From Mrs. Hancock’s, Inc. , www.mrshancocks.com

The Do’s and Do Not’s of working successfully with your Wedding Vendors
by Mrs. Hancock, President/Founder, Mrs. Hancock’s, Inc.

Many of us forget the genuinely appreciated niceties that show our genuine level of caring for others. All successful relationships, love or otherwise begin with kindness and respect. So let’s take this to the next step…

As a Bride and Groom we know you have a lot on your plates. Please realize, your vendors do, as well. All wedding vendors want to do the very best job we can for you; it’s what we do and what we do depends on making you happy. If you’re not happy, any referrals you may have been willing to send will not come our way. As our time is very valuable, it may take us 40 minutes to get to you one-way, or it may be that our calendar is booked for a particular afternoon and when you cancel or reschedule at the last minute and this in some cases, can cause us great professional harm.

Here are a few suggestions that will let your vendors know that you respect their time and their expertise. Keeping these in mind will surely go a long way in cementing your relationship and will ensure you come across as kind and considerate, as well:

1). Always keep scheduled appointments. Emergencies are just that and one may pop up on either side. When you schedule an appointment be diligent about writing it down in your calendar, please. If your spouse-to-be needs to be in your meeting, put it on his calendar, too. Send a text to him the morning reminding him where he needs to be and at what time.

2). Please always return phone calls promptly from your vendors (same day if possible). Our policy at Mrs. Hancock’s is from 6am to 12 midnight (unless it’s an emergency!).

3). When requested to provide information please be thorough and organized.

Follow up:

4). Always be on time for meetings! Punctuality is a sure sign of respect and good will.

5). Graciously accept you vendor’s input and suggestions. You’re always the final decision maker; but vendor’s are trained to think outside the box, hopefully saving you time and money. No talented planner or coordinator will ever push their will on you.

6). Please budget for your down payments, due dates and final payments accordingly and pay on time. Post dated checks will allow you to do this, without having to mail or drop off a check to ensure it arrives when due.

7). Communicate openly and honestly with your Vendors. Things will always come up or change; but we can’t assist you if we don’t truly understand your needs and/or concerns.

8). Further, please don’t use the ‘I’ll call you on Tuesday or I’ll bring your deposit next week”. If you’re not interested in working with a vendor, that’s fine; we can take it. Not everyone will be a great fit and that’s what meetings and interviews are for! Please don’t string a possible vendor along.

9). Have a question? Ask, please! No question or issue is too small or too mundane for a professional coordinator. It is our job to inform and educate you.

10). At a meeting consider paying for your Vendor’s coffee!

Using these simple tactics will keep your relationships running smoothly with all your vendors and you’ll find, treating them with respect and kindness will go a long way to ensuring the planning process is as much fun as it can be.