Taking care of your vendors

Attention almost newlyweds! We know that a wedding is a major expense, and the planning process can be a major pain in the you know what – but, you should be sure to think about how you’re going to treat your vendors.

Sure, they are there to provide a service for you, and they are being paid for that service, so what more do we want, right? Well…there are a few things that vendors are very appreciative of.


There is no such thing as too much information.

Especially if you have a Wedding Coordinator. We want to know all of the details, the timing and your big picture plans for your special day. We want to know who’s where, when and for how long. We want to know who needs to be paid, how much and for what. We want to know your weather back up plans, your set-up plans and your tear down/clean up plans. We want to know it all – and please, tell us!

We will provide you with helpful tools to keep you organized and to help you relay this information to us, but I always tell all my clients – “there is no such thing as too much information.”


Tips.

Tips aren’t always manageable, especially if the couple is on a tight budget, but they are always welcomed.
Be sure to check your contracts as most vendors roll in gratuity in the final bill. If not, it is always nice to say "thank you" to the vendors that go above and beyond your expecations.

Here is a guideline from Real Simple, and if you're still unsure, ask your Wedding Planner/Coordinator:

Bartenders: 10 percent of the total liquor bill (to be split among them)

Catering manager: $200+

Coat check attendants: $1 to $2 per guest

Hairstylist: 15 to 20 percent

Hotel chambermaids: $2 to $5 per room; $10 to $15 if you used a suite as your dressing room

Limo or bus drivers: 15 percent

Makeup artist: 15 to 20 percent

Musicians: 15 percent of fee for ceremony musicians; $25 to $50 per musician for reception

Photographer/videographer: If you’re paying a flat fee with no overtime, $100

Wedding planner: 15 percent of fee

Fuel the engine.

Your vendors are working hard for you, so be sure to give them the fuel they need by providing them with a meal. If your vendors are on site during dinner, then they should eat too. You don't have to serve them the same meal as you serve your guests, but do provide them with something. Also, make sure they know how they can get a drink (non-alcoholic, any good vendor will not drink while on the job) so that they can stay hydrated and alert and execute fabulous services for you.

Also, note that your Wedding Coordinator will most likely want to sit in the room that your dinner and speeches are occuring in. We know that this isn't always possible as seating is limited, but it is beneficial to help us keep a watchful eye on the time. So, it's best to have a vendor table for your DJ, Photographer, Videographer and Coordinator. But, like mentioned, if you don't want them in the same room, be sure that there is a lounge or somewhere they can sit and grab a bite to eat.

Saying Thank You.

Yes, you gave them a tip, and you fed them, but a really great way to say 'thank you' is to include your vendors in your list of cards to be sent out. A lot of vendors use these cards in their portfolio or display them in their office/showroom/store. If you don't want to mail them an actual card, send them a nice email telling them how they helped you on your special day and include a photo too if you have one!
Saying thank you the old fashioned way goes a long way.


Referrals.

In keeping with saying 'thank you', one of the biggest ways you can do this and show your appreciation is to recommend them to a family member or friend that is getting married. We always love booking new clients who've been referred to us from previous clients. It's a pat on the back and confirmation that we left a positive impression and did a good job.
Plus, we always love seeing clients from the past at the wedding of the referal.


*Blog post is generated from personal opinion. Picture provided by Diane Morris from Kelly & Mike's wedding 2010.
*Tip list formulated by Real Simple. Visit their website for more suggestions as some were removed for this post.