You just had the moment of a lifetime – your proposal. Whether you were the one to get down on one knee, or your partner did for you, the celebration has already begun.
After the initial excitement dies down, the very next step begins – planning!
Where do we start? How are we going to plan an entire wedding? We’ve never even thrown a birthday party!? With the right team and the right experience, this process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Our team has found throughout years of experience that there are two concrete ways to go about choosing the right vendors for your event, and that’s through personal experience or through wedding showcases.
Personal Experience or Reference From a Friend
Have you ever attended a family member or friend’s wedding and said to yourself, ‘Wow, I have to have this type of atmosphere at my event. I need those florals in my venue – and I absolutely need that type of music and entertainment’. Seeing the work vendors do firsthand is one of the best ways to find your perfect team. You’ve gotten a taste of what they can offer, and you know you’ll want it for yourself! Getting vendor references from a trusted friend is also key. They will lead you in the right direction and be able to tell you openly and honestly about their experience with different vendors.
Wedding Showcases
It’s pretty safe to say that this is a unique time in the world for wedding showcases. The majority of this year has consisted of virtual showcases, with in-person slowly making a comeback. How do we continue going about these showcases? This can be an intimidating experience, especially for couples who haven’t hosted a formal event before. Our first piece of advice: Start the process early. This allows you to take your time, removing that (very avoidable) feeling of pressure and chaos. Each showcase will have different vendors, providing a variety of personalities and experience in the industry.
Speaking with a few vendors will give you a solid feel for what they offer. The last thing you’ll want is to feel flustered during a time when you should be excited! Be sure to ask questions or dive into a conversation with available vendors – is there a genuine connection there? Do they seem as though they truly care about their work and their clients’ stories? Will they be able to translate your vision into reality?
There is something truly special in the difference between vendors who do this work for the money, and those who do it with passion for the people they serve. Your vendor should be as invested in your big day as you.
Finally, here are a few additional questions to ask:
- Has this vendor done events at the venue(s) you’re interested in?
- Does this vendor have samples or testimonials to show you?
- What is the vendor’s cancellation policy? Do they accommodate rescheduled events?
Your Key Takeaway
Enjoy each planning piece, and let your vendors take on the heavy lifting. Before you know it, you’ll be waking up on the morning of your wedding day – more than satisfied that you had the right people helping you throughout the entire process – embrace it!
