Wedding planning is already a big enough task with trying to figure out how many guest to invite, who to invite, find the perfect dress and/or suit, figuring out what colors and design you want to go with, where to get married, what date… I mean the list seems endless. So, in order to keep your sanity, you should consider asking for referrals. Yes! In a world where we have access to a multitude of websites and social media sites, you should also consider referrals from 3 different sources: your venue, other vendors, and your friends.
Today, I’ll try not to be long-winded, and simply give you the 3 best options for referrals. I know there are many other ways to figure out who to hire, but these three options are usually fool-proof.
We’ve seen a lot, and know who works well.
1.) Your Venue
This is hands down the best source for great referrals! Why? Because they see all sorts of vendors in action. It’s really the only referral source that sees everything, and everyone, in action throughout your entire day. From the florist, to the caterer, to the photographer, officiant, and more! They’re like Big Brother, watching everyone all at once.
Most venues keep a referral list, or what they might call a “Preferred Vendors” list. Some may only have a select few, while others keep a list of all vendors. But, if you’re looking for great vendors, your venue knows a few.
Venues have to keep a watchful eye on most al vendors. Why? Well, mainly for 2 reasons. One, for insurance purposes, they need to make sure the vendors are doing things correctly, to protect themselves, the vendors, and you. Two, they also keep a mindful eye on your vendors because it’s their reputation on the line. If a vendor screws up, or doesn’t show, it can be a bad reflection on the venue, and they don’t want their name associated with bad vendors.
I remember a couple of years ago when a couple reached out to me to hire me as their officiant. They told me they had already hired one, but when they told the venue owner who they hired, he said “no”. He told them that the original officiant was terrible, showed up late, never showed up, and he didn’t want his venue associated with this officiant any longer. So, he gave them my contact info.
Venues look out for themselves, and for you! They want you to have a fabulous experience, so you’ll refer others to them, and you’ll write them a great review.
We’ve been through a lot together.
2.) Your Vendors
Chances are, once you’ve narrowed down your date, you either booked the venue, or are getting ready to, and you’ve also probably found at least one vendor to hire right away Or, perhaps you’re midway through the planning process, and realize you still need an officiant 😉, or another vendor to accomplish more of what you want. Either way, use your vendors to the best of their ability.
Reach out to us! Seriously!! Granted, I don’t see all vendors in action, but the ones that I do, I know which ones are amazing, which ones give the best value for the price, and I know which ones to steer clear of. I have a limited amount of vendor interaction due to me being an officiant, but I can still help couples when they’re looking for a fantastic vendor.
Many times when I meet with couples, I’ll ask them how the planning process is going. If I hear they have a need for a vendor, I’ll always mention that I can refer a few that I’ve worked with, and have knowledge of. I’ve been doing this for nearly 15 years, and I’ve met quite a few vendors in my time. Let me help you figure out who you should talk to. Let your vendors help you find someone who is outstanding in what they do. We want to help! (A little secret: one big reason we want to help… it helps us have an easier day with your wedding when we know the vendors, and we know they do a great job. It just makes our day so much better.)
We’ve been down this road before.
3.) Your Friends
When my wife and I got married, you want to know how we found our vendors? The Yellow Pages. (For those who are too young to know what that is: First, you’re making me feel old, and second, it’s a phone book. You know, Google but in paper form.) The only other way to find anyone was to ask around. Some of our friends had already gone through the wedding planning process, and were married. They could give us insight as to what we might need, and who we should look at hiring.
Today, you’ve got social media, Google, Yelp, and a plethora of wedding sites to choose from. But your friends who have already tied the knot know the nitty-gritty on what vendors to hire, and which ones to stay away from. Ask them! Chances are they would love to help you. And an even greater chance that they too hired some awesome vendors.
I cannot tell you the amount of times I’ve asked couples how they found me, and they say “Oh you were the officiant at our friends wedding last year.” Love that! I love that their friends loved me so much, that they think I would do the same incredible job for them. Ask your friends, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of referrals they give you
And now it’s time for help.
I get it… it seems like planning will never stop, and you’ll run out of time, but ask your venue, your vendors, and your friends for referrals. The more exceptional vendors you have surrounding you throughout the process, the easier the planning goes.
And, as always, if you need an officiant, get in touch with me. I’d love to help make your ceremony as unique as you… and give you some great referrals!