The good, the bad & the ugly

Online reviews website Be Wedding Wise share their top tips for spotting the rogues from the reputable when it comes to wedding suppliers

A wedding day is one of the most significant and expensive days of a couple’s life with many months and often years spent organising the big day. A perfectly planned stress-free occasion is top of the bridal agenda yet the final outcome lies in the hands of a team of trusted, reputable suppliers with the nous and know-how to deliver a seamless celebration.

Be Wedding Wise, the UK’s first fully vetted reviews-based website, shares its top tips for spotting the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to booking a dream team.

STEP 1: DO YOUR HOMEWORK

1. THE POWER OF THE INTERNET

Before booking any suppliers, check that they have a physical, concrete address and working phone number. Companies House has a free service that lets you check these details, however do be aware that they only cover limited companies so many suppliers will not be found on there. If they’re not a limited company then do a Google Maps search to check the address is genuine and simply pick up the phone to check the number given gets you through to them. It’s also useful to do an Internet search of your supplier’s name and their company name to ensure nothing alarming comes up on any bridal forums or previous negative press coverage.

Where possible, seek personal recommendations and read trusted reviews. There’s nothing more reassuring than knowing another bride and groom are willing to personally verify how great their supplier was for their big day.

It’s also a good idea to see how active a supplier is on any social media sites. This will not only give an insight into how they promote their business but enables you to check that they are active and working in the months leading up to your wedding. Nobody wants their supplier to suddenly go AWOL a few weeks before their wedding day.

2. ASK PLENTY OF QUESTIONS

When making the decision on suppliers ask lots of questions...

Who do they work with? If they work with an assistant (florist/photographer) then consider asking to see some of the assistant’s work too.

What if something goes wrong? Check that they have a contingency plan in the unlikely event that they are ill on your wedding day. Would any of your day be affected by rain? Ask the relevant supplier how they would handle it if the dreaded drops do start to fall.

Are their photos up to date?

When looking at supplier’s product photos (wedding cars, equipment hire etc.) check with the supplier to see how recent their images are. The car may have been photographed 10 years ago when it was shiny and new – it may not be looking quite so smart 10 years on!

3. MEET FACE-TO-FACE

Nothing can beat the power of a face-to-face meeting. You can ask as many questions as you like and you won’t have to wait for any answers. It’s also really important to know that you actually like your suppliers and there’s good chemistry. If you love their personality as well as their work then you know it’ll be a match made in heaven. If, on the other hand, you find you’re struggling to ‘click’ face to face then this should perhaps prompt you to look elsewhere.

4. YOUR GUT IS GOOD

Follow your gut instinct. If you're getting a bad feeling about a supplier then you're most probably right. If they're being slow at getting back to you, they're unwilling to discuss finer details, answer specific questions or the tone of their email isn't friendly and open, then you should most certainly listen to those alarm bells ringing in your head and consider going elsewhere.

STEP 2: YOU’VE BOOKED, NOW WHAT?

1. KEEP A PAPER TRAIL

To cover yourself for all eventualities you need to make sure you have documented quotes, contracts, email conversations and receipts on record.

2. GET A SIGNED CONTRACT

Agree on exactly what’s included in your quoted price and then make sure you get a written and signed contract detailing everything that you’ve discussed. It should detail all of the relevant information that is personal to your wedding.

3. DO SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Make sure that you read each of your suppliers T&C's very carefully before signing or paying anything. Also be happy and clear on their cancellation policy and payment terms. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask them any questions on anything you don’t understand.

If a supplier doesn’t have a contract and/or T&C's (sometimes these are included within their contract) then it’s best to find an alternative supplier; these legalities are put in place to safeguard you just as much as the supplier.

MONEY MATTERS

1. DEPOSITS

A professional supplier should ask for some kind of deposit upon booking. It should be a reasonable percentage of the overall cost and any staged payments should be proportionate to the likely work that will have been carried out at each stage of the process. Remember that paying a deposit is a good thing; it's in place to give you peace of mind as much as the wedding supplier.

2. DON’T SCRIMP ON THE THINGS THAT MATTER

You obviously have to work within your own budget but consider what your priorities are; maybe it’s the photography or the catering? Consider paying that little bit extra for the aspects that are important to you to ensure you have a supplier that you’re really confident in, rather than just trying to find the cheapest deal.

1. TAKE OUT WEDDING DAY INSURANCE

It’s always better to be safe than sorry and with policies starting from as little as £50 you’d be mad not to make this small investment. Be sure to check what’s included in the small print though – you don’t want to find out that your venue has closed down only to discover that venue closure isn’t covered in your policy.

2. SUPPLIERS INSURANCES

Check that your venue and suppliers all have their own insurance policies covering the services that they are providing, including contingency for errors and accidents caused by them.