Tips For Picking Vendors

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By Conrad Smith, editor of The Purple Book

It?s going to happen! You?ve been asked and you?ve accepted and you?re
getting married. Now what? Where do you go from here? We?d like to give you
several tips on planning your wedding, especially as you choose your vendors.

Tip One: Educate Yourself

The first tip we have is to take the time to educate yourself before making final
decisions. As you?ve grown up, you have had dreams and expectations of
what your wedding day would be like. Now?s your chance to see those
dreams and expectations come true.

But take the time to learn how weddings are done and what works and what
doesn?t. It isn?t very romantic to tell you it?s time for a reality check but it is
necessary. We don?t mean to imply that you can?t have the wedding of your
dreams, we just recommend you temper your expectations with
practical realities.

Another reason to take the time to learn is that wedding professionals are
all different. Nearly everyone does his or her service differently than
everyone else. The advantage of this is that by using these creative and
talented people, you will have a wedding that is uniquely yours. The
disadvantage is that you need to shop around to find just the one you want.

So how do you educate yourself? We hope this book will be a big step
in that direction. Bridal shows can also be an excellent source of information.
Ask friends and family about their weddings. Read Bridal Magazine and
Planning Books. Finally, talk to professionals -- they can give you
firsthand and up-to-date advice on practical details.

Tip Two: Word-Of-Mouth

Start with word-of-mouth references for your vendors. A trusted
friend or family member who has recently had a wedding in Colorado
Springs can be an excellent source of vendors to talk to.

Tip Three: Make Personal Contact

Make personal contact with the vendor. This can initially be by phone,
but you really can?t make a final decision on most vendors unless you've
met them and seen their work. There is no substitute for the
personal interview.

Tip four: See their Work in Action

If possible try to view their work in action at an actual wedding.
For many wedding professionals, this will tell you volumes more
about them than you can find out from your interview with them.

Tip Five: Your Personalities

Ask yourself if the vendor?s personality is a good match for you.
In some cases, this may not be a critical factor, yet in other
cases (photographers for example) this could be one of the
biggest considerations.

Tip Six: Ask For References

Ask for references! These will be somewhat biased toward
the vendor, but it can still be an excellent way to confirm
your choice.

Tip Seven: Get It In Writing

Contracts are the best way to avoid problems. Try to get
specific descriptions of the services the vendor is going
to perform for you.

Specific details include: time frames and delivery dates,
cancellation clauses, specific costs, required payments
and deposits, and remedies for problems.