Vendor Hiring Help!

I think if you can break it down to tell them exactly what you need for instance how many bouquets what kind of flowers etc. then they would be able to give you a more exact quote

I did all my consultations with florists virtually because they happened during the Stay at Home period. I would suggest reaching out to set up a phone call or Zoom meeting to walk through your specifics with vendors in your price range. In my calls, we talked through all of the elements we were interested in, and then they sent each back very thorough quotes, like 15 pages with costs, sample pictures, and contract/payment schedule for my review. While I would have loved to meet in person instead, I absolutely love the florist we selected! She offered great suggestions that I hadn't thought of, and I found the phone calls to still be very efficient. I did all my DJ, officiant, and Hair & Make-Up interviews virtually as well. It can be done!

I would schedule a phone call where you explain what you are looking for and then ask what do you think that would cost? Any decent wedding vendor should be willing to listen to what you are looking for and be able to give you an estimate

I agree with Melle, be as specific as you can to get the best quote- definitely include the number of arrangements (bouquets, boutonnières, corsages, table arrangements for approximately x number of guests), but for florist also any specific flowers you want because that can impact price dramatically. I sent the florists I quoted my inspiration pictures (one asked for the link to my Pinterest board) and that was super helpful. It’s frustrating to get ambiguous quotes, but vendors are probably also looking at a dozens of generic requests for prices with only a date too. With our photographer, I knew he was over budget, so I was upfront about what our absolutely maximum was and he was willing to work with us and just cut the number of hours. The more specific and up front you are the better the entire process is going to go. Good luck!

I found this tool the other day on WW https://www.weddingwire.com/cost - It's a generic cost generator that gives you "average" costs within the area you are looking for.

I know you're trying to plan your budget by reaching out first, but it's important to get a total headcount in mind - If you're looking to host an open bar and serve a full meal with apps... average cost is $75 per person.

Ask venues what's included in their fees, do they provide an officiant (most don't), chairs, decorations, do they have catering, can you bring in your own caterer, are linens and china included (pending the venue type) How flexible are you with dates? Are you looking for a specific date or is the venue more important? Would you consider a sunrise wedding versus a sunset wedding? We saved $1000s because we went with a sunrise wedding (albeit, it's what we always wanted, but who knew?)

Cakes average price is $5-$7 per slice more if gluten free. Do you want just a cutting cake with cupcakes, do you want pies instead? or how about Cookies?

Flowers are going to be pricey, you may want to compare real flowers with silk or DIY (keep in mind, do you have the time to DIY, don't expect others to "help")

What's important to you for your wedding? Do you need a DJ, Band, etc.

HMUA - Prices definitely vary and add the word "wedding" to it they skyrocket. Do you need someone after hours, will your go there, will they come to you? What other services does the salon provide?

I send them an email stating my name, wedding date, exactly what I want and asked what their price would be. I also read every review I could find on them. If they fit our budget I met with them to make sure I got a good feeling from them. Then I hired them.

Definitely be very clear with your vision and what you want! I sent the same pictures from Pinterest and details of what I wanted to several florists. For the exact same floral arrangement and bouquets i got quotes ranging from $3800-$10,000. I went with the $3800 for pride but also her great reviews!

I agree with all of the above comments. The more specific you are, the more accurate price estimate the vendor can give. With my florist, since we didn't really know what types of flowers we wanted, but we knew how many bouquets, etc. that we needed, we were given a few price quotes, each for different flower types. For any vendor, if there are different packages available, ask about what is included in each and the specific pricing for each (if that information is not available on their website). That should help eliminate the "starting at $___" confusion. When possible, send example pictures of what you're looking for.

Thanks all! This is super helpful.

I got married in a different state than where I live so most of my conversations were via telephone or email. I called one of the florist we were interested in and she asked me to send her inspiration photos of everything I wanted. Once I did that, she was able to give me a quote. I would recommend discussing with the florist specifically what you want and ask them if they can give you a quote based on your requests.

The florist daughter worked with sent her a fairly detailed and specific price list (it did include some ranges) immediately after she inquired the first time via email. Based on that list, we scheduled a face-to-face meeting (I'm sure you could do it via Zoom or some other option) and we talked through every option and potential arrangement daughter might need. The florist showed us a variety of photos of specific types of flowers and different options for centerpiece vases, etc. She also used a website (I think it was a floral wholesaler or something), where she showed us and compared various flower and greenery options, colors, shapes, sizes, etc. She also has a HUGE number of photos from her real weddings on her website that she used to help daughter visualize and make choices. At that meeting we started with daughter's broad vision -- and budget -- and worked our way through every option. Within a couple of days of that meeting she sent daughter a detailed proposal, with photographs, of every item (e.g., bouquet, corsage, boutonniere, centerpiece, altar piece, aisle petals, etc.). The proposal listed specifically exactly what types of flowers, greenery, ribbons, vases, etc. would be used for each item and the exact cost of each item, and then a summary of the entire order including tax, delivery, etc. That meeting took place about 13-14 months before the wedding and our final payment was exactly what was in the original proposal. A good florist should be able to give you very specific details. (Also, the florist she went with was ~ $1000 less than her next lowest bid -- so do a lot of comparison shopping.) Good luck!

I actually found a lot of my vendors on Instagram! It’s nice because you can see actual weddings they’ve done and people tag them in photos and comment. And some are up and coming so they’re cheaper. I also told them my budget when I reached out like “hi, my budget is $xxx would you be willing to work with us?”. If they were I sent pics I liked from Pinterest for a quote.


Hope this helps!

I think you said in another post that you're getting married in Massachusetts, which is where I live. Do you want any recommendations?

View Quoted Comment I did! Yes I’d welcome any recommendations thank you 😊

View Quoted Comment Here's a link to a pisu I did about our wedding.
https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/covid-free-i-hope-wedding/98f2ce1b5317381c.html
I put all of our vendors (I hope) in a comment on the second page of comments. If I can figure out how to send you a private message I'll also send you more information.

View Quoted Comment Omg so beautiful! Thank you so much 😊 so glad your day came together for you despite covid. It looks seriously amazing

View Quoted Comment Thanks this is helpful! The “starting at” price list can be so vague.

View Quoted Comment Wow this is awesome!! Zoom or FaceTime is a good idea then at least I can “meet” the vendors. Sounds like a super comprehensive proposal. I’d love that since I’m so detail oriented haha

View Quoted Comment That’s such a good idea!! I didn’t even think to message on ig or send my budget to them first. Thanks!

View Quoted Comment

Thank you!