Lack of response from vendor options

Yes, unfortunately one of the first things I noticed about wedding planning was the overall slowness to respond by vendors. Like you, I typically have similar expectations of a prompt response, or at least an acknowledgement, so I had to adjust my expectations pretty quickly to allow for a week instead of a couple days before following up. One baker didn't respond until three weeks later, at which point I had already found someone else! I don't know if it is just standard across the industry, but I do feel like I see similar experiences from other couples who have posted here as well.

I haven't experienced this with any of my vendors so far, but I have experienced this with a bridal shop. I called their phone number only to be sent to a voicemail saying "We're busy helping other brides at this time.....", then directed me to fill out their online form if I wanted to book an appointment.

I submitted the form 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything, and they still don't answer their phone lol. At this point, I'm moving on and going to another store first, then maybe seeking them out if I don't find my dress. It's just crazy because I see them post daily on social media, yet they can't answer a dang phone OR check online forms?? From a bridal salon that's well known, and used a lot...I expected a lot better customer service.

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Yes! Like even if you can't full respond quickly at least acknowledge that you've seen my contact request and give me an idea of when I will receive a more thorough response. And I totally hear you with the baker situation! Who honestly expects someone to wait around for almost a month with no contact and not move on?! Its incredibly frustrating 😫

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Ugh 😫 I'm so sorry they're being like that! The constant presence on social media is extra frustrating - I've also had multiple vendors not respond but when I check their socials right there they are, posting and commenting away 🙄

I think what bothers me most about a lot of the lack of contact is just the fact that out of X amount of vendors they are the preferred choice because reputation/information/photos/fit and then when they don't respond its almost like total dismissal. Communication is so key and I cannot get over how nonexistent is for some people..

Btw, I hope the second bridal shop turns out to be an amazing experience! 🥰

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Yeah it is frustrating for sure! A lot of brides feel your frustration, so you def. aren't alone!

Aw thank you!! I really like the second shop a little more anyways, so I'm hoping I find one there!

I had the same issue. You know what I did, I gave my business to the first to respond. Sorry busy or not, not responding within a week is just terrible business skills to me. And I don't want to hire someone who takes weeks to respond to a message.


I requested quotes from a bunch of beauty salons and only one responded the very next day and yes they were a little more pricey but I still gave them my business because Id rather pay more for a person who knows how to run a business right then a cheaper place that doesn't. 2 weeks later one of the other salons contacted me with a quote and said they had been super busy I said thanks but I don't need your services anymore if you had responded sooner you would have had my business, but I found someone else 2 weeks ago.
It might sound kind of karenish but I factor in a businesses response time with how good they are at running a business.

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Kinda the same situation when we were looking at venues. We had a few we really liked that could work, and messaged them all for price quotes. 2 emailed me the day after I emailed them. The rest took over a week. Needless to say, the one we went with was one of the ones that replied the day after.

I get being busy and what not, but if you're running a successful business, especially in the wedding industry, you've GOT to be good at communication. With current AND possible clients.

Ugh !!! Same here. This has been one of the most frustrating things in the planning process. I wanted to try smaller vendors / shops to support locally. But I’ve had to shift things around for some.

Have you contacted them directly through the email/phone on their websites or via Yelp? If so and they still don't respond then move on to another vendor. The message tabs through WW do not reach the vendors.

View Quoted Comment Exactly my same thoughts. Also what if I need to contact this person about the wedding, am I going to have to wait weeks for a response.

View Quoted Comment I've actually never had a problem with vendors on ww not getting my messages. Almost all the vendors I contacted on here messaged me back within the week.

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Exactlyyy, not something I want to have to deal with in the long run!

I've noticed that too, mind you I'm only looking at venues now, and most would take 3-7 days to respond. However the venue I chose (and originally wanted) responds in less than 24 hours. If I text her it's within 30 minutes.

I had the same issue! I had two photographers not respond for a month (why would I hire you????). I also had a lot of trouble getting hair and makeup people to respond at all.

The biggest issue I've had is with Hair & Makeup vendors to respond. I've sent messages to about 10 Hair & MUA vendors just for information and to answer some questions. one responded even though she couldn't provide the specific service I want (on location services) but I'm glad she still answered me and the other called me but she said she would send me a response to my email I sent I still haven't received emails from her. I've recieved an email from one vendor about a consultation so were going to see how this goes. I feel your pain though even if you can't do the services I am requesting the least you can do is acknowledge my message.

Try using thumbtack.com. I usually have better responses on there

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I completely hear you on this! My main issues has been with catering. The 'in-house' caterer (not located directly on site, but is the preferred caterer for my venue) has been driving me up the wall. I don't know this business personally, I've never eaten at the main restaurant, but I was going to use this business specifically because they were preferred and it made logistics so much easier. But, I have had to call and provide details for my wedding multiple times (so she probs forgot or didn't write down what I said the first time) and over the course of three weeks has promised me she'll send me the proposal over the weekend. Well guess what? Weekend comes, weekend goes, I call midweek and its, ohh this weekend I promise! 😑 I shouldn't have to be on someone 24/7 to respond - if someone can't respond in a timely manner now, why should I have any faith in them during the actual wedding?!

Like its been almost a month and I'm completely over it. My catering is going to probably end up being more casual than I originally planned bc there aren't many options, but at this point I refuse to give someone that cannot communicate or provide basic information in a timely my business and thousands of dollars! I 100% understand, its not karenish at all, like failure to conduct business well is unacceptable 🙅🏼‍♀️

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Exactly! Especially right now with so many smaller businesses struggling! Even if a place is unable to provide service or won't help with a wedding event at least communicate!

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Yup! the first few vendors I booked were my first choice and amazing at responding & they still are when I have any question. Fingers crossed that while this may be frustrating now, it can act as a way weed out all the vendors that could be risky come wedding day! 🤞🏻

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How have you been trying to get in contact with them? I've been contacting most of my photographers (I finally got a good one booked this week though! 🎉) through their official websites because so many of them just aren't on WeddingWire or the knot in my area. It just blows my mind - like if that was your personal business, why would you not at least acknowledge someones inquiry?? Especially when you consider that potential customers may very well be a lead for future clients. I'm definitely not recommending anyone who I have a less than satisfactory experience with to anyone I know!