Tip - Follow Up With Vendors

A blog we stalk....Anderson-Green Events touched on the very sensitive subject of follow through with vendors. While we all expect the same level of professionalism across the board, sometimes misguiding vendors slip through the cracks. Lisa touched on this subject in a recent blog post and we agree, if you're not hearing from your vendors, they need to hear from you. Check out her original post here.

Photo provided by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Tip - Protect Your Investment

Disclaimer: This post is not to scare you, it's purpose is to prepare you.

During this trying time in the economy you need to realize that there are wedding industry professionals that may not make it through this ebb and flow. You need to protect your investment in your wedding in as many ways as possible. We have heard many horror stories recently of couples that have lost their money and ordered products due to businesses forced to shut down. The repercussions are great at times, if there's not enough money or time to get things reordered before the wedding date.

Ways that you can protect yourself are:

1. Invest in wedding insurance.
2. Do not pay for items with cash (use a credit card preferably or check).
3. Work with professionals that have been in business for a number of years (those in business for 5+ years may have experienced economic ebb and flow before).
4. Choose professionals that your other contracted vendors recommend. (Most professionals know the news of who's going to be closing doors in their area before the public does.)
5. Be cautious when selecting a professional because they're offering the lowest price. They could be dropping their prices because they're attempting to bring in any business to help them stay afloat. (This isn't always the case, but just be cautious.)

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - It Doesn't Hurt To Ask

If you have found a professional that you would love to work with, but your budget is lower than the packages they offer, be honest and ask for options before moving on. By letting the vendor know that you prefer to work with them over their competitors and informing them of what your budget constraints are, they may be willing to work with you to create a package that fits within your budget. If their service costs really don't allow them to come down on price, they will be honest and usually refer someone that can meet your spending goals.Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Referral A No, No

If you're meeting with a vendor and ask them for professional referrals in other areas and all they tell you are the current gossip about other vendors, be cautious. You want to make sure that you're selecting a team of professionals that can work together on the day of your wedding to pull of a flawless event. You don't want to play mediator on the day of your wedding. Professionals that are quick to refer other pros, in or out of their own arena, are those that you want to trust your special day to.

* To find a team of vendors that can work flawlessly together, take a look at our Dynamite Vendors!

Photo provided by Profinish Design

Tip - Know What You Don't Like

Sometimes the task of sitting down with a wedding vendor and discussing what you want at your wedding can seem very overwhelming, so here's another way to approach it. Let your vendors know the elements that you don't want incorporated into your wedding. This may be easier to start. If you don't like hearts, lace, tulle, artichokes, buffet styles, etc. make this known to your florist, rental company, caterer, etc.

Photo provided by Alexandra Frankel Photography
Floral design by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Tip - Venue Questions

While your venue is one of the most important decisions you will make about your day, be sure to ask the possible venues about their preferred vendor lists. If you have specific vendors in mind, that venue may have limited vendors and not permit outside vendors outside of that list. Be sure to ask questions!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Ask For Bridal References

Ask your potential vendors for bridal references. It might feel silly, but you really want to make sure that your day goes flawlessly. Although vendors have testimonials and portfolios of pleased clients, it doesn't necessarily mean the bride thought it was as perfect. For example, a professional make-up artist may have a portfolio full of beautifully done make-up, but it doesn't mean that this was exactly what the bride expected nor does it tell that they were on time and easy to work with. Follow up!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Destination Tahoe

Even a cloudy day in Tahoe is beautiful!

For those near Sacramento looking for a beach or mountain destination wedding, consider Lake Tahoe. It's only a two hour drive from downtown and has glorious beach and mountain landscapes without requiring a passport or plane ride. Another benefit is that you can talk to local vendors about the possibility of them traveling to Tahoe or at least recommending vendors in the area. You can't really beat the summer weather in Tahoe or the beauty of a snowy winter evening with the lake glowing under the moon. Both North and South Lake Tahoe venues offer significant discounts in their slower seasons.

Tip - Prevent A Cake Conundrum

Since your cake delivery person departs quickly after arrival, make sure to have arrangements made with them or your caterer regarding packaging your one year anniversary top tier (if applicable). Also, be sure to ask your caterer to set a couple of pieces aside for you and your fiance to enjoy later. Chances are, you won't get to appreciate it too much during the reception.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Schedule Cake Consults Early

Start scheduling consults early for cake tasting appointments w/ bakers. Some bakers book out a year in advance and most are booked at least six months prior. Don't procrastinate and get left with a pre-made cake.

Photo provided by Profinish Designs

Tip - Choose An Experienced Baker

Be sure to research cake designs, flavors and frostings before deciding on your cake. Find a designer that is willing to work with your vision. Take photos, swatch samples or your own sketched design into your appointments. Hold tight to your vision, but listen carefully to advice given by your baker, since they should have much experience with design elements and flavor combinations.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Cake Contract

Before signing your cake contract, be sure that it includes after hours emergency contact information, scheduled delivery date, time, location, cake sketch, flavors, all fees, cancellation and return policies, etc. Also, make sure your contract includes insurance policies in case of a mishap during delivery.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Cooling Your Cake

If you plan to have your reception outdoors or indoors with excessive lighting, make sure that your cake is not overexposed to light (natural or not) for too long prior to cutting or your final hour photos and presentation could be of melting tiers. This concern also applies if you have fresh flowers adorning your cake.

Check with your venue to see if they have a cool, dry storage area where the cake can rest prior to the reception festivities. If the area where the cake will be is too warm, consider moving the cake table or bringing it out right before the cutting (with this, remember, your guests won't get to see it for long).

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Vendor Meals

Don't forget about your vendors. They need to eat too! Ask your vendors how many in their staff will be present for the reception. Make sure to let your caterer know, so they can set aside vendor meals. Also have a table or area reserved for them to sit briefly to enjoy their meal. They will be grateful and more productive will a little food in their tummies!Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Coordinate With Your Vendors

If you're planning to have an event coordinator for your wedding, put them in touch with your photographer early to work on the timeline. Photographers sometimes have their own suggested times that things should happen due to natural lighting (sunset, etc.) which is helpful for your event coordinator throughout the planning process.

Be sure to also keep you DJ in the loop on timeline plans so they can prepare accordingly. They may have a few suggestions which could be helpful as well.

It's better to pow wow with the key vendors early to make sure your day goes smoothly and so no one feels like they're getting their toes stepped on.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Set Priorities Before Meeting With Vendors

Be sure to set your priorities before meeting with vendors to know where your wedding day spending will go. You could meet with a vendor that you really enjoy, but don't book on time because you think you don't have enough in your budget. There could be ways to shift priorities if you know in advance what your goals are.Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Cake Arrival

If you're not planning to have an event coordinator the day of your wedding, be sure to schedule for your cake maker to deliver early enough for pre-wedding pics but late enough that it's not sitting exposed to the elements for too long.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Local Vendors Will Travel

If you live in one city but are planning to get married in another you may want to bring local vendors from your area to your destination wedding. The benefit in this is that if you have a hard time traveling to your venue frequently you can still meet with your local vendors as often as necessary to cover details. They will be your local connection to your destination venue!
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Inform Vendors of Necessary Details

Be sure to inform vendors of any necessary details that could negatively impact the evening. If a guest or someone in the bridal party is allergic to a certain food, if there are relationship details that should not be brought to attention, if Uncle Paul has a tendency to overdo the drinks, maybe give the bartender a heads up.
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Vendor vs. Venue

If you already have certain vendors in mind make sure that you check with your venue to make sure that they will allow said vendor. Some venues only permit vendors from their preferred list.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists