You Don’t Want Cheap Wedding Vendors

Sep 19th

by: Lauren

Looking back on my wedding planning experience, there’s one thing that stands out in my mind more than anything. It’s the fact that I was so concerned with “how much”, that I didn’t even care- or think- about quality. Big mistake y’all, big mistake. This resulted in hiring “cheap” wedding vendors, and in the end, we really didn’t even cut any corners. We just ended up with issues on the day of, and regrets after the fact. So I wanted to share a little of my own experience, and why you don’t want “cheap” wedding vendors.

So let’s start off with the fact that yes- I had a cheap wedding photographer (and wedding planner too). But guess what? She was still kind of expensive. In fact, knowing the quality that I could have had for what I paid for her service and products kills me. What happened? She had a package that had more “bang for your buck”- or in other words, offered more *stuff* with her package. Since I didn’t know any better, her lower price and “better package” beat out the photographers who had higher packages. Mind you, those other photographers were also offering a better quality of work and a better experience, and their packages didn’t include a gazillion prints and an album. I was comparing vendors based on price, but in reality it was impossible to compare them accurately. Looking back now, it makes sense as to why they were more expensive. But I wasn’t paying attention to the quality- I was paying attention to the price, and what I was going to get for that price.

Now I’m not saying to NOT pay attention to price and what you get for your money. But I am saying to pay some attention to quality too. Why? Because the quality of a wedding professional ends up having a significant effect on the outcome of your wedding.

So what exactly is this “quality” that I speak of? The quality of a wedding vendor includes their experience, their knowledge, their customer service, the actual product and/or service they provide, and even how they perform on the wedding day. That’s a lot right? Well guess what? They’re all things that you’re going to notice throughout your time working with your vendors and on your wedding day- so you should care! [If you want more tips on choosing your vendors, go here!]

Image by Captured Photography by Jenny

With all of this said, I think we can all agree that it’s human nature to look for the best deal out there. Unfortunately, that is the approach taken when it comes to hiring wedding vendors too. And I know- weddings are expensive. But trust me… you want to think back on your wedding experience and be happy about it, without any regrets.

So I encourage you to do your research. Know what to expect to pay for a particular vendor or service. If you have an idea of what to expect, and you also pay attention to the quality of what you’re getting, chances are good that you probably won’t end up with the cheap wedding vendors. And more importantly, you’ll have a much better chance of having a wonderful wedding- or at least better than mine! :)

What kind of things are you keeping in mind as you’re considering vendors? Have any of you avoided hiring a “cheap” wedding vendor?

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Want to find quality, ELD Approved wedding vendors? Click here!

Wedding Planning Advice: Don’t Get Attached To A Date

Category: 1 Comments

Sep 19th

by: Lauren

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“Don’t get attached to the date before you have your vendors. We see this so much, a couple getting attached or tied to a date before they get they get their favorite vendors and then not being able to switch it. Make a list of you top 3 priorities and contact them all with a couple dates. Then book them all at once with a date they are all open so you have your most important parts of your wedding. In planning our wedding we had 2-3 dates, all which were special, but didn’t work out with our important vendors. It’s just a date, and any date that is your wedding date will be special, just for the fact that it’s yours. Having your top choice vendors there will make that day even more special.”

– Heather & Walter of Meet the Burks

Colorful & Unique Rustic Michigan Wedding

Category: REAL WEDDINGS 3 Comments

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Sep 18th

by: Lauren

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Colorful, unique, and full of beautiful rustic details, this Ann Arbor, Michigan wedding from Mishelle Lamarand Photography is overflowing with beauty! From the vibrant colors all throughout and the historic barn venue, to the bride’s stunning lace dress and her unique bouquet, every last detail of this wedding will take your breath away…

Insight from the bride, Adrian:

What (or who) helped you most in your planning process and/or on your wedding day?

Our wedding was planned by my (now) husband, myself and my mom. Much of it was “a la carte”, so we met with and hand picked each of our vendors. We used Petals and Co for day of coordination. Also, Zingerman’s Roadhouse was our caterer, and they went over and above to make sure everything went smoothly on that day.

What was the most important thing to you when deciding who to work with for your wedding?

We chose vendors who were focused on local and organic products if possible, and also people that we connected with and who shared our vision. We wanted to support local/regional businesses as well. Our caterer sourced our food from Cornman farm in Dexter, Michigan, used seasonal veggies and all organic ingredients. The bar items were Michigan- made liquors and beer, and wine from within the United States. Our florist ( Pot and Box ) also used seasonal flowers and herbs, some of which was from her own garden. And, our venue, Misty farm, is a set of historic barns in Ann Arbor on a local couple’s gorgeous property.

What was your inspiration for your wedding details and/or design?

Our inspiration was really to create a unique and relaxed wedding ceremony and reception while keeping true to our mission to keep things as local as possible.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding?

Ending up married at the end of the day! It was also really wonderful and moving to have all of our family and friends gathered together in one place at the same time!

What is your best piece of advice for other brides?

If you find the right person, what matters is that you are getting MARRIED! The other details are fun, but not the most important. And keep it local, organic, and low-impact.

I don’t know about you, but I’m absolutely IN LOVE with Adrian’s lace dress! It’s unique, and quite perfect to match her wedding’s unique, rustic style. And I love how Adrian and her husband Kevin made it a point to stay local with not only their wedding vendors, but also where their food and drinks were from!

Will any of you be making it a point to “stay local” for your own wedding?

Vendors who made it all happen…

Photographer: Mishelle Lamarand Photography / Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Petals Planning Co. / Flowers & Decor: pot & box / Cake Baker: Zingerman's Bakehouse / Reception Venue: Misty Farm Events / Catering: Zingerman's Roadhouse / Bride’s Dress: Marisa

7 Things A Wedding Planner Might Not Tell You

Category: WEDDING PLANNING 33 Comments

Sep 17th

by: Debbie

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[Editor’s note: This Tips & Advice post comes to us from Debbie Orwat of Planner’s Lounge. Debbie has extensive experience as a wedding planner and designer, and she has some amazing insight to share with us as an ELD contributor!]

As the founder of an online community of thousands of wedding planners, I often hear from planners about things they wish their brides knew. Often times these are things that we would love to tell our clients but usually can’t. But thanks to Every Last Detail, I’m able to share seven of these things that wedding planners might not tell you:

1. How emotionally involved we get in the wedding planning, design and coordination process.

We pour so much of our hearts and souls into every single event. We do get emotionally attached to some of our clients and families which makes us do a fantastic job because we truly care. You just can’t put a price tag on that.

2. How much of our income goes to taxes and business expenses before we pay ourselves.

Many of our clients work in professional careers but do not own their own business. Understanding that your wedding professionals only make 50-60% of what you pay us (after taxes and business expenses) may help brides and grooms understand why we charge what we do.

3. We cannot remember every single detail of your wedding every single minute of the day during the planning process.

Wedding planners may have 10-20 weddings that they are planning at one time, each with hundreds of details. That’s why we write everything down. It is also why we like to schedule meetings and phone calls in advance so we can refresh our memories first.

4. While we put everything we have into making sure our client’s wedding day is the best it can be, we have families and other obligations as well.

Many wedding planners set up office hours to deter brides and their families from calling their cell phone at all hours of the day and night. Planners often schedule certain weekends and evenings off and can’t always be available at the last minute. Many clients understand and respect this but we have a few who consistently think we should be available 24/7.

Image by Cat Pennenga Photography

5. If you hire your wedding planner after the planning process has begun, she or he needs to know every detail.

As soon as you hire your planner, the planner needs to know about all contracts already in place, vendor contact information and any problems you have come across with the venue, vendors or family during the planning process. For wedding coordinators to successfully pull off a wedding, we need to know details like the fact that the groom’s parents are divorced, and if you sit them close to each other, they will fight. Or that you are having a problem getting in touch with a particular vendor. Many brides, grooms and their families don’t fully understand that the wedding coordinator needs to know every single thing related to the wedding. Even if it’s not something that you think is a big deal, it’s better to err on the side of giving too much information.

6. We only have so much time and energy to get things done on the wedding day.

If our client has a two car loads of wedding details, favors and stationery to set up on the wedding day, we may need multiple assistants to get it all done in time. This is especially important to remember when there is a limited amount of time for setup at the venue. We may need to add on staff (and charge additional fees) to accommodate last minute requests as well. Even though we try to be superhuman, we can only physically accomplish a certain amount of work in a few hours.

7. We are an advocate for the bride and groom.

We are there to create your vision and make your day exactly what you have been dreaming about. We are also a buffer between you and all the details, vendors, mishaps and family members that would prevent both of you from completely enjoying and living in the beautiful moment of your wedding day.

These are just a few of the details that wedding planners would love to tell you but usually keep to themselves. Many of us live and breath our jobs and only want the best for our couples and their families. We love what we do and truly care about our clients.

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Have any of you had your wedding planner (or any other vendor) tell you something about their jobs that you’re now thankful for knowing?