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I am getting married at Danfords on the Sound.
They gave me a vendor list for florists , dj's , photographers etc. HOW DO THEY ARRIVE AT THIS LIST ? Is it from personal experience with these vendors ? Is it what past weddings have used? Is it cheaper to use vendors on the list or is it a coincidence that I have found it to be that way?
ANY INPUT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
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You must do your homework. Check there vendors see what is being offered. Some vendors may be excellent & some might not.
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How does one become a house vendor? There is typically a business arrangement (in most but not necessarily all cases) whereby the vendor agrees to 'kick back' a percentage to the 'house' for referrals. These relationships may be developed as a result of personal contacts ('old boy network'), savy sales/marketing techniques, being in the 'right place at the right time,' impressing a 'house' with a great product, etc. The problem is that you do not know the motivation for the 'relationship'... thus... you do in fact need to do your own research and 'let the buyer beware' in every instance.
It may or may not be less expensive to use a 'house' vendor. Remember 'penny wise pound foolish' as you consider the choices. If the price seems too good to be true, be wary. As a vendor who is 'house' at a venue and also works at many venues where I am not 'house,' my prices are the same. I prefer to be consistent with all of my clients so I do not need to feel compelled to 'haggle' over price. Every vendor may have a different opinion though.
The only opinion that counts is yours... check out a variety and let your instincts be your guide...
Michael
http://www.musicbymichael.com
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Ditto to above on house vendors. Each venue is different. Some have a $25,000/yr (or more) contract to be house vendor. I've even found some places referring me without me even knowing, so it runs the gamut and everything in between.
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We are 'house' at many locations, and we photograph at many locations where we are not 'house'.......the way we became house at
each location is a different story...just as Michael has said. We do not charge a different
price to photograph a wedding whether we are
'house' or not.
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Regardless of the vendors on a list given to you -you should always make your own decisions based on meeting with the vendor,your initial reaction to the presentation, professionalism, and information given. Was the vendor willing to work with you according to your wishes (rather than telling you what to do) and then check out the references. I am a firm believer that a bride should never settle for any aspect of the wedding. Compare services- not necessarily only prices.Everything should be according to a bride`s wishes.Anyone who says 'You have to,you can`t,you should only' - I would avoid.Take a look at two of my editorials for additional suggestions
http://www.stanwiest.com/wedding_music_budgeting2.htm
http://www.stanwiest.com/wedding_reception_music_trends2.htm
I give seminars teaching bridal consultants how to customize music for weddings and how to avoid problems. Also does your vendor immediately return your phone calls? If not -what will the vendor be like as you approach your wedding date.Is this the full time job of the vendor or is he only a part time weekend warrior on the wedding circuit. What is his office like or does he always avoid meetings at his office because he does not have one . Lots to think about.I hope this was helpful.
