Finding the perfect supplier can be a challenge so over this blog, I’m going to be covering things
like: what makes a perfect supplier, where can you find them and arranging that meeting with them.
Tip #1 What makes a perfect wedding supplier?
This question could be different for every couple! You could have a list of pros and cons for each
supplier but the most important thing is that they are a perfect match for you! As a wedding
planner, matching my client with a supplier is like finding a love match. I like to make sure that their
personalities don’t clash, their schedules are going to match and their ideas and what they are
interested in align. It’s kinda like a dating app, I need to know that they are going to match and go
into sync straight away. Finding the perfect supplier really comes down to your personality, you
don’t want to work with someone that you are constantly getting mad at or you just don’t agree
with, because that is just going to make your journey more difficult. My one piece of advice is that
when you do have that first meeting with them, make sure they are easy to talk to and you get a
long. If you feel pressured or stressed or don’t think that you are going to be able to ask them any
questions, maybe they aren’t going to be the perfect match for you. But also you can ask around
your other suppliers! For example if you have a wedding planner, they can give you
recommendations. Don’t feel like you are limited to just them though! If you already have your
flower supplier or your invitation supplier, you can ask them for other suppliers too! This wedding
industry is a big one and all of these suppliers talk to each other and help each other out, so most
suppliers are always going to have recommendations for you!
Tip #2 Where do you find these wedding suppliers?
This can be a long list but I thought I would just list a few places to get your foot in that door.
My first suggestion is search engines! You have Google which you are all familiar with! But you
also have places like Hitched, Guides for Brides, Wedding Suppliers or The Bride. These are some
of the wedding search engines that you can have a look at as well! All of these places have photos
or at the very least an email which you can use to get a brochure or something about each supplier
to give you that first interaction with them. You can also gauge them by how quickly they respond!
That can give you an insight into how eager they are to work with you or if they are super busy.
Secondly, you also have Wedding Shows or Wedding Fairs! This is a great way to talk to your
suppliers face to face and means you can get a feel for them right from the first word. You want to
make sure you can talk to them and feel safe and your personalities get along! This is a great way
to get a list together straight away! It gives you a whole bunch of suppliers in one place to start
your list and then discuss later. But this also shows that these suppliers are going to be dedicated
to you! They have turned up to a Wedding Fair which can be very time consuming, so it gives you
an idea of their time management skills as well.
You will also have a list of recommended suppliers - this can be from your wedding planner, your
venue or any other suppliers you may have. A lot of people know which suppliers they like working
with and can give you that insight. But let’s not forget a very valuable resource - your family and
friends! Maybe they know someone that can help you out too! Don’t feel like you have to go
through this process of finding suppliers alone, you have so many options to help you out!
Finally, social media! You have Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest etc. You have so many social
media platforms that so many suppliers use to promote themselves! They give you an idea of what
they have produced in the past and can also give you inspiration as well as insight into the supplier
themselves. Social media is a great aspect to the wedding industry and can be a huge help with
finding initial suppliers.
Tip #3 Arranging your first meeting
This is something I highly recommend! Don’t just send a few emails and then decide on your
suppliers, make sure you have a meeting with them too. Even if this meeting is over zoom if you
can’t find the time to meet in person, it gives you an idea of if you can talk to this supplier naturally
and create a bond from the get go. This also gives you the time to show them some of your
inspiration for your wedding and see if they can help you achieve this. For example, you want to
make sure from your flower supplier that they can create what you are after. It may be that your
flowers are not in season therefore the supplier can’t get hold of them, if this is the case they may
be able to point you in the right direction or give you tips on how to go about it. They want to make
sure they can support you, so arrange a meeting and make sure that they are the perfect fit for
you!
Overall, my advice to finding the perfect supplier is make sure that your personalities match! That
is going to make this process easier and more fun for all parties involved!
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