Human first, vendor second

I was talking the other day with a vendor friend about what it truly means to serve a couple on their wedding day. Of course from a media team perspective, our intention is to preserve wedding memories. To anticipate moments before they unfold. To capture without disrupting. To edit videos that transport you back to the feeling of your day.

But perhaps equally important, is being able to read the room and bring the right energy. To lend a hand. To feel like someone they can depend on.

I’ve buttoned gowns so mom can save her pretty nails, held onto a bride’s used gum in my hand while she had portraits taken, pinned boutonnieres, bustled gowns, whipped out tissues, given words of encouragement. All of this combined is what I know and love about the wedding vendors I look up to. The little ways we show up for a couple beyond just snapping a photo or filming a video. That’s what makes a good vendor great.

Here are some green flags that all engaged couples should pay attention to when meeting with potential vendors.

1. They make you feel comfortable. Remember, you will spend a lot of time with a planner, photographer, videographer and wedding content creator (basically 75% of the day). Conversation should feel easy, they should listen more than they talk, they should make you feel confident. These are just a few things to look out for, beyond their talent.
2. Are they genuinely interested in your relationship, priorities, vision and values? Are they passionate about their work and the wedding industry?
3. Notice how they communicate with you: how quickly they respond, whether they’re organized and clear, if they make you feel heard. Pre-wedding day communication is a sneak peek into how it will feel working with them day of. Their process should be flushed from the inquiry call, though booking and on to wedding day.
4. Can they anticipate needs and accommodate potential adjustments to timeline, weather, etc. Experienced vendors know how to adapt under pressure.
5. Don’t just look through reviews that showcase how beautiful their work is. Feeling cared for, professionalism, a calm presence should weigh just as heavily as talent.

Cover photo by Eleven:11 Photography