As couples prepare for the wedding of their dreams with Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design, and capture every special moment with Tiffany Joy Photography, it’s essential to maintain a harmonious relationship with vendors. No one wants to be known as the bridezilla or groomzilla who caused tension at the reception! To achieve this delicate balance, let’s explore 10 ways to avoid overstepping boundaries and keep your vendors feeling valued and appreciated. By striking the perfect balance between getting what you want and showing gratitude, you’ll ensure a stress-free experience for everyone involved.
Asking for discounts.
When approaching wedding vendors like those at Hummingbird Events & Design, it’s crucial not to compromise the value of their services by asking for discounts or haggling. Each vendor has carefully priced their products and services, taking into account the quality they offer versus fair-market value. Instead, if you’re concerned about the price, it’s best to be open with your target budget from the start and ask if they have any alternative service levels or offerings that fit within your means.
Setting unrealistic communication expectations.
When working with vendors like Rebecca Yale Photography or Hummingbird Events & Design, it’s essential to consider the extra effort they’re putting in to make your special day perfect. Remember that your vendor team is likely working overtime to deliver a product that exceeds your expectations. As you set your communication expectations, keep this in mind and be mindful of their preferred method of contact. If they prefer email or client portals for updates, avoid constant texting and instead respect their time by scheduling a phone call or appointment in advance. It’s also crucial to have a reasonable expectation for response time – most vendors will acknowledge receipt of your message within 24-48 hours unless it’s an emergency, and they’ll often provide an estimate for when you can expect an answer to your question.
Asking to re-edit photos.
When it comes to hiring a photographer for your special day, it’s crucial to do your due diligence. Don’t wait until after the wedding to discover that their editing style isn’t quite what you had envisioned. Instead, take the time to thoroughly review their portfolio and note how they capture unique moments throughout the day. This will give you a clear understanding of their editing style and help ensure that you’re hiring someone who aligns with your vision. Remember, asking a photographer to re-edit photos after the wedding can be a sensitive topic and may even result in a flat-out ‘no.’ So, prioritize open communication and mutual understanding from the get-go.
Questioning their processes.
When selecting a vendor for your special day, prioritize researching their skills, experience, and expertise in their field. Trust that they have honed their craft over time, allowing them to expertly navigate any scenario. It can be challenging when clients doubt the vendor’s capabilities, leading to questions and requests for alterations that may compromise the vendor’s artistic vision or operational efficiency. As Valarie Falvey from Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design advises, rely on the vendor’s talent, experience, and expertise to ensure a seamless and successful wedding day.
Texting your vendors.
While communication is key in wedding planning, it’s essential to strike the right balance between speed and effectiveness. At Southern Sparkle Wedding Planning, we advise our couples to reserve texting for the week of the wedding to avoid important messages getting lost in personal conversations. Receiving texts while not in work mode can be challenging, and forgetting to respond or recall crucial details is easy. In contrast, email offers a more reliable platform for correspondence. It’s simple to save, track, and revisit messages within a reasonable timeframe. While texting may seem like the faster option, it’s not always the most practical choice for wedding planning. Instead, we recommend relying on email as your primary means of communication with our team.
Micromanaging your vendors!
When working with vendors, it’s crucial not to suffocate their creativity by micromanaging every aspect of the project. Instead, collaborate with them to establish a shared understanding of your vision and priorities. By doing so, you’ll empower them to bring your unique perspective to life. As Mandy Connor, owner of Hummingbird Events & Design, astutely notes: ‘Vendors love working with clients who like to collaborate.’ So, trust that your vendors will deliver exceptional results when given the freedom to do their job.
Not reviewing their policies listed in their contract.
When it comes to working with your wedding professionals, including your planner, there’s a common misconception that they should be readily available 24/7. However, many planners, like Kirkbrides Wedding Planning & Design, have office policies in place to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. As a couple planning their special day, it’s essential to understand these boundaries by reviewing your planner’s policies during the on-boarding process. These policies may outline specific office hours and preferred communication methods. By respecting these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free collaboration with your wedding pro. For instance, Tiffany Joy Photography might have specific hours of operation or prefer emails over phone calls. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these policies to avoid any misunderstandings.
Mixing personal situations with wedding planning.
When planning your wedding, it’s essential to maintain a clear distinction between personal and wedding-related matters. This is particularly crucial when working with vendors, who may find themselves in an awkward position if different family members start making separate demands or requests. To avoid this scenario, it’s vital to have one designated decision-maker within the family and involve them in discussions about final choices. This will help prevent heightened arguments and ensure that all parties are aligned. By doing so, you’ll enable your vendors to focus on delivering exceptional service without being drawn into family drama, allowing them to be the professionals they were hired to be.
Not sticking to boundaries of scope.
Establishing clear boundaries is crucial in any business, including wedding planning. One such boundary is defining the scope of services for each client. This can be a challenge, especially when it comes to distinguishing between what the planner does and what the client is responsible for. As a planner, educating clients on their expectations and the services they’re paying for is vital for maintaining a healthy working relationship. A simple yet effective way to establish this boundary is by listing your scope of services in your contract and regularly updating clients throughout the planning process. This not only ensures tasks are being completed but also gives clients a clear understanding of what they’re paying for, which was signed off on in their original contract.
Not respecting “closed office” hours that have been clearly set.
When it comes to working with wedding vendors, it’s essential to recognize that they’re not always available 24/7 like some might assume. Vendors in the industry often have non-traditional work schedules, with meetings and events taking place outside of typical daytime hours. This is because clients may be busy during the day, leaving evenings and weekends as the best times for vendor availability.It’s crucial to respect vendors’ time and boundaries by asking about their work hours upfront and being mindful of their availability outside of those hours. Remember that wedding professionals are people too, with families, personal responsibilities, and hobbies that require attention just like anyone else. By prioritizing mutual respect and clear communication, you can build strong relationships with your vendors and enjoy a seamless wedding planning experience.Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance between communicating your needs and showing appreciation for your vendors’ hard work and dedication. By being considerate of their boundaries and expressing gratitude for their efforts, you’ll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable celebration that everyone will cherish.