Hard versus easy choices - is your planner doing the right thing?

I like easy choices, but it's the hard choices that make a difference. Therefore if follows that when you are selecting the right vendors, your choices should be difficult. If you are working with a planner, and the choices are easy and obvious, your planner is not doing his or her job.

Imagine two caterers, caterer A is great and caterer B is far from great. It's an easy choice. But why were you even considering B? Because it makes it appear that the planner is doing their job, and it makes it easy for you to believe that you are making the right choice.

You should struggle a bit with your decision. The struggle will force you to consider all the factors. If it's a caterer, you will want to consider culinary styles, presentation, service, experience and references, costs, overall company culture and a variety of other factors. Only then should you think about signing the contract.

I hate waiting in line...

...and therefore I hate receiving lines. They are so time consuming, and everyone waits. They are also (imo) old fashioned. You are much better off making the rounds to greet your guests at the reception, do make it a point to welcome each guest.

OK, so you decide you must. Practice moving the line along with a quick word and then turning to the next guest. Just keep in mind that your wedding will probably last 300 minutes, and you want to savor each one.

Not all florists are great at sales....

ditto musicians, photographers, chefs, and almost anyone else who services a wedding. And often these same people are immensely skilled at their craft. I don’t like it one bit, but it’s a reality. It’s too bad, because I have often seen clients pick the less than ideal vendor because of a poor presentation, proposal or sales pitch (there is an exception that I will get to later.)

So what’s the solution? There are a couple things to look for and do:

1. Do they come across as knowledgeable and passionate about their work? and about you as a potential client?
2. Does their workspace have a good vibe?
3. Are they polite?
4. Are their references favorable?
5. Do they return calls and are they on time? (a failure to do so is not poor salesmanship so mach as lacking an essential skill, not to mention courtesy)

Here’s the exception. If your contact person is a hired saleperson, they should possess all the traditional sales skills. If they don’t, it reflects upon the competence of the salesperson AND the person who hired them, be it the owner or General Manager.

Conversely, don’t be swayed by the brilliant salesperson. Also a good reason to check references…. did the vendor deliver on the promises?

In the end, you have to go with your gut…. just be willing to do a bit more homework before signing the deal.