First Law

Search for your wedding vendors through your friends, family members, and coworkers. Word-of-mouth is an old a proven way to find reliable businesses. Even if you can't afford a wedding consultant to plan your entire wedding, it might be a good idea to consult one to find reputable wedding vendors in your area. The money you spend on an initial consultation with a wedding planner may pay for itself once you realize the cost savings.

Second Law

Never hire the first vendor you meet. Always make sure you select from at least a few different vendors. Just because you have a good first impression of a vendor, it doesn't mean you shouldn't consider others. The more vendors you take into account the more educated you'll become about prices and selection. You should consider at least 2 to 3 vendors for each product or service you plan on using for your wedding day.

Third Law

Get it in writing. Even if you find the vendor trustworthy, you should ALWAYS get it in writing. The documents describing the service should be as detailed as possible. Such detail might seem excessive, but it will assure that you and the vendor understand each other. If you get it in writing, the vendor might respect you more than if you only had a verbal agreement. If you get it in writing, you are also helping the vendor. If a vendor refuses to get it in writing, you should walk.

Fourth Law

Ask to see if you could speak with their previous customers. It is bad news, if a vendor doesn't make references readily available to you. Well established businesses will likely volunteer references, so don't hesitate to ask. Once you get the references, be sure to contact them. That's why you've asked for them.

Fifth Law

When you negotiate prices, be sure to learn about hidden costs. You should have a clear understanding of what the price includes. If you are unsure, be sure to ask to clarify.

Sixth Law

Negotiate the price. You should bargain with your wedding vendors. Don't be embarrassed by trying to get the best price. If you can't get them to lower their price, try to get some additional free service or product included in the negotiated price.

Seventh Law

Once you get everything in writing, you should have a wedding consultant read through it all. You might even consider an attorney looking through your contracts. Their expert eyes might help you catch a mistake or question something suspicious. Spending a few dollars might help you save a lot of money and many headaches later.

Eight Law

Don't sign anything until you understand the terms of the contract. If you disagree with something have it changed prior to signing. Vendors will more likely to accommodate your requests prior to signing the contract.

Ninth Law

Get a receipt. Some vendors might require a deposit, and you should always require a receipt.

Tenth Law

Keep in touch with your wedding vendors. Calling them periodically doesn't mean you are bothering them. You might get more attention and better service due to your proactive approach. If you have concerns, be sure to voice them early.