* Start yesterday! It’s never too early to begin formulating ideas about venues, themes, styles, etc. The sooner you and your fiancée begin, the sooner you’ll be able to lock vendors in and set your collective minds at ease.
* Set basic requirements and budgets. Establish specific and clear requirements and rough estimates of how much you can spend on each event/activity.
* Benchmark, benchmark, benchmark. That is, ask anyone and everyone you know if they have been to a wedding or other events recently and, if so, would they recommend any of the vendors.
* Research options. Start with the yellow pages, but also be aware that the Internet does provide limited options. Use research only if unable to identify a large enough pool (at least three) of vendors through acquaintances.
* Speak to vendors. This is a great way to educate yourself. Play dumb and let the vendor outline their approach/philosophy. First impressions are important, and this is your only opportunity to formulate opinions first-hand – unless you have already witnessed the vendor’s wares at an event.
* Get quotes. Send your written requirements to at least three vendors for each event/activity and ask for a cost estimate. Such an approach will enable you to make an objective price comparison based on comparable services.
* Visit vendors. If necessary, or applicable, visit vendors to meet personnel and sample/examine offered services.
* Make an informed decision. You’ve done your best to create a level playing field for making a decision. But, there will be any number of variables that make a final selection difficult. In the end, follow your gut and stick with it.
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