I am sure I have written about this in a past post, but since bookings for 2016 have been well underway and engagement season is coming up fast, I felt like it was worth mentioning again.
BOOK YOUR WEDDING VENDORS IN ADVANCE!!!!!
I know that this is easier said than done, but once you finalize your wedding date you should start booking your wedding vendors. Most of your vendors will only be able to service one wedding per day (photographer, videographer, venue, dj, etc) and the other vendors will only be able to take on so many weddings per day (florist, cake baker, caterer, etc). 6,200 weddings happen PER DAY in the US! This means that more than likely there will be several couples who will be getting married in your town on the same day. Booking your wedding vendors as soon as you can will make sure that you are able to book your first choice vendors.
I am all for meeting with your vendors before booking. You want your vendors to be people you can trust and people who you will want around you on your wedding day. A lot of times looking at a website and talking over email will not let you get a good feel for this. However, once you narrow down your list and start meeting with vendors do not be afraid to book on the spot if you think they are the vendor for you. You may miss out even if you just wait one day. During engagement season, I sometimes meet with up to 3 couples a day. Booking as soon as you know will help make sure another couple doesn't swoop up your date.
I know this may be some tough love for you this Monday morning, but maybe this will give you a little kick in the butt so you wont miss out on your dream vendor. :)
On a side note, if your 1st choice vendor is booked, don't be afraid to ask them for recommendations. They will more than likely have a couple of vendors that they refer couples to who are in the same price range and style as them. Even though you may not be able to book them, you may still be able to find someone who you equally love!
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Monday Wedding Madness is a blog series that occurs every Monday and answers the questions you have about wedding photography. Have a question you would like to have answered or something that you wish you would have known before your wedding or are you a wedding professional who would like to contribute? Send your questions to jasmine@jasminenorris.com.
