Real Talk: When Vendors Disappoint You
Author: Jamie Quinn
- By Jamie Quinn
You spent months saving your dollars, weeks researching, and lost hours of sleep to pull off what you can only hope is the perfect wedding day. So what do you do when one of your vendors doesn’t deliver as you expected?
The reality of coordinating such a significant event includes navigating the unexpected twists and turns of working with multiple vendors. While some back and forth with vendors is normal, there is a certain standard of service that you can insist on when it comes to your big day.
Even after you’ve paid all the deposits and signed the contracts, the road may still be bumpy, and unfortunately, it only gets more stressful the closer you get to the day. Whether it’s an unresponsive vendor or one who promised to deliver a product by a certain date, it can be difficult to know how to handle the situation without burning bridges.
Your anxiety about everything coming together is completely valid. If you’re a few weeks or days out from your wedding and haven’t received what has been promised, you have every right to be frustrated. However, knowing how to gracefully resolve these issues is important.
Accept your feelings
Firstly, sit with your feelings; planning a wedding is stressful! Feeling upset, angry or disappointed is a natural response when things don’t go according to plan, especially for your wedding. Allow yourself to process these emotions so they don’t completely overwhelm you.
Communicate
Make sure you communicate clearly with your vendor. Approach the conversation with a calm mind and a goal for a resolution. Tell them you are disappointed and that their service or product isn’t meeting your expectations. They may be completely unaware that you have been feeling this way, and you can clear up any miscommunications.
If you are dealing with an unresponsive vendor, don’t keep waiting for them. It’s not unreasonable to expect a response within 48 hours, especially if your wedding is just around the corner. If you’ve followed up with a phone call and are still waiting for a response more than a couple of weeks later, it’s time to start using firm, direct messaging. At this point, don’t waste time trying to be the easy-going bride; you are a paying client. Consider getting a supervisor or manager involved if there is one; otherwise, as a last resort, let them know you will be considering legal action if they do not deliver the service or product you paid for.
Document everything
Keep detailed records of all your vendors, including contracts, emails and texts. If you have had a conversation in person, follow up with an email confirming everything you have discussed. These records are critical if a situation escalates and you need to prove what was agreed upon.
Know your rights
Read your contracts! Preferably before you sign them. Contracts should outline what is expected from both parties and include clauses for non-performance or breaches. Remember, never sign anything you’re not comfortable with.
Seek alternatives
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a vendor may be unable to meet your needs. In this case, it’s important to have a backup plan. Reach out to your support people or other brides for recommendations or consider other creative alternatives. For example, if your florist has fallen through, grocery store flowers or a local flower market could have some beautiful stems that can be arranged with the help of friends and family. If your custom-ordered wedding bands aren’t ready in time, a piece of fashion jewellery as a placeholder will do the trick.
Lean on your support system
Remember, you’re not in this alone. If you struggle to speak up and be firm, ask your fiancé or maid of honour to take on the task. Family and friends can also lend a listening ear or even offer creative solutions to your problems.
Focus on what matters
When we’re faced with disappointment, especially during such a significant day, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture- the celebration of your love and commitment. Focus your energy on the aspects of your wedding that are the most important to you and your partner. Remember, no event goes perfectly planned, and often, the unexpected moments become the best ones.
Learn from the experience
After the wedding, try not to let your bad experience with one vendor cast a shadow over your special day. Take time to reflect on the experience, but ultimately, you can’t change the past. Consider leaving honest reviews for your vendors, positive or negative, to help other couples make informed decisions. This can also be a therapeutic way to help you move past any negativity.
Photo by Kushla and Co
www.kushlaandco.com
You spent months saving your dollars, weeks researching, and lost hours of sleep to pull off what you can only hope is the perfect wedding day. So what do you do when one of your vendors doesn’t deliver as you expected?
The reality of coordinating such a significant event includes navigating the unexpected twists and turns of working with multiple vendors. While some back and forth with vendors is normal, there is a certain standard of service that you can insist on when it comes to your big day.
Even after you’ve paid all the deposits and signed the contracts, the road may still be bumpy, and unfortunately, it only gets more stressful the closer you get to the day. Whether it’s an unresponsive vendor or one who promised to deliver a product by a certain date, it can be difficult to know how to handle the situation without burning bridges.
Your anxiety about everything coming together is completely valid. If you’re a few weeks or days out from your wedding and haven’t received what has been promised, you have every right to be frustrated. However, knowing how to gracefully resolve these issues is important.
Accept your feelings
Firstly, sit with your feelings; planning a wedding is stressful! Feeling upset, angry or disappointed is a natural response when things don’t go according to plan, especially for your wedding. Allow yourself to process these emotions so they don’t completely overwhelm you.
Communicate
Make sure you communicate clearly with your vendor. Approach the conversation with a calm mind and a goal for a resolution. Tell them you are disappointed and that their service or product isn’t meeting your expectations. They may be completely unaware that you have been feeling this way, and you can clear up any miscommunications.
If you are dealing with an unresponsive vendor, don’t keep waiting for them. It’s not unreasonable to expect a response within 48 hours, especially if your wedding is just around the corner. If you’ve followed up with a phone call and are still waiting for a response more than a couple of weeks later, it’s time to start using firm, direct messaging. At this point, don’t waste time trying to be the easy-going bride; you are a paying client. Consider getting a supervisor or manager involved if there is one; otherwise, as a last resort, let them know you will be considering legal action if they do not deliver the service or product you paid for.
Document everything
Keep detailed records of all your vendors, including contracts, emails and texts. If you have had a conversation in person, follow up with an email confirming everything you have discussed. These records are critical if a situation escalates and you need to prove what was agreed upon.
Know your rights
Read your contracts! Preferably before you sign them. Contracts should outline what is expected from both parties and include clauses for non-performance or breaches. Remember, never sign anything you’re not comfortable with.
Seek alternatives
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a vendor may be unable to meet your needs. In this case, it’s important to have a backup plan. Reach out to your support people or other brides for recommendations or consider other creative alternatives. For example, if your florist has fallen through, grocery store flowers or a local flower market could have some beautiful stems that can be arranged with the help of friends and family. If your custom-ordered wedding bands aren’t ready in time, a piece of fashion jewellery as a placeholder will do the trick.
Lean on your support system
Remember, you’re not in this alone. If you struggle to speak up and be firm, ask your fiancé or maid of honour to take on the task. Family and friends can also lend a listening ear or even offer creative solutions to your problems.
Focus on what matters
When we’re faced with disappointment, especially during such a significant day, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture- the celebration of your love and commitment. Focus your energy on the aspects of your wedding that are the most important to you and your partner. Remember, no event goes perfectly planned, and often, the unexpected moments become the best ones.
Learn from the experience
After the wedding, try not to let your bad experience with one vendor cast a shadow over your special day. Take time to reflect on the experience, but ultimately, you can’t change the past. Consider leaving honest reviews for your vendors, positive or negative, to help other couples make informed decisions. This can also be a therapeutic way to help you move past any negativity.
Photo by Kushla and Co
www.kushlaandco.com
