When my wife and I were planning our wedding back in 2009, our strict budget meant we would only be splurging on one or two things. We decided to rank the services based on what we thought were most important. In the end, our biggest ‘splurge’ item was the wedding photographer we hired to take our engagement photos and shoot our wedding. After hearing time and again how it all goes by so quickly, we wanted to ensure that we captured every moment and have a whole set of beautiful, timeless images from both the ceremony and the party afterwards to look back on and enjoy for years to come.
We were thrilled with our engagement photos but wary when the photographer informed us that he was unavailable for our actual wedding date and would send his brother and partner instead.
We weighed our options and ultimately accepted the substitute, only to regret it when the pictures came back a couple of months later. Every complaint we could have had was represented in the photos we received. The photos had odd angles, cut off bodies and there were even moments that had been completely missed. We complained of course, but what recourse did we have? When it comes to wedding days, there are no do-overs.
The lesson learned here has to be: when it comes to your wedding, don’t settle for the second option on the things that matter most. Regardless of whether it’s the venue, the food, the dress, the band, or yes, even the photographer, make sure you get what you want, and follow up with that service until the moment you start walking down the aisle.
Always do your research, always meet with the vendor to make sure what you’re paying for is what you want; otherwise, you’ll be left with a slightly bitter taste in your mouth, no matter how much in love you are the day that you say “I do.”
Image courtesy of http://www.lover.ly
Often, people on their way to the altar fall victim to one of three myths.
Myth 1: Everything is going to work out perfectly because this is our “special day.”
Fact: Things can go wrong, even in the smoothest of business deals. Make sure your all of your vendors know up front exactly what you expect from them. Put the directions in writing, and keep a copy for yourself. If something does go wrong, or you’re not satisfied, you have a paper trail with which to try and get a refund, despite it being little consolation if it happens to be your wedding photos you are not happy with.
Myth 2: Once hired, the vendor will do everything in his/her power to make your wedding perfect.
Fact: There are many great wedding vendors out there who will go above and beyond to deliver what they promise but unfortunately it is a fact of life that there are some who won’t. Maybe your personal opinion of what constitutes quality or a value-for-money service just doesn’t match theirs. Whatever the case, don’t just sign a contract and expect them to live up to your expectations eight months later at the wedding hall. Check their reviews, meet in person where possible and don’t be shy in asking if you can book a ‘test’ run, so to speak. This may incur a little extra cost but at least this way you can check the end result before making any kind of payment. When it comes down to your photographer, it is especially important to feel comfortable and relaxed with them.
Myth 3: A signed contract will ensure quality of service.
Fact: While it is true that you should never accept word of mouth agreements and ensure that you get something in writing, a signed contract doesn’t not always guarantee that you will get what you expect. Always remember to read the small print clauses such as the disclaimer and deposit agreement so you know what you are agreeing to ahead of time. Whoever the vendor and whatever service they are providing, follow up with them and don’t hesitate to ask for status updates and progress reports on how things are coming together. If your vendor can’t offer what you have agreed, signed and paid for, don’t make the same mistake we did of simply settling for their second best offer. This is after all your special day!
Image courtesy of http://www.lover.ly
Author Bio
A native of the great state of Texas, Nick Georgandis has been a professional writer and editor for 17 years, and managed to defy the odds and stay married to his better half for the last 3-1/2 of those. His great passions include science fiction, Texas history, beagles, and above all else, being Daddy to his gorgeous one-year-old twin daughters.
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