This post NAWP Tips on Choosing Your Wedding Suppliers first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog
The National Association of Wedding Professionals was formed by three wedding planners: Amanda Sherlock, Lester Gethings and Siobhan Craven-Robins. They are all too aware of the blood, sweat and tears that can go into planning a wedding, and as planners they advocate that the process should be a fun one and endeavour to ensure it is.
When they formed the NAWP in 2013 it was to, primarily, raise standards within the wedding industry and promote and support professional businesses. Now, as the awareness and importance of the badge grows, it is becoming a helpful influence on couples planning their wedding and deciding who to book to provide the various services.
Here are some top tips from the NAWP founders on choosing your wedding suppliers…
Recommendations are Best
Ask recently married friends and family for their supplier recommendations; their experience is very helpful. Also ask the suppliers who you book who they recommend for other elements of your wedding. For instance, photographers can often recommend videographers and hair and make-up artists, and florists can usually recommend cake designers and décor companies. Your wedding venue will also be able to help with recommendations.
Prioritise
Make a list of which wedding vendors you need to book first. Those that can only take one booking a day such as photographers, bands and hair and make-up artists should be high on your list.
Read the Small Print
Check that prices you are quoted include elements such as VAT, delivery or mileage and service charges. All of these are valid charges, but can add a substantial surprise to your final bill if you haven’t budgeted for them.
Sample
A florist will always offer a sample meeting for you to view your chosen designs and make any alterations. Caterers and venues can offer a tasting for you to decide between a few chosen dishes, and most cake designers will also send you samples of your chosen flavours to try.
You Get What You Pay For
With weddings, as with everything in life, you get what you pay for. Vendors’ prices are based on their experience, calibre of work and professionalism. You want peace of mind on your wedding day, so don’t be tempted to go with the cheapest – they’re rarely a bargain.
For more helpful tips and articles on planning your wedding have a look at The Wedding Journal on the NAWP website
This post NAWP Tips on Choosing Your Wedding Suppliers first appeared on The Wedding Community Blog
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