The courtesy of a reply-Breaking up with your vendors

I felt the need to write this post because given my current status, I sit proudly on both sides of the fence (or as my twitter hash states, I am a #giddyplannerbride). I recognize this blog is followed by colleagues, clients and potential clients and I am hoping that what I say resignates with you all.

As a vendor, I make it a top priority to respond to my couples in a timely fashion. That's actually one of reasons that couples retain our services, as compared to some of the other local Coordinators. As a couple however, you have a responsibility as well. It is common courtesy to respond to the vendors you have for consideration, in a timely fashion.

The industry has taken many turns since I first entered it. We live in a virtual society where "tweets" and "bbms" have replaced real human contact. Where telephone calls are made in the event of an emergency and email is the norm. I get it.

What I don't understand however, is when entitlement became par for the course. Planning is a very hectic, though enjoyable experience. When you're meeting with multiple vendors and trying to match your needs with your budget, personalities, expectations, that too can become extremely difficult to manage.

As a couple, while it's not your responsiblity to go out of your way and document why you are not hiring a vendor, I would strongly suggest that you atleast communicate whether you are or are not. Many vendors offer a complimentary initial meeting and extend a right to refusal allowing an extended period of time for your decision to be made. In the interim, business goes on and opportunities present themselves that at times do conflict with other scheduled events. The key to having a good vendor is that during your experience, you feel as though your wedding is the only one they are overseeing, the reality is, it's not.

I know "breaking up" with an individual that you really hit it off with is difficult. When perusing the wedding blogs, I often see brides asking each other "how do I tell the xxx we're not going to go with them...I really liked them" and I do a double take. It's simple, just do it. It's ok, really it is. A successful person in the industry understands that they are not the only vendor you will meet with and at the end of the day, you will have to do what's best for you. Always remember, be it the wedding or life in general, treat people the way you would want to be treated and things will naturally fall into place.

Off my soapbox now

A Little bit country. A little rock and roll

Ok, ok, I'm neither but I totally support life outside of the box. Truth be told, I don't even own a "box". Well...maybe a little one, but it often takes a back seat.

Saturday we were honored to participate in the Unbridaled Expo at the Crane Arts Building where we joined a number of the areas most creative event vendors for one amazing bridal industry event.

Unfortunately, my camera suffered from exhaustion and would not cooperate for photos. Luckily I was surrounded by quite a few amazing photographers who don't mind me sharing some of their work.

I present...Unbridaled...

Because, well, who needs a box anyway?



Crane


Erin's Booth


The above images were taken by the amazing Erin Antognoli. Erin is my DC "connect" through a mutual Photographer friend and I can't say enough great things about her. If you follow me on facebook, last week you would have noticed my semi-stalker updates about my first time meeting with Erin. Now do you see why?

Fashion Show


The lovely ladies of Love Me Do Photography who provided the (2)images above


You can also check out additional photos at the event gallery at Cami's Paperie. Cami was my "neighbor" at the expo and is an amazing invitation designer in Northern Virginia. (You'll also notice her photography eye is pretty awesome too :)

The Butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker and the kitten caboodle in the village

Ok...so it's an exaggeration of a title, but it pretty accurately describes the "team" needed exceute a seamless, fabulous, stress-free day.

I was recently contacted by a Bride and as we were disscusing what stage of planning her and her fiance were in, she stated that she just couldn't imagine what Vendors would be needed for the day. So, here it is. A SHORT list of vendors typically involved in planning a wedding. This list changes of course depending on the specific needs of the couples, traditions and religious practices.

Pre-Ceremony
• Invitation Designer- (Save The Dates, Invitation, Rehearsal Dinner)
• Calligrapher
• Rehearsal Dinner Location
• Hair
• Makeup
• Nail Technician
• Formalwear for Bridal Party
• Seamstress
• Accessories- (Veil/Jewelry/Shoes/undergarments)
• Accessories-Gifts for attendants
• Preparation Facility (hotel or home)
• Out of Town Guest Accommodations
• Township Official-Marriage License
• Travel Agent-Honeymoon

Ceremony
• Officiant
• Ceremony Venue (Marriage Counselor-Religious ceremony)
• Florist/Designer-Facility, bridal party bouquets, boutonnieres
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Entertainment (Soloist, Vocalist, Readers, Harpist)
• Accessories (FG baskets, RB pillow, aisle runner, unity candle, etc)
• Transportation for couple (to reception facility)
• Transportation for BP
• Transportation/Shuttle for OOT Guests
• Stationary Designer- Programs

Reception
• Venue including Banquet Manager/Maitre’ D/Banquet Staff
• Florist/Designer
• Linen Company
• Rental Company (chairs/ décor items)
• Favor Company
• Baker
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Entertainment-cocktail hour (if applicable)/Reception
• Transportation (from facility)

and the list goes on and on and on.

Coordinating all of your wedding Vendors can be quite the challenge so make sure that if you haven't hired a professional Wedding Coordinator, you have communicated all of your needs and special requests to ALL of the individuals involved in your special day.