Weddings are undoubtedly among the most beautiful and glamorous events one can experience. Behind that glamor is a group of people coming together to ensure the event is seamless and enjoyable for all. These people are your wedding vendors, and they include caterers, florists, make-up artists, videographers, and wedding planners, among others.

Needless to say, they determine the success or otherwise of the wedding. Hence, couples need to select their vendors with the utmost care. Thankfully, there are certain red flags one must watch out for to determine the right vendor for your event.

1. Lack of Transparency

Transparency is vital in relating with vendors, especially for a wedding ceremony. So, when a vendor is unwilling or shady in providing detailed proposals and pricing breakdowns and comes up with hidden fees that were not initially discussed, there is a tendency such a vendor is hiding something. That’s your cue to change vendors because such a person will likely prove dangerous to your event. The right vendor will be transparent and straightforward.

2. Unclear Communication

Vague answers, poor responsiveness, or inconsistent communication are red flags you must watch out for when choosing vendors. You don’t want a vendor who is slow to respond, not proactive on their job, and meticulous with details. These signal potential issues and slow down the progress of your wedding preparation.

3. Overpromising and Under-Delivering

Having prospects and being creative isn’t out of place, especially for a vendor. However, some promises seem too good to be true and infeasible within the time frame. Looking out for realistic commitments from vendors is a more productive route. Therefore, once you notice signs of overpromising, you should expect under-delivery, which is a significant red flag.

4. Negative Reviews

It’s vital to watch out when previous clients have poor experiences with a vendor and the services rendered. This doesn’t mean a vendor will always be perfect; sometimes, they might under-deliver based on circumstances beyond their control. But when bad service and customer relations surround a vendor – if that’s the prevailing opinion – you might want to take a step back before deciding.

5. Rigid Terms

Vendors who aren’t flexible and are unwilling to negotiate contracts or adapt to your needs and demands may be an obstruction in the long run. No matter the expertise or efficiency of the vendor, they should adhere to the picture you have in mind to create. In cases where that is not possible for whatever reason, it should be communicated politely and then you both can reach a consensus. But when they are rigid and refuse to budge, consider hiring better hands.