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FINDING THE BEST VENDOR
One of the best ways to find a reliable wedding vendor is to HIRE A WEDDING COORDINATOR. A wedding coordinator’s input is invaluable. You do have to hire them because they are in business to provide a service which is to guide, inform, recommend vendors and oversee your wedding. A coordinator has the latest insider knowledge of everything that is pertinent regarding your wedding in Sedona. They know who is experienced and who is a novice, their professional reputation and where the best venues are that meets your requirements and budget. The other services they provide can take the stress right out of your day so you and your guests can and have the time of your lives.
Another way is to research vendors in an organization of wedding professionals. WEDDING PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS are really similar to the yellow pages except you have the convenience of finding them all in one place. Like the yellow pages, however, there is no real way to determine the abilities of a vendor. Many vendors can be unexperienced and unqualified. One advantage an organization has over the yellow pages is that most organizations link to web sites so you can see photos. Try to find out the requirements vendors must meet, particularly how much experience they must have before they are accepted. Many associations, although they probably at least have some entry requirements, are only interested in the dues. Therefore, anyone can join if they pay. The more members, the more likely this is the case. Look for exclusive groups of vendors who’s organizations are not open for just anyone to join. These groups of professionals are your best bet. There are always different levels of talent even among the most experienced. Also, some excellent vendors may choose not to be in an association. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that only the best vendors belong to an association. It is just not the case especially if everyone in town is represented in it. Professional wedding associations are just as much about networking among themselves. That having been said, Show Stoppers is a member of an “at large” association as well as an exclusive group of vendors represented by invitation only. (The Sedona Wedding Studio.)
WEDDING SHOWS can be fun and productive. Many vendors attend but not them all. You can always get information from vendors and then meet with them later. Be sure to check on the shows policies regarding the experience vendors must have before being accepted as an exhibitor. Sometimes first timers attend wedding shows to get their start in the business.
READ TESTIMONIALS but only take them for what they are worth. Remember, nobody is going to post a testimonial that isn’t glowing any more than they are going to provide a referral list if everyone on that list isn’t going to say great things. Look for testimonials that say something more than just how great everything was or how pretty it looked. Look for specifics. You can often pick up on other insights and the abilities of the vendor by reading between the lines.
The best way, if you don’t intend to hire a coordinator, is to CALL VENUES and ask them who they recommend. If YOU bring up the name of a specific vendor you will get a polite answer. No one is likely to give you a negative comment about anyone you ask about. Let the venue volunteer the referral.
Some vendors have websites with PRESS PAGES. Better magazines that include feature articles on vendors can say volumes about quality. Generally speaking, publications and television programs seek out professionals that are doing great things.
