How to get the most out of your wedding suppliers
Your wedding day is dependent on so many different parts coming together to deliver one epic and magical celebration and your supplier team plays a crucial role in the success of this day. Whether you have said yes to a wedding planner or not, you’re going to need to know how best to work with this supplier team, to ensure they deliver their A-game for you.
Building your wedding piece by piece with your various suppliers is the beginning of the magic unfolding. And we have got your back right from the get-go with our top tips on how to manage these relationships.
Be respectful and polite. Oh yes, we know it's basic but you wouldn't believe how many couples come straight in with questions about money and hard negotiations on costs!
Your first email or call will tell suppliers a lot about you and your vibe. With so many enquiries every day, suppliers want to feel those connections from the start and this really will show when it comes to delivering a unforgettable wedding day for you. This is your wedding, not simply a series of supplier transactions.
LL Tip: Get to know your supplier - say how much you like their work, that you've seen photos on Insta, how you would love to work with them. Once this connection has been made, then follow up with further details and financial questions.
Photo: Benjamin Wheeler
By understanding what your supplier does, you can set realistic expectations for your wedding day and planning journey.
With this knowledge, you will be better equipped when you need to brief them or when you are discussing costs etc. You will understand why they have put a high value on their service because you now know what goes into their work.
LL Tip: Ask them questions, chat about what their favourite thing about their job is, their best wedding and why etc.
Suppliers are experts in their field. You should want the best to deliver you an incredible wedding day...so be realistic on the value of these services.
We see so many couples negotiating with suppliers because they believe a photographer should cost x amount. Often this price is an old belief of how much suppliers should cost and definitely isn't realistic. Don't waste your time trying to get a price down from £5K to £2K; it just isn't going to work! Be realistic and be streamline. If you want to have an epic photographer, who has quoted £5K, don't expect to experience the same standard if you shop around and find one for £2K. But if the photographs are a top priority for you, then do less things but do them all well.
Nobody wants to feel disappointed in the lead up or on their wedding day.
Your suppliers have hundreds, perhaps thousands of weddings under their belt. They know their stuff - so don't hold back asking them for advice.
Remember, this is a two-way relationship so communication is paramount. Manage your expectations by clearly understanding what EXACTLY they will be delivering for you. And if anything feels contradictory at the start, best to ask then than to wait until an issue arises.
Photo: Benjamin Wheeler | Musician: Omero & Friends
If you have a wedding planner, they should be in control of supplier briefings. But if you're flying solo, then a timeline here is essential. If in doubt, just ask your supplier what info they need from you.
Make sure you give your photographer or videographer details of all locations you will be at, timings of meals, speeches, cutting of the cake, first dance. Make it as seemless for them, so they just need to show up, stress-free and take those mesmerizing shots.
Let your supplier know that you trust them. If you have been building these relationships for months, perhaps years then this is the time to say 'you've got this and I know you are going to deliver an outstanding wedding for us.' It will help remove those stressed out vibes and empower them to turn up and excel. You are all a team afterall.
LL Tip: Don't forget food, water and rest - your suppliers will need all 3 at points during the day. Italian weddings are hot, venues are big and they will likely be on their feet for 16+ hours. No one wants a fainting photographer on their hands!
Are you flying solo (hopefully with some help from your partner, obvs!) when planning your wedding? We have so many helpful tools to use throughout your journey and even better, they are all used by actual wedding planners! Head over to our shop now.
And we have an absolutely incredible Facebook group, full of other Italian wedding couples in exactly the same shoes as you. Come and join them and start asking all those niggling questions you have!
Written by Emily Jennings, marketing person and wedding day-dreamer; lover of a boho vibe and a wedding night filled with a thousand lights.
Categories
PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | BUSINESS | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION |WANDERLUST
