Selecting who to work with

Written by: Rebecca Stewart, Visionary weddings

Your wedding is a major event and with experience with many weddings it is all too common to see Brides who wished they had spent that little bit extra and gone with the better supplier.

Budgets are great, but when setting one how do you really know what it should all cost?

Some suggested steps:

Make a list of all of the things that will be involved with your wedding from venues, cars, photographers, dresses and tux hire to flowers and tea-lights.

Next pick out the things that you would prefer to do yourself – as an example it is popular to create bonbonniere as part of a Hens Party or girls night leading up to the wedding so that your closest friends will feel as though they are a part of your big day (word of warning – don’t leave it too close to the day in case something goes wrong!)

Once you have your list compiled select suppliers that you might like to work with and what is the most important trait that you would like to see when you meet with them – for some things it could be creativity, professionalism, punctuality or flexibility.

Then set up appointments with those you feel may fit within your criteria – where appropriate ask to see portfolios, testimonials or conduct a trial, the most important thing to remember is that it is your big day, be confident and sure of what you want and make sure that you have a connection with the supplier and that they are willing to work with you on what you want and not the other way around.These appointments are like a job interview for the supplier – they need to impress upon you how their service and experience will be suitable to you and what you want.

Now you can fit the information that you have received into a budget plan and assess who fits all of the criteria you have set. Once you have your plan laid out you can confirm these suppliers, pay deposits or full amounts where possible and not give it another thought until closer to the date!

Keep in contact and remind them who you are and make sure everything is on track but laying this valuable foundation will give you piece of mind and enough time to make any unforseen changes as they come along.

Contact Visionary weddings to access our network of fabulous suppliers!