08/23/2026
GOOD MORNING!
Wedding advice for those still planning.
We're going to talk about communication today. Specifically communicating with your wedding vendors.
First and foremost, do your research before choosing your vendors. Be diligent with your research before you sign contracts. The best of the best book way in advance, so start this process early, you can't rush it!
Next, ask a lot of questions! Here's where the communication starts and where it can breakdown fast. Successful communication is the key. Vendors are real people, just human beings who have lives and families outside of their businesses. Most of us are doing the administrative duties by ourselves. So, remember this when you try to reach out to them. Ask your vendor, how do THEY prefer to communicate. Email, phone, messenger, text, snail mail, or in person. Every vendor is going to be different.
The next step, identifying WHO you are immediately in your communication. As a caterer, I have hundreds of events booked for nearly two years in advance. Therefore, it is impossible for me to remember who you are with just a name. I would love to be able to do that but it's just not feasible. Every event has the potential to involve several different clients. The couple, each set of parents, the wedding coordinator, and possibly even the venue itself. It could mean communicating with as many as 10 different people for just one event. So, my advice is to start your message with the date of your event, your name and title, and the type of event. For example, 6/14/26 Smith/Jones wedding, Susie, mother of the bride. Then start your message body. Now your vendor has locked in on YOUR event. They are not struggling to find the date or the file. They know exactly where to start.
The next advice I can give you, is to stick with the same form of communication that is preferred. If it's phone calls, take notes. If it's email, stick to the same email thread. If it's in person, again, take notes. Whatever form of communication they requested, please respect that.
Give your vendor time to respond. A reasonable amount of time will vary depending on the vendor, the time of the year, the day of the week, or even the time of day! Many vendors have full time jobs when they're not doing events. Busiest event times such as Friday - Sundays are mostly hands on days and not administrative days.
I'm sure there's more but I hope this just gets you thinking. Be considerate and kind to those you're working with. We want to be there for you and your families to make this the best experience for everyone!
HAPPY PLANNING! 🎉🎈🎂🥂🥳🎁💐❤️🏠🎼💍💒🥂
