Thoroughly examine their portfolio of work to gauge the quality and consistency of their output, ensuring it resonates with your vision, style and desired aesthetic. Fortunately, vendors listed on SA Weddings offer a 'LINKED COUPLES' section, allowing you to explore real weddings where your chosen vendor has played a pivotal role. This valuable resource provides a tangible glimpse into their capabilities and how they contribute to bringing wedding dreams to life.
Now the fun part begins, reach out to your shortlisted vendors to schedule meetings and/or consultations. Use this opportunity to discuss your vision, ask questions about their services and assess their compatibility with your personalities and preferences. Enquire about their experience, have they worked at your chosen venue before, how their pricing works, what their services cover, how they like to work, date availability, contracts and cancellation policies to name a few. Should you decide to go ahead, review all contracts and paperwork with a fine toothed comb ensuring they include all agreed-upon services, timelines and any clauses regarding unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.
You know the age old saying, if something doesn't feel right then it probably isn't. Take this piece of advice very literally, trust your instincts when selecting wedding vendors. If something feels off or if you're not entirely comfortable with a vendor, it may be best to explore other options.
Once you've settled on your chosen vendors, it's time to dot the i's and cross the t's. Reach out to them to confirm all the nitty-gritty details, iron out those contracts, agree on payment terms and make sure your date is firmly locked in. Keeping the lines of communication open throughout the planning journey is key to avoiding any hiccups along the way. Zita reccomends asking these key pointers once you're ready to move onto the next phase:
1. Are you available?
2. Provide all the details for an accurate quote (date, venue, time, no of guests, no of bridal party, look & feel, colour scheme, most importantly budget)
3. Ask for a formal quote
4. Get 3 quotes to compare your top 3 vendors per service
5. Most importantly pay a deposit and get proof that payment has been received and your date is secured.
6. Get back into contact 6-8 weeks before your wedding date.
Luckily, Zita has put together a handy vendor screening guide to keep you on track every step of the way. With this trusty guide by your side, you can make your decisions confidently and look forward to the best day ever!
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