From The Straits Times    |


Copyright: hreni / 123RF Stock Photo

1. Your budget
Whatever it is – big or small – you have to let them know the maximum amount you’re willing to spend on your wedding, so they’ll know what they’re working with. Even if your budget’s tiny, it’s better to let them know than to have them plan an elaborate with floor-to-ceiling decor (the works, basically) only to scale it down drastically after.

2. Your level of involvement and the time you have for the wedding
Wedding planners may have several packages for different brides depending on their level of involvement, but your other vendors – like your decorators, bakers, venue coordinators and more – will need to know too. This is so they’ll know what to expect, what to plan for, and who to contact (if you’re a completely hands off bride, and are leaving most if not all of the planning to your wedding planner).

3. Your preferences and dislikes
Even if you don’t have any ideas about your wedding, you’re bound to have some preferences, right? Start by sharing your favourite colours, flowers, details about weddings you’ve attended before, preferred type of celebrations (formal, casual, alcohol-free and so on). This will help your vendors get started in the right direction. There’s nothing worse than a bride who doesn’t know what she wants, and when the final product is presented to you, there’re so many things you dislike about it.

4. Must-haves
From your wedding dress maker, florist, to your photographer, and makeup and hair artist, have a list ready for each one of them so you don’t miss anything out. For instance, send your photographer a list of photos you’d like to have for the album (like family photos, certain events etc.), or your florist a list of flowers you have to have, your preferred look, and more.

5. Expectations
This is just to be clear so there’re no misunderstandings. When speaking to your vendors, make sure you’re both on the same page when it comes to your vision and type of communication (whether through e-mail, mobile or office line, as well as how responsive you prefer them to be). Chemistry has to be there too. You’ll be working with your team for a couple of months at least, and you want to know that you like being in their presence and vice versa.