Hi Friends!
I’m McKinzie Loutre, the Events Coordinator here at The Center for Rural Development. Many of you may not be aware, but we offer a full range of wedding consultation services to help couples plan and coordinate every last detail leading up to their special day. In our second Wednesday Wedding Wisdom of 2017, I’m going to give all newly engaged couples some insider tips on choosing your vendors.
Photo left: McKinzie on her wedding day, at The Center for Rural Development.
Finding, Meeting, and Choosing Your Vendors
So you’re engaged, you’ve chosen the date, and you’ve established a budget. Now let’s talk vendors. So many people go into making your day the very best, but finding them, meeting with them, and finally securing them is quite the process and requires a lot of research and information. Don’t fret, I’m here to help you hire your dream team of wedding vendors—with as little stress as possible!
1. How to Find them
With so many wedding websites (theknot, WeddingBee, etc.), social media accounts, and other forms of media, it isn’t hard to locate a lengthy list of potential wedding vendors. Not only that, but once you’ve narrowed down your venue choices, you have access to these sites’ “preferred vendors,” all of which have done wedding business in the facility. Ask for recommendations and referrals, as these opinions can prove beneficial down the road. Check out local bridal shows, like The Center’s—From this Moment Bridal Show in January 2018, to knock several vendors off your list in one day!
2. The In-Person Meeting/Interview
Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few options, the next step is to meet with them. At this point, you’ve probably already discussed with them your date, their availability and what you are looking for in regards to their services and your needs. The interview is really to judge how you feel with the person behind the business. Would you feel comfortable having this person follow you around with a camera all day? Do you feel confident that this company can create a tasty menu to feed your guests? Do they understand your overall vision?
In addition to a list of basic questions, it’s a good idea to bring along examples (photos, print material, etc.) of details that you’ve envisioned for your big day. Decide if they can really execute your ideas within budget. If not, perhaps it’s time to meet with someone else.
3. Choosing Your Dream Team
After you’ve met with multiple vendors, sat through food tastings, looked through portfolios, and checked off the pros and cons, it’s time to put your team together. Make sure you are choosing vendors that fit your budget, aesthetically align with your vision, and you are confident can pull off the job. Not only that, but take presentation and personality into consideration. These individuals and businesses will be in contact and mingling with your guests, they should ultimately feel like friends and family as well!
We would also like to invite you to our bridal show “From This Moment”, on January 27, 2018, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. You will have exclusive access to a wide variety of vendors and services for your big day! Brides plus one guest are only $5!! Check out our event page for more details for follow us on facebook.com/centercrd for vendor announcements and emerging details.
