Is It Necessary for Both Partners to Interview Each Prospective Wedding Vendor?
Meeting with and hiring wedding vendors can be a tiring and daunting process, especially if you plan on interviewing a few different professionals for each specific job. That's why some couples decide to divide and conquer—the bride may choose to interview photographers and florists while the groom talks to videographers and bands or DJs. But what happens when one of you finds a vendor you like? At that point, is it necessary for the other partner to also meet with that pro, or is it safe to book a vendor based on just one person's opinions? Ultimately, if neither of you has any reservations, there's no reason why you can't sign on the dotted line with this vendor, but there are a few reasons why it might be worth facilitating some sort of meeting—even a quick phone call—first.
Related: When Do You Really Need to Start Booking Your Wedding Vendors?
Personality Match
While the odds are good that you'll be able to tell if someone will also be a personality match for your partner, that's not always the case. Especially in the case of a wedding planner, photographer, or videographer, it's important that you both meet with the vendor before hiring them—they'll be with you throughout the entire day, and you want to be certain this is someone you both enjoy being around.
Understanding Pricing
Ultimately, if you've met with a vendor and feel like they're a perfect match for you and your ideal celebration, it's still worth bringing in your partner to ensure that you both fully understand this pro's pricing. Let's say you've been tasked with hiring the band, and while you love the bandleader and are comfortable with their price range, their quote might be for a five-piece ensemble. Your partner, on the other hand, may have had their heart set on a full ten-piece band with a great horn section. If you both meet with the vendor and understand what you're agreeing to, you'll avoid disappointment down the line.
Discussing Details
Especially if there are very small details that you care a great deal about, meeting every vendor will be critical. While your future spouse might have thought a certain hotel would be great for your room block, you may have not relayed the fact that you want to have welcome bags delivered to each guest, and if you don't ask upfront, you may be surprised by an associated fee with this service down the line.
Contract Clarity
Weddings are expensive, and contracts are detailed, legal documents that vary from vendor to vendor. It's very important that you're both clear on what you're agreeing to, exactly what services the vendor is providing, and what your financial responsibilities are. The best way to ensure that's the case is if you both meet with and go over the contracts with your vendors—you'll be able to ask questions and make note of anything that stands out.
