Finding good vendors isn’t as easy as picking up the phone book and choosing the one who has the nicest ad or the cheapest prices. Many of my brides hire me for just that, to help them find the wedding professionals that are trustworthy, and that will fit their needs and budgets.

The best way to get started is to check out word of mouth referrals. Ask friends and family members who have recently been married for referrals to vendors they have used and got fabulous results from. Don’t choose someone they thought was good, but someone great! Also check out their websites for pricing, pictures, and testimonials from other couples. Make sure you also meet with the vendor first before booking. It is very important to trust and have chemistry with your photographer, DJ, wedding planner etc. If you don’t feel comfortable with their personality, why would you want them to be a player in one of the most important days of your life?

Don’t forget to get references. If they are a quality vendor they will have no problem giving you contacts to former clients for your review. This is particularly important with photographers. Also make sure you see pictures of their actual work. When you are going to meet with a photographer that also employs other photographers, you want to make sure that you are seeing work from the photographer that is shooting your wedding, not just the best pictures from all of the photographers employed there.

Finally get all estimates of pricing in writing and make sure you have someone else read over your contracts before signing (such as a parent or wedding planner).