The Dos and Don'ts for Vendor Etiquette

With 50 acres of beautiful gardens, multiple fire pits, and elegant lighting, the Beaumont Inn is the perfect location for your wedding. We offer exquisite dining options and with our full-service venue planners on site, your day will be the fairytale vision that you have been dreaming about for your entire life.

But what can start as a perfect day can quickly end in chaos, all thanks to your vendors. Whether it’s your flower arrangements are a mess, the DJ playing the wrong music, or your photographer showing up late, it can put a damper on the whole event.

You spent months planning this special day. Is there any way you can prevent this from happening?

Here are a few dos and don’ts you and your vendors should keep in mind to make the day a success for everyone.

Vendor Etiquette for Brides and Grooms

• Before hiring any vendor, you need to check their work. Ask for a portfolio or samples of their work. Check out consumer review websites like Yelp, Better Business Bureau, even Google and Facebook to see what others have said about the vendor. Ask for references. And always, ALWAYS meet the vendor before you hire.
• When you do select a vendor, you should not only have a contract but know what’s in that contract. These contracts should spell out exactly what you want for your wedding, the dates of the vendor will perform the service, and what materials are needed. For example, a contract with your photographer should give a precise date and time when the work should be complete. The agreement should also spell out any special accommodations needed for the vendors such as travel costs and hotel rooms.
• Make sure you address any concerns before the big day. That way everything can be ironed out in advance, and it’s one less thing you have to worry about during the wedding!
• Now comes the important question – do you have to feed your wedding vendors? And the answer to that question is a resounding yes! Remember, this a full workday for the vendor and they need to keep their energy level up. And don’t just throw them to the side – give them a place to sit to eat their meal!
• And finally, after a successful wedding, you need to thank your vendors for all their hard work. Leave a positive review online, recommend them to friends and family, even send them a thank you card!

Etiquette for Vendors

• Know your venue. If it’s at a location that you’ve never been to, you should call and set up a tour. That way you’ll know the specifics of the layout such as the distance you’ll have to travel with your equipment and the type of space you’ll have for your set up. If you require special accommodations, you need to let the venue know before the wedding so it can be worked out.
• Sometimes the bride and groom will include alcohol in the contract. But if it’s not specified, then don’t assume your drinks are on the couple. You should ask beforehand.
• Remember to stay professional. Try not to mingle too much with the guests and make sure your attire is professional.
• If you need to take a break, make sure it’s not just a critical moment. For example, if you’re a photographer, you may want to wait to take a break after and not during the best man’s toast!

How the Beaumont Inn Can Help

If you’re getting married and need some advice on vendors, the Beaumont Inn can help! Book your special event today or call 570-675-7100 to schedule a tour and wedding consultation.