Let's talk WEDDING VENDORS.
So! Someone has offered you their wedding service for what seems like a steal….
R500 for a wedding cake for 120 pax? Or ALL your wedding flowers for under R10 000? Or a wedding video for R5000?
It’s so tempting to take them up on the offer because you’re beginning to compile your wedding budget and let’s be honest, the costs are starting to run away with you (we feel you!) But here’s some advice before you go ahead and lock yourself in to your vendors: RESEARCH!
Have you seen examples of their work? Ie: links to their latest wedding clip? Pics of their latest florals?
Can they refer you to past clients who they have worked with?
Ie: send you some brides who can vouch that they gave great service? You’d be well within your rights to request referrals, so don’t be shy to ask for these when you’re researching the right vendors for your wedding.
Is their kind of style in line with the vision you have for your wedding? What if you want a 3-tier naked chocolate mousse cake but the person who is doing the cake for R500 can only do vanilla sponge with fondant icing?
What is their social media presence? Are they active on IG? What do their profiles look like? I don’t just mean the pretty pics they’ve shared off Pinterest on their IG feed.
Tip: look for the pics the vendor is tagged in, for a good indication of their work and history. (It’s so easy to check this on IG – click on the “tagged” tab in their profile, far right).
Herein lies the challenge:
Don’t look at the direct cost without considering the alternatives : sometimes the “bargainer” might seem like the right choice as they provide a fast and easy option BUT the opportunity cost of such a decision could be time, money and stress for you, later.
I’m not saying that bargain vendors are a bad idea – I’m just saying do your research before you lock yourself in to ANYTHING. Yes, this might take more time, but wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry?
For the record, this post was inspired by Coral Short from @eflowerstudio and the creatives at @owlandbearperth who ALSO say: “Sometimes paying a bit more for peace of mind is totally worth it.” We bow down to you!
