How to pick your vendors: Part 1

How to pick your wedding vendors…

Here is something we can all relate to.... We all have our own professions whether it is waiting tables or planning weddings, being a surgeon or a tax preparer...we all have something that we are innately good at, that fills our need to succeed and helps make us who we are. With that said, with every profession we assume that every one we speak to know the basics on how our world turns, but this is definitely not the case. I always find myself explaining things in "kindergarten" terms when it comes to weddings...the same way I would want someone in the IT world to explain their profession to me. I know it sounds silly, but many of us assume that our clients will know the ins and outs of our professions...which are hardly the case. So this week I thought I would explain the ins and outs of picking your vendors...in a way that we can all understand.  

Today we will start with finding your venue. Here are a few tips that should help you make one of the harder decisions in the world of wedding planning. 

First up, Your Venue…

Top image courtesy of James Christianson, Bottom Image courtesy of Scott Hayne

Tip:

Have a preliminary guest count created before you meet or visit any wedding venues.

Why:

If you have a preliminary guest count of 250 friends and family members, why look at a venue that only holds up to 100 guests?

Tip:

Make sure to have a clear idea of the vibe you are envisioning for your big day.

Why:

Why look at an art museum if you your dream day consists of sea shells and water...

Tip:

Have a comprehensive list of what is important to you.

Why:

If you have a specific caterer that you’d like to use make sure to pick a venue that can accommodate your own caterer or if you most of your guests come from out of town don’t pick a venue that doesn’t have overnight accommodations nearby.

Tip:

Think about your guests.

Why:

If you have elderly guests or guests with disabilities it would be considered rude to pick a venue where getting to the reception room includes steps, sand or other hazards.

Tip:

Budget, Budget, Budget.

Why:

If you are working with limited funds you should pick a venue that does not charge an additional room rental fee…extra costs (or hidden fees) can really take away from your overall budget.