Show me the Money!

When booking vendors to service your wedding day, ask to see their credentials before forking over the money. I come across tons of vendors who haven't taken a single class in their "profession" but are more than willing to go out and service a bride and groom on their wedding day. You don't get to re-live this wonderful day, unlike a birthday party or family celebration, so you don't want to chance this day with people who claim to be something other than what they are. Also remember what your mom told you when growing up..."You get what you pay for" and "If it's too good to be true...it probably is".

Below are some questions to ask vendors before signing on the dotted line:

• Venue - ask if you can come view a wedding set-up a few hours before the reception begins so that you can see the room layout outside of the photographs they will show you




• Caterer - always taste the food regardless if the tasting is apart of the contract or if you have to pay




• Photographer - please show me photographs (or an album) from the photographer that will be shooting my wedding day




• Videographer - please show me some raw footage from the videographer that will capture my day and then ask to see an edited version from the same videographer




• Florist - please show me some photographs taken by couples you have worked with or some professional photographers pictures of your work.




• DJ or Band - ask for references from other couple's weddings they have serviced and if they have any CD's or YouTube videos of events they have played




• Stationery Designer - ask to see physical samples of their style of work so that you can touch the stock and see the actual embellishments




• Linens - ask to see samples not on paper, put swatches you can touch




• Transportation - ask to see photographs of their fleet or schedule an appointment to see the cars in person

Of course, hiring a seasoned wedding planner to assist you with selecting vendors is always a smart move. Hence the word I used..."seasoned". If a planner is true to his/her profession, they will have a listing of wonderful vendors to refer to you as they have worked with them in the past. Oh and don't forget to view their portfolio :)

Until next time...WEDologize!