Signs Not to Hire a Wedding Vendor

Discover five reasons a vendor might not be right for your big day.

It’s one thing to know you like one portfolio over another, but if you’ve never had to interview or hire anyone before, it might be difficult to spot potential red flags.

By Emily Lasnier

outdoor-vineyard-wedding-with-grey-linens-and-white-flowers
Photo: Elisabeth Millay Photography

Meeting with vendors is a very important part of the wedding planning process. After all, they’re the ones who will ultimately put together your big day. However, it can be intimidating to try to make the right choice. It’s one thing to know you like one portfolio over another, but if you’ve never had to interview or hire anyone before, it might be difficult to spot potential red flags. While you can always decide to go another way after hiring a vendor, you’ll save a lot of money on deposits if you’re able to get it right the first time. Whether through initial online research, consultations over the phone, or in-person meetings, here are some signs that a potential wedding vendor might not be the right fit for your celebration. 

wedding vendor red flags, how to know a wedding vendor is untrustworthy

Photo by Genevieve Nisly; Floral Design by Joe Mineo Creative; Bridal Salon: Dimitra's Bridal Couture 

- They don’t have an online presence. Even a small business or individual proprietor who can’t afford a nice website will still likely want to be active on social media. While you likely know that negative reviews are a bad sign, not having any reviews can be almost as bad, aside from people very new to the industry. However, while people have to start somewhere, it’s understandable to be nervous about hiring someone without a lot of experience. 

- They keep you waiting. If the prospective vendor doesn’t reply to your emails or is late to your meeting while they’re trying to get your business, how will they behave once you’ve already paid a deposit?

- There’s no contract. A signed contract should protect both you and the vendor, so not having anything in writing can make things very difficult if something goes wrong. 

- The price isn’t clear. Not everyone will have a price list available online – especially if they do a lot of custom packages – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But once you’ve had a detailed meeting about what you’re looking for, you should receive a trustworthy quote. 

- You just don’t get a good vibe. Just as with any relationship (professional or otherwise) someone might seem perfect on paper, but you simply don’t click. You don’t need to try and justify it if they simply don’t feel like the right fit. 

For more advice, discover 10 steps for a perfect summer wedding and get tips from the nation's top wedding professionals. 

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