We do not prefer your preferred vendor

Choosing a vendor for a wedding or any type of event is stressful enough.  We want our party to be memorable and of course most importantly, flawless.  Question is, how do we know the vendor we're choosing is a winner?  When a vendor says, "Hey, you can choose our preferred partner for your wedding" what does that really mean?  A "preferred vendor" translates into a partnership between two suppliers.  The majority of the time, they've signed a contract saying that they can only refer each other and get a commission if their clients choose them.  If there is a contract, then they must be good, right? Actually, no.  They probably know each other personally, or have trust issues with other vendors.  Just because they are listed as preferred vendors doesn't necessarily mean that they are awesome at what they do.  So, how do we choose the best of the best?  Easy.  As the client, you have the right to ask them how they know their vendors and if they have a contract with them.  Don't be shy to see actual referrals from people who recently used them.  Get in touch with them through Facebook (a.k.a. stalk their instagram or fb to see pics of their event).  If you're inquiring about a D.J. or a musical band, ask them when their upcoming gig is taking place and drop by to see them in action.  If they're a caterer, ask them for a tasting before you sign anything!  If you're trying to book a photographer ask to see pictures and not just on their website, but in person!  I cannot stress how important it is to do your own p.i. research on vendors.  They might have cool websites, or intice you to use someone by offering you 5% off. At the end of the day, that's not what's it's all about.  It's about customer service and delivering what you paid for and then some. 

I'll admit, we have our own list of favorite vendors that we use on a regular basis but we are not binded by a contract or any ridiculous commission fees.  They are a list of people that are talented, reliable, affordable, easy to work with.  And our list keeps on growing.  It's open-ended.  We have one rule, if you are rude or simply suck, we will not recommend you as our "preferred vendor".