By Joelene Schultheis, Owner at For Every Joccasion

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journeys. You want everything to be perfect, and that starts with hiring vendors who will bring your dream to life. But with so many options, especially in local wedding groups, it can be hard to know who to trust.

As a wedding planner who’s seen it all, the amazing, the average, and the absolute disasters; I’m here to help you navigate the vendor selection process with confidence. You deserve a team of professional, trustworthy vendors who will make your wedding day as magical as you’ve imagined.

Here are my tried-and-true tips to help you spot red flags and verify your vendors, so you can relax and focus on what matters most: celebrating your love.

Why Vendor Verification Matters

Your wedding day is one of the rare times when all the people you love most will be in one room together. It’s a day you can’t redo, which makes it crucial to work with vendors who are reliable, experienced, and aligned with your vision. Verifying your vendors ensures they’re professional and capable of delivering what they promise and helps you avoid last-minute disasters or hidden headaches.

How to Verify Your Vendors

1. Check Reviews and Testimonials

Start by reading reviews on Google, Zola, The Knot, and Facebook. Look for patterns: Are clients consistently praising their professionalism, creativity, or timeliness? Pay attention to how the vendor responds to negative reviews. A professional vendor will address complaints respectfully and offer solutions.

2. Ask for References

Request two or three references from past clients. Most trustworthy vendors will happily provide these. If you’re not ready to call references, another trick is to check their social media interactions. Are other vendors or clients tagging them, commenting, or liking their posts? This can give you insights into their reputation.

If you do reach out to references, ask:

• What was it like working with this vendor?

• Did they deliver what they promised?

• Were there any challenges, and how were they handled?

3. Review Their Portfolio

Look through their website and social media portfolio. Do you see a range of styles, locations, and clients? A repetitive or overly generic portfolio could mean they lack experience. Make sure their work aligns with your vision.

4. Verify Business Details

Legitimate vendors will have proper licenses, insurance, and contracts. If a vendor avoids these topics, it’s a major red flag. Check that their branding, contact information, and business name are consistent across all platforms.

5. Meet Them in Person or on Video

Before signing a contract, set up a meeting. Hearing their voice or seeing their face can help you gauge their personality and professionalism. A great vendor should feel like a partner, not just someone trying to make a sale.

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Suspiciously Low Prices

If their prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Experienced vendors invest in top-notch equipment, software, and training to deliver the best service. Unrealistically low pricing might mean hidden costs or inexperience.

What to Do: Compare pricing with other vendors in your area. If someone’s rates are much lower, ask why. While they could be new and willing to negotiate, make sure they’re clear about what they can deliver.

2. Desperation to Book You

Vendors who are overly eager—offering steep discounts, pressuring you to sign quickly, or following up incessantly—might be struggling to book clients.

What to Do: Take your time. A professional vendor will respect your decision-making process.

3. Stock Images or AI Content

Be cautious of portfolios filled with overly polished or generic images. Some vendors use stock photos or AI-generated content to appear more experienced than they are.

What to Do: Ask for behind-the-scenes content or raw images from actual weddings. If they’re vague or defensive, think twice before booking.

4. Lack of a Contract

A contract is your safety net. It outlines what the vendor will provide, how payments work, and what happens if plans change. Trustworthy vendors would offer one; if they avoid this question or use vague terms, run.

What to Do: Always insist on a clear, detailed contract.

5. Poor Communication

If a vendor takes weeks to respond or doesn’t answer your questions clearly, that’s a red flag. Communication is key to a successful wedding day.

What to Do: Choose vendors who are responsive and clear. If communication is difficult early on, it likely won’t improve.

Trust Your Gut

Your intuition is a powerful tool. If something about a vendor feels off, trust your instincts and explore other options. Your wedding day should be as stress-free as possible, and that starts with working with professionals you feel confident in.

The Bottom Line

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you deserve vendors who take it as seriously as you do. While those rock-bottom prices might seem tempting, they could cost you more in the long run. Do your research, trust your gut, and invest in professionals who will make your wedding day everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Looking for trustworthy vendors? I’d love to help connect you with the best in the business. Let’s chat about how to make your wedding planning experience stress-free and unforgettable! Book a free consultation here.