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Communicating with Vendors

Wedding planning takes patience and one of the most trying tasks is working with your vendors to make sure you both understand one another.  How do you communicate with everyone involved to bring your wedding vision to life? 

Here are a few tips straight from the experts themselves:

Prevent the Problem
 Anseth Page Richards, owner of The Bridal Bar, suggests that you “use a wedding planner who can protect you from miscommunication with vendors.  If you do not have a wedding expert helping you, take extra care and only choose a reputable vendor, even if you have to pay more!”

Discuss Expectations
Tim Altbaum, owner of Tim Altbaum Productions, advises that you “always discuss openly what is expected from the vendor. Don’t leave anything to be interpreted one way or another.”  Richards agrees that couples should, “be honest and upfront with expectations” and make sure these expectations are clear in the contract.

Make No Assumptions and Be Clear
Sharon Mintz, owner of Organic Elements recommends that couples “speak to vendors in a respectful manner, but don't assume that they already have an understanding of what you are expecting on your wedding day. Remember that there are many options to choose from and everyone's preferences vary so make yours clear.”

Be Specific
Mintz says that brides should “use very specific examples and present pictures whenever possible.  If there’s an issue, try to return to the point of communication where you think your message and their understanding lost the connection.”

Avoid Last Minute Changes
From her experience, Richards knows that “problems always occur when last minute changes come up.  For example, asking the DJ to stay and play at the end of a wedding for another hour will affect other vendors.  The caterers may end up with double overtime or the rental companies will have to delay their pick up. If you think extra time may be needed get a quote in advance and make sure to add it to the contract.”

Finally, have FUN!!
This is your wedding so enjoy the planning process and have fun with it.  Avoid falling into the stress of finding the “perfect” vendor, stop the negative thoughts, and don’t make the planning feel like you are at “work.”  Instead get excited, enjoy your creativity, and keep in mind the meaning behind the wedding.  


Jennine E. Estes is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC#47653) with a private practice in San Diego.  Learn more about Jennine at Estes Therapy or visit her Relationship Column Relationships in the Raw.









 

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