....but I did pick up a few things during my planning process that recently let me help my dear new friend, the divine Lady M, work through a slight wedding vendor crisis. Lady M emailed me yesterday, frantic because the quote that she had gotten from her florist was ridiculously high from the amount she had budgeted. Like, we're talking $1000 over what she originally told the florist. Ridiculous. However, not surprising. I had this happen to me when I was picking a florist- in fact, it was the one vendor of mine that was REALLY hard to find the "perfect vendor". So, without further ado, here are my tips for navigating the waters when searching for your wedding vendors.
1. Go into your first meeting prepared. Pull inspiration photos from the internet, bridal magazines, photographer's blogs... anything that speaks to your vision of your day. Your vendor can't help shape your dream until you give them an idea of what that dream is.
2. Even if you know NOTHING about the particulars of your vendor's craft, do some research ahead of time. I, as well as Lady M, made the mistake of telling our potential florist that we knew "nothing about flowers" and that we "trusted their judgement". While they are the experts, even experts need a little "guidance" when it comes to our Big Day. Florists, in particular, seem to always high-ball the budget that you give them, because let's face it- how many people really know a lot about flowers? Do a quick internet search on what is seasonal for your wedding date.
3. Be realistic about what you are asking for. This means COMPROMISE becomes a very, very important vocabulary word during the planning process. It means that if you spend more money than you expected because you HAD to have the kick-ass photographer, then you find someplace where you spend less. For me, that meant I bought a sample wedding gown, because I paid more for my kick-ass photographer than I originally budgeted. And she was kick-ass, and my dress was also gorgeous. Win-win. For other brides, this might mean that your beloved peonies are only in your bouquet instead of all over your wedding. There are solutions, people, you just might need to get creative.
4. Stand up for yourself. This is because you are the bride, and while I am not a fan of Bridezilla moments, I think that there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't *politely* put your vendor in their place when they try to pull a fast one on you. Whether it's telling them that they went way over your budget in their proposal, or that the plan isn't aligning with your vision, you need to do yourself a favor and speak up. Because if you don't, then you will kick yourself on your wedding day because you were afraid to speak up and tell your stylist that you hate your hairstyle and that she needs to fix it RIGHTNOW. (I love you, Natalie, but I still can't get over my wedding day hair. Why I didn't just leave it down is still beyond me.)
That's it, dearies. Hope it is helpful to my future brides-to-be!
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