Let's face it. Weddings are expensive. Expenses can add up quickly. And while it is one of the most important days in a person's life, there is nothing wrong with price shopping to stay within a budget. But what happens when price becomes your only criteria for choosing a wedding vendor? Invariably, you'll probably get what you pay for - things go wrong, the guests aren't pleased and those magical memories aren't so magical.
Being a wedding DJ, there are plenty of times when I will get an inquiry that simply states, "what is your price?" A legitimate wedding vendor needs to know a lot more to quote a fair price, such as a date of the wedding, the location as well as the number of hours they are wanting my services.
This is the one event in your life when you really need to consult with some of your wedding vendors so they can provide an accurate quote. Ask them questions and let them ask you questions. You may hear suggestions that you have not thought of. These could possibly affect your budget one way or the other. In addition, meeting a potential vendor will give you a better idea of their overall value. Are they personable? Do you think they would be a good fit for your wedding? Are they passionate about customer service?
You may feel that having a consultation adds pressure, but it's the only way to get to know that vendor. Whether it's a DJ, a wedding coordinator/planner, a photographer, a florist or any other wedding professional, it's vital that you feel good about their abilities - not just that they're the cheapest in town.
Many of the wedding vendors that I know love what they do and will go the extra mile for you to make sure your wedding is a magical experience. I'm proud to include myself in that group. While we may or may not be the cheapest, we strive for the ultimate customer satisfaction on every job we do. However, I also know of some vendors who purposely strive to be the cheapest in town to lure in unsuspecting clients, then provide very poor service that leaves the wedding party feeling like they were ripped off. Meanwhile, the cheap vendor shrugs their shoulders and are off to lure in the next unsuspecting client.
I guess it's the same with other industries, but the horror stories seem worse in the wedding field because it's a once in a lifetime event. An event that will be cherished and thought of for the rest of the bride and groom's life, So please, take the time to consult with potential vendors. Find the ones that will be as passionate about your wedding as you are. They may not be the cheapest in town, but the service they provide will be worth every penny.
