Getting The Most Out Of Your Consultation
25 Apr 2011 Leave a Comment
So you’ve been searching for the perfect vendors, visited bridal shows, researched online, asked friends and family for recommendations…. Now What?
Once you have narrowed down your list to a few top choices it’s time to set up a face to face meeting to help you make your final selections. The consultation and/ or tasting is the final step in your selection process and you want to get the most out of your time and be ready to make a final decision. Here are some tips on getting to most out of your 1 hr consultation with almost any Wedding Professional. Insider Tip- Schedule tastings with 2 or 3 bakers/ caterers so you can make a comparison and choose the one who best suits you taste, style & budget.
- Schedule in advance, especially for tasting consultations with caterers or bakers. Do not wait until the day before you want to meet to schedule time, you may be disappointed when the vendor is not available. Also if there is a tasting involved the vendor will need time to prepare samples. Schedule a consult at least one week and up to one month ahead. INSIDER TIP- Some vendors offer incentives to schedule a consult with them while visiting their booth at a wedding show, so bring your date book- it could add up to savings.
- Limit attendance to no more than 4 people and leave the kids with a sitter. Too many opinions can get confusing for both the couple and the wedding professional, reduce your stress and keep it to the Bride & Groom and no more than two others (Parents, Bridesmaid, and Planner). Bringing the whole family and wedding party is also very inconsiderate to the vendor, who will not have enough samples for the whole crew! Insider Tip- Some vendors charge for tastings, and some do not- ask your vendor if there is a charge and if the fee will be applied to your purchase if you choose to book with them.
- Be on Time, most consults last 30 min-1hr and the vendor may have another couple coming in after you, so be considerate of their time and don’t feel rushed by showing up on time for you appointment. Show respect for their time, If you can’t make it, call the vendor as soon as you know you have to cancel.
- Turn off you Phone. In my opinion this should go without saying, but to my horror I have had multiple consults interrupted by phone call and/ or texting. On the flip side, expect this from your vendor as well!!
- Be Prepared. Know your budget, have you basic info ready to go (wedding date, times, location etc). It is also helpful at a cake consult if you have and inspiration photos or swatches (cake pics, dresses, color swatches, flowers, etc) anything that helps explain the style and aesthetic you want.
- Get Detailed Information. The point to this meeting is to help you make your final decision, so make sure you get all the info you need to do that. Bring a list of questions with, if you think you might miss something… good wedding professionals will answer the majority of those questions before you even ask them. Make sure you get a price quote; including what that quote includes (Is delivery extra? Will you place my flowers/ topper on the cake? Does that include tax?) Also ask about contracts & payment info (What is your cancelation policy? What is the deposit? When is the final balance due?, etc) Insider Tip- If you are interviewing a home based cake decorator be sure to ask if they are licensed, inspected and insured!
- Bring your Checkbook. Just because your vendor is available for your date today, doesn’t mean they will still have the date open tomorrow. Your pricing & date is not guaranteed until you have a contract and your deposit is paid, so if you have decided that the vendor you are meeting with is right for you… book em. Don’t wait or schedule another meeting, your time is precious, and this will be one last detail you have to worry about!
