How to compare vendors----why is there such a big price difference ?

You are looking at many different vendors for your wedding day! Often this is the first and perhaps the only time in your life you will need a venue, a dj, a photographer, a caterer, a videographer and an officiant. You are completely overwhelmed with how to compare services and decide who is the best suited to you at a price you can afford.

For most couples, the first question they ask of any wedding professional is “How much?” Price is an important factor in making your budget and planning a wedding. However, there is much more to consider. The very biggest thing to consider is value and comparable services. What are you getting for your money? So, here are things to ask or consider when comparing vendors?

1. When you ask “How much?” also find out what that price includes. For example, venues can vary greatly on what you get for your rental fee. Some include tables and chairs while others add those fees on to the rental fee. And yet others include everything—it is a turnkey wedding where you provide your clothing and guest and any extras you want. Obviously the answer to “how much” is going to be different. Some planners include having their staff do the setup, tear down, assist with parking and total event management while others are there to assist with only the advance planning and being on site to direct activities and handle problems. You will be responsible for setup, tear down and other tasks during the day. What will it cost you in terms of time, friendship or hiring to have someone do those things for you? Does the officiant charge extra for having a sound system or for additional elements in the ceremony?

2. Does the price include staffing expenses? Some vendors quote a base price and then add the cost of security, property managers, or extra staff to assist with set up and tear down. Does the price include the second photographer or a videographer? Are the servers included in your caterers quote?

3. What is your experience, both in and out of the wedding business? Is this a business or a hobby that they charge for? Are they bringing years of experience and knowledge to your wedding day to help prevent any problems rather than bringing inexperience and causing problems?

4. What have other couples had to say about the vendor? What has their experience been? Be sure to check out reviews. There are several places you can do this. Obviously, their website should have reviews/testimonials on it. There are wedding specific websites like WeddingWire and The Knot where couples can leave reviews. These sites do not allow a professional to take down reviews just because they don’t like it. You can also check Yelp and Google + for reviews as well as the vendors professional Facebook page. A wedding professional who is serious about their wedding work should have a website, as well as a Facebook page. Serious professionals will also have WeddingWire and The Knot listings.

5. What professional wedding associations do they belong to? Does that association have a code of ethics they must abide by? How do they get to be members; are they vetted or just pay a membership and get in? Why does this matter? If they are members of professional associations it shows a dedication, a commitment to ethics and business practices you can trust and count on.

6. How do you feel when you are with them? Do they match your personality? Are they fun and outgoing and talkative while you are quiet and reserved? Will that drive you crazy? Or are they very quiet and laid back and yet you are very outgoing and ready to party? Do you like them? These things matter if you are going to allow this person to have an important and active part of your wedding day. Do they bring to your wedding the atmosphere and attitude you want?

7. What do other wedding professionals say about them? Do they have any professional endorsements on their WeddingWire listing? Are they connected with other professionals on Facebook where you can see how they interact with the wedding professionals?

While this seems like a lot to consider, not doing so can be costly in terms of money, time and stress. If you want other thoughts and ideas for making your wedding experience as stress free as possible, contact us for other ideas. We can also make your ceremony planning and wedding ceremony smooth and easy. Ask us how we do it! Call us at 336-259-7236 or email us at info@TriadWeddingOfficiant.com.