We’ve all had to do it. You get engaged and start calling a billion of wedding vendors. Photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, videographers, DJs, invitation places…the possibilities of vendors are endless. You pick the one you want and then BAM you realize that you still have to call the vendors that you decided not to go with.
For me, this part of the wedding planning hasn’t been fun at all. It’s kind of embarrassing calling vendors and telling them I’ve gone with someone else. So what do you do?
#1. Do NOT ignore their calls or NOT call them at all. First off, that’s completely rude and it’s a waste of their time. We all know how precious and valuable time is, so make sure that you actually answer if they call you to follow up with you.
#2. Be Polite, honest, and firm. I had one vendor that I found particularly annoying. I was still in the middle of my decision making, and while I initially liked this vendor, his persistant calling annoyed me. After all was said and done, I let him know I was sorry to inform him that I had picked a different vendor who we felt would capture our style best. Most vendors around town are friends with each other, so make sure you aren’t rude, or no one will want to work with you.
#3. Tell them why you aren’t picking them. For me, 99% of the time that I haven’t chosen a vendor, it’s strictly because of price. If you’ve already talked with the vendor about price, and they can’t negotiate, then let them know that you found someone that was able to offer it to you (if they ask who, just tell them you’d rather not say). If it comes to quality of products (say for a makeup artist) then maybe your decision was over the brand of makeup used. Either way, just be honest with them when telling them why you chose someone else. They’ll appreciate it because they’ll be able to (hopefully) change their prices/policies for future clientele.
#4. If all else fails, email! Still scared to call a vendor or talk to a vendor face to face that you’ve decided to go with someone else? Sweet Chic Events has a great email idea that I know you guys will love.
“Hi photographer (planner/caterer/DJ/florist…)
Thank you for your proposal and taking the time to meet with us! We have decided to move forward with another photographer (planner/caterer/DJ/florist…) that better suited our style (budget/personality).
Thanks again,
Bride & Groom”
Have any more tips on what to do? Sound off in the comments! 🙂
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HiLLjO™ says
Woo this would be hard. Thankfully we didn’t have to do this at all. I wish I had in hind sight, but that’s another story.
Megan says
I made my fiance call and tell them, haha! I know that is horrible, but I was really nervous about it, so I made him do it. Poor guy! Luckily, photographers were the only ones who we had to do this with. But it was still hard and for us it was always because of price too.
Heather says
I think you did the right thing, and as a coordinator, I would definitely want to know why someone didn’t choose to work with me. The truth is that vendors also want to work with couples who fit their style and will work well with them, so sometimes, I think it’s really not a huge disappointment to the vendor, either. If someone is not comfortable working with me, it’s better for both of us if they go with someone else!
Jessica says
This is definitely a great post! Good tips! I actually had to cancel on our first photographer because after we booked them, I started seeing pictures on their website I was NOT happy/comfortable with. So glad I changed, but that was not a pleasant phone call!
Bride-onicles says
Great tips, and thinking back I don’t think I had to deal with this either..I think we have ben lucky so far in who we chose..lets just hope I say the same thing after the wedding is over!
Laura says
Aaaa. You totally just guilted me. I was planning on doing this but was just putting it off. The vendors I didn’t choose will appreciate your motivation. 😉
Kelley @ WhoaBaby! blog says
Awww I wish I could get married to my hubby again! And get a custom dress for 15% off! 🙂 Love your post Steph