Picking the Right Vendor: 5 Things to Find Out

Selecting the right wedding vendor can be a hectic task. There are so many options, yet you can’t find the information you need about the professionals you’re interested in. Rule of thumb: when somebody stands out to you for whatever reason, reach out to them with a few specific questions about what they do, and see where they take it from there. Here are five things you’ll want to find out about your wedding vendor:

1. Their Experience

Brides feel it leading up to the big day, and so do wedding professionals: there are so many details that go into making a one-off event like a wedding run smoothly. You’ll have your rehearsal with the wedding party, but your vendors won’t get that dry run. They are required to show up the day of the event and execute their job flawlessly, taking into account a venue they may never have been in, clients they have never worked with, and guests they’ve never served. You’ll want to verify that your vendors are as professional as they say they are, and it’s mostly just a question of time and frequency: how long they’ve been working in the wedding industry, and how many events they do a year.

2. Their Testimonials

It’s my favorite line: Nobody can describe a vendor better than somebody who has already paid for their services. You’ll want to hear first hand from past brides and other clients what their experience working with your vendor was like. Look for descriptive words and specific instances of how the vendor went out of his/her way to make the event exceptional. That’s the kind of service you want!

3. Their Attention

OK, so maybe your vendor happens to be out on an event or “on vacation” when you first make contact. That’s understandable. But generally speaking, if your vendor really cares about securing your business, he or she will get back to you in some way within 24 hours, even if it’s just to say that they received the message and will be sending more information as soon as they can. If you’re waiting days at a time between correspondence, think about how much worse it will be once the contract is actually signed. Also, don’t settle for a vendor who is only meeting some of your needs. Ask them if they can adjust their offering to fit your vision for the event. If they can’t or are unwilling, put them on the back burner and keep looking.

4. Their Talent

It’s what drew you to them in the first place. For most vendors, it should be obvious at first look whether they fit within your specific vision. But don’t be so quick to go running to a one-trick pony; be wary of vendors who only seem to excel at one style or technique. At the initial stages of picking a vendor, you might not know exactly what you want yet. You’ll want to work with somebody who can give you a variety of options, or perhaps create something entirely new based on what you work out together. The truly talented wedding professional is a flexible one who knows how to create good results with a variety of different factors.

4. Their Price Tag

Don’t be afraid to ask! Vendors love to pretend like money is an afterthought, but it really isn’t. You probably know what your budget is, and your vendor knows what he or she is worth. Don’t try to low ball a vendor just to get a good deal – ask them up front what they charge. If their price is too high, let them know what you can spend. They will either meet you at your price point, ask if you can meet somewhere in the middle, or let you know that they can’t offer services for that amount. No harm done, and most importantly – no BS!

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get the responses you want from your top choices. As you continue your vendor search, you might decide that somebody who didn’t look as appealing at first is actually a perfect fit for you. WeddingWire, GigSalad, and Borrowed & Blue are all great resources for you to contact top vendors in your area.

Ben Mallare

An Annapolis, Maryland native, Ben Mallare has provided live musical entertainment for hundreds of couples, families and companies since 2012. In 2014, Ben developed Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment into what it is today: a full-service private events entertainment agency with over 35 musicians performing 75 weddings and events each year. The company is a natural result of Ben’s aptitude for musical performance combined with a deep love of personal service. Ben currently lives in Glendale, California and most looks forward to the new brides and grooms he’ll get to meet in the coming year.

Looking for unique, live musical entertainment that will fit both your vision and your budget? Get a quick quote from Ben at www.benmallare.com.