#2 RESEARCH YOUR DO


Like most major purchases in life, you will need to do your research. Some will tell you, this is when you start talking to other brides or call around to vendors and ask them what they charge, but a savvy researcher will take these things into consideration, to gain more accurate information:


❈ How many guests will you have? (Approximate fi gure)


❈ Do you want to have your wedding outside the city? (Vendor travel fees may apply)


❈ Are you open to being married off -season? (This can also result in lower rates from some vendors, and more fl exibility when planning)


❈ Are there any factors that you already know will infl uence a vendor’s quote, ie. You will be providing some of the décor, family will be preparing desserts, etc.?


Grade the following categories on a scale of 1-5 (1 = Quality is imperative 5 = Not so much) CATEGORY


GRADE


Reception Venue Ceremony Venue Décor Florals


Photography Formalwear


Music/Entertainment CATEGORY


Transportation Hair/Makeup Food


Beverages Offi ciant


Wedding Planner Cake


GRADE CATEGORY Decorator


Videographer Photobooth Honeymoon


Invites/Stationary Gifts/Favours Other:


Once you have done this, you now have an idea of the areas you are willing to put more money towards, and where you can cut back on, in order to maintain your budget


GRADE


NOW you are ready to start talking to ot ers. ❈ Ask other couples, who have been recently married, who they had involved in their day. KEEP IN MIND: a couple’s


experiences are based on lots of emotions, limited knowledge of “behind the scenes” situations, and their opinions of how things should have gone. It doesn’t make them an unreliable source, but don’t let it be the deciding factor, especially if you really like a certain vendor/venue, that might get a bad review from someone.


❈ Pay attention to who vendors recommend. Pros know things go wrong at an event, but we also know a quality vendor by their ability to handle those situations effi ciently. KEEP IN MIND: Preferred Vendors, and Preferred Vendor Lists, can sometimes involve kick-backs, existing friendships/loyalties, and obligation. When getting a vendor’s opinion, be sure to ask them why they have that opinion.


❈ Contact your top picks. Ask them for a general idea of what your wedding would cost (be sure to include your guest count, tentative date/month, and other rough details you have that can help make the quote more accurate). While chatting, ask them who they recommend for other areas.


BLISSFUL & SAVVY 2020 ❚ 15


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