Choosing the correct wedding vendors for your big day is no easy task. There’s sorting through dozens of Google results, and Facebook Group recommendations. Then perusing the portfolios, deciding if the vendors match the vibe. Next comes hours of sorting through price quotes, package guides, and details lists… And finally, once you’ve fallen in love with a vendor… PRAYING your date is still available.

I get it. The decision fatigue… At times it’s likely almost too much to bare. And the desire to run off and elope?

1. Girl. I support you. 1000% – it’s your day. You do you, honey. Let’s head to the mountains – my bags are packed!
2. Don’t feel distressed. Every client that has sat in my chair confesses this private day dream. Especially about a month from the big day – it becomes a more prevalent intrusive thought for brides everywhere.

And here’s the thing love, you are not alone. And I pinky swear – you’re gonna get through this.

Some assistance along the way? Absolutely, girl. I got you. Below are a few recommendations I make to each and every one of my clients when they ask for guidance regarding the navigation of wedding planning – and I’m here to share them all with you.

Spreadsheets are Your Friend.

First – I know – it’s dull. It’s lame. But MAKE A SPREADSHEET. Personally, I’m a spread sheet girl. I hate the mess and organization of physically making them, I hate the sheer drudgery of fighting with Microsoft over figuring out the formatting – but spreadsheets help me organize wedding dates, client onboarding, preview scheduling – etc. And I would almost guarantee that it can help you sift through the chaos of getting vendors booked.

I recommend having (2) versions of your spreadsheet – (1) devoted to the top 3-5 vendors you’ve reached out to in each vendor category (I normally say to shoot for connecting with your top (3) and expand your search if needed). Notate when you connected, what your price quote was, and grade your interest. When it comes time to book (and vendors book up FAST) you’ll have some form of a quantitative list to help in your decision making… not just vibes.

For the second list – I recommend notating all of your booked vendors. Notate if you’ve received your signed contract back, retainers paid, due dates and totals for final balances, contact info, and any other pertinent info. This will help you navigate juggling your vendor crew’s details. I also recommend saving the spreadsheet and your contracts in one folder, and on a back up jump drive – this ensures all of your documents (and receipts) are in one easily searched space. Thank me later, bestie.

Consider Hiring a Planner/Coordinator

You do not have to go it alone – the wedding coordinators of the world? The planners? They are your friend – and a good one – an investment worth making.

The most chaotic wedding stories I hear from bridesmaids are usually about how they felt overwhelmed on their big day with family and friends asking them a million questions. Feeling anxious about timeline, setup, and vendor management – truly, being unable to live in the moment.

That’s why I always will recommend my trusted Wedding Coordinator vendor friends – I’m super Type A – and even with my level of hyperfixation, my coordinator friends never cease to amaze me with their attention to detail.

Always Get a Contract

I am old school, and I want to say that you can trust a smile and a handshake – but that sad truth is that for every 15 fantastic vendors there are, there’s usually one willing to undercut the competition, sometimes in an attempt to scam the wedding couples.

I hate to even consider there are people out there that would do that, but here’s the thing… I’ve been a vendor at enough weddings where something has gone awry, that I cannot scream, shout, and holler enough… don’t book someone without a contract, and always (I MEAN ALWAYS) read the contract before you sign.