Do a Vendor Check In!

You finally found the right caterer and florist to help with your wedding! Now is the time to make sure you are all on the same wedding wavelength! (expert advice)

You've chosen a caterer, booked the reception hall, and hired a DJ.  The florist is secured and the wedding cake should be delivered right on time.  The hard part may be done, but it's important to stay in contact with your vendors until the wedding day. Miscommunication is usually the number one cause of wedding disasters.

Check In with Your Vendors

About 3 weeks before the big day, plan to call or visit each of your wedding vendors to confirm and finalize all the details.  Be sure to speak with the same person that helped make your arrangements originally to avoid confusion - make an appointment if needed.  The most common vendors include:

• The ceremony and reception venues;
• Florists;
• Caterers;
• Band or DJ;
• Cake designer;
• Photographers and videographers;
• Transportation providers;
• And the officiants.

You may also need to get in touch with your hairdresser, whoever is handling your dress, or the jeweler.  Look through your wedding planner carefully to be sure you haven't forgotten anyone.

What You Should Know

Organization goes a long way in the world of wedding planning.  Gather all the information you need before contacting your vendors and keep a pen and paper handy to jot done any additional notes.

First confirm the date, time, and location that the vendor has committed to and verify the address.  Review payment arrangements, as well as the services the vendor will provide.  Go over the menu one last time with the caterer, give your DJ any specific information on what to play or not to play, and check in with your florist for any last-minute adjustments to your order.

This is also the time to request any changes to your wedding services and to review your RSVPs one last time for an accurate head count.  Make arrangements with your reception venue for additional tables, chairs, or other accessories you may require and check in with your photographer and videographer to see if they'll need anything extra.

The last vendor check in is your chance to ensure a perfect wedding day - so don't put it off!  Confirm, ask questions, and review everything and you won't have any last minute surprises when the big day is finally here.