SECURING VENDORS AND CONTRACTS

Weddings are big business. They account for a large percentage of some vendors' businesses over the year. Sometimes the promises a vendor makes just to secure your business for a wedding turn out to be just that. You need to be fully protected when you go to interview your vendors. Sometimes it is best to bring an objective third party - most times your planner or a friend whom you know will not be drawn into the emotions of it. Before you sign with one, ask questions, get costs, be totally frank and upfront and do not lose your perspective. If you have a list of questions and then log the answers, you will have a much better base to make a decision, compare and contrast your vendors. Once you make a decision, get everything in writing. You do not know this vendor, they do not know you. They will do everything to get you to sign a contract to secure that deposit. You need to protect your investment. That is just good business. You would not purchase a car, house or make any other large investment in the same way we go wedding vendor and venue shopping. This is a big investment. A great resource for costs in your local area is www.wedding.com for information. Just input your zip code and you will be able to pull up an estimate that is based on actual costs. It just may surprise you. So, before you get so emotionally invested in the vision, stop, step back, take a breath and think about what you are signing and make sure you and your investment is protected. Once you sign that contract, you are committed.