You’ve chosen your vendors and the day of your wedding is fast approaching; there are a lot of little kinks to be worked out and you want to keep the peace with your vendor team while also voicing your opinion. This can be tricky but we’re here to help! Don’t sacrifice your vision because you’re afraid to speak up. Your vendors are there to support you and make your dreams come to life. They are willing to stick with you through the thick and thin of the planning process. If this isn’t their philosophy, they shouldn’t be your vendor (of course, your demands should stay within reason—if your florist is unable to persuade live butterflies to sit delicately on your bouquet while you walk down the aisle, you need to rethink a few things)! In the following scenarios, please act accordingly.

Undesirable centerpiece floral arrangements. You want your centerpieces to be on point, but you also want your florist to want to help make this happen. You need to harvest good relationships with your vendors, so instead of panicking and getting angry, mention that you want to try something different. Ask to see the new arrangement and say “oh, I almost like that better, what do you think?” Ask for their opinion and work with them.

Food discrepancies. If you go to a tasting and the food is not up-to-par, don’t criticize outright. Help your caterer help you! They want to make your day special with the right food. Let them know that you enjoy their food and gently nudge them in the right direction. For example; “this filet mignon is great, but I’m concerned some of our guests will want something a little more well-done. What do you think? Can we try that?”

Makeup preferences. There’s nothing worse than being self-conscious at a gathering because you don’t feel confident in your outfit, hair or makeup choices. When you go for a trial run of your hair and makeup (which we highly recommend you do), always start the conversation with, “yes, I really like the direction you’re going! Can we do (insert preference here) instead? I want (insert the look you’re going for here). I’m really loving the (insert what you like most here).” Keep the peace and let them work their magic honing in on your preferences.

Ceremony/reception changes. As with all your other vendors, if you’ve hired a wedding planner, communication is key to success. As a wedding planner, we want you to have the most beautiful, wonderful and flawless event that we can make happen. Therefore, we need to know what you like and what you don’t like. All of our ladies at Elegant Affairs know that when you voice your opinion, it’s our responsibility to listen and offer guidance, structure and deliver a flawless execution. Be straightforward with your planner; explain your vision in detail and quickly let her know what you do and don’t like. We will be there to correct and fulfill your needs!

Don’t sit quietly if you have differing opinions with a vendor. This is your big day, and therefore it should be tailored to your taste. There are good ways and poor ways of going about building a relationship with your vendor team. Remember to stay positive and highlight everything you like before letting them know what you want to change; work with them, not against them, and let it flow. Now, at ease soldiers, and keep those relationships healthy!