Check your suppliers

So, heard about the one where the photographer charged but didn’t deliver…or did but may as well not have?! Most have you have probably read the story and if not you’ve definitely heard about it…here’s a recap from the Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1218248/Newlyweds-win-court-battle-1-500-wedding-photographer-shoddy-pictures-include-missing-heads-car-close-ups.html

You’re probably thinking…

”that would never happen to me”,
or “how could they have fallen for it”
or “it must have been so obvious he wasn’t any good”

But, is it obvious, how do you know, what can you do to prevent it?

I hear stories all the time about couples who meet suppliers assuming they have hired the person they saw, only to find on the day a complete stranger turns up to photograph/video/document their day. Obviously at this point it’s too late to do anything. This isn’t uncommon and if you check your contract you’ll probably find that in the small print (I know it’s always the small print) it will explicitly say that the supplier has the right to do this.

So, how do you avoid these things, and how can you guarantee the person you see if the person who will attend? Ask them! I know it sounds simple, but again it goes back to one of my earlier posts people are afraid to negotiate and ask for what they want. You MUST get out of the habit of assuming what you want to hear. It doesn’t work like that and unfortunately it will add to the sense of stress and out of control-ness on the day of your wedding.

When you meet your supplier, ask to see examples of previous works, your supplier expects this, it isn’t rude! Where relevant ask them about qualifications they have in their field of work. Ask to speak to someone that has worked with them before, or to see testimonials from previous couples. Ask if they are the person who will turn up on the day or if they work as part of a conglomerate. There’s nothing wrong with a conglomerate operating company, just make sure you make an appointment to see the actual supplier who will be attending on your day and make sure you are happy with them and their work.

Don’t hand over ANY money until you are satisfied you like the suppliers work, you get along with them and you understand their terms of business.

It sounds like a lot to remember but, asking these few questions early on mean you won’t have to worry or stress on the day of your wedding because something has happened you didn’t expect.

It’s not a joke, there’s no punch line. This is a gentle reminder to check your suppliers. You don’t want to be the next Mr & Mrs Day.