Vendor Review Shout Out
November 30th, 2006 @ 1:42 pm by Mrs. Bird of Paradise
Now that our wedding is over, it’s time for vendor reviews. In addition to blogging on Weddingbee, I’m also a member of other wedding related forums. This got me thinking - should I mention to a few of my favorite vendors that I’ve raved about them and rated them? Has anyone (bees or not) mentioned to their vendors that you are involved in a wedding blog or wedding website? If so, did you mention it prior to the wedding or after? What were your reasons and how did you let them know? Or, are you a vendor who wished more people let you know they posted about your services, good or bad?
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10 Responses to “Vendor Review Shout Out”
i only tell people that i have posted something *after* they’ve done whatever or sold whatever… i know it’s just a blog, but i take my “editorial integrity” quite seriously and wouldn’t want to get any “pay for play.”
that said, i am still kind of reluctant to slam any vendors–even those that screwed up. it could have just been an off day… still though, i won’t be giving them undeserved praise either. just no review at all or else a mild criticism.
I talked with my photographer and venue and asked permission to mention them on my blog and on weddingbee. Both were definitely obliging 
And *after* the wedding I’ll post full reviews.
Well, I sent an email to a vendor I have a trial run with , just saying that while I take everything I blog very seriously, I may blog about their company at some point, and is that okay? Well, they never responded and I’m cancelling my appointment. I don’t like that attitude!
I’ve talked with several of my vendors about the plethora of wedding sites and how easy it is these days to praise, or rip apart, vendors.
I’ve realized three rules of thumb about posting about vendors:
1. Assume they are reading the website also. Many vendors read as many wedding sites as we do. Don’t post anything about them that you wouldn’t say to their face, especially before the wedding.
2. Be fair and evenhanded. If they screwed up it’s fine to be honest about it in your vendor reviews, but also try and remain objective as possible. It’s unfair to the vendor to post a review that is laden with anger and other emotions. There should definitely be truthfulness in reviews, but realize that others are reading and can’t separate fact from emotion.
3. Be extremely careful about posting vendor quotes. While everyone wants to get the best service for the best price, it’s not fair to vendors to post prices without context. Quotes could be a year old, or be discounted because they know your uncle or whatever. Posting incorrect prices leads to discomfort on everyone’s part. People should contact vendors themselves for specific pricing.
I don’t think there’s much need to mention your reviews. Vendors aren’t naive people. If anything, they are lurking and already know what you’ve written.
When I read reviews I would prefer that it was after the services were done. Also I noticed that some brides won’t list what they paid, while I understand that money is a sensitive topic, it would be very helpful if I know I can afford the vendor I am reading about.
Mrs BOP, I was thinking about this sensitive topic too! We’re always thinking of the same blogs at about the same time! Love it!
As for me, I really try to keep my vendor reviews pretty general unless they provide exceptional service or really bad service. As much as I would like to mention that I am a contributor on WB, I think its best not too.
I agree with LK, I know that quotes are based on facts and circumstances but it would be nice to have an estimate of costs posted so new brides have an idea of how much things costs.
As for the vendor question, as a reader, I don’t want to even contemplate whether or not the vendors did a great job or gave good price just because the customer was a wedding blogger and informed them upfront.
i don’t review vendors until after the fact, and wouldn’t give someone a bad review unless they were reeeeeally bad - like miss daisy i just wouldn’t say anything at all.
referencing lk’s comment, when it comes to money, everyone wants to know how much things cost, but people are sensitive when it comes to money. while i’d love to share exactly what things cost, past experience has taught me that you can only really talk about money when you don’t spend a lot - think the jennifer aniston movie “friends with money.”
back to the reviews - i usually don’t let vendors know when i write about them only because i’m an antisocial hermit. but if i were a normal person and really felt that a vendor was worthy of praise, i’d let them know that i reviewed them on my blog - i think they’d really appreciate it. but i’d only let them know of any review after the wedding.
weezermonkey - you’d be surprised how unweb savvy most wedding vendors are!
Mrs. Bird of Paradise, New Orleans
Age and Occupation in '06: 26, Graphic Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Operations Manager
Engagement Date: November 28, 2005
Wedding Date: November 18, 2006
About Me: The wedding is around the corner and planning has been a blast! I've enjoyed nearly every detail obsessed minute of it and I can't imagine what I did with my time before all of this! I can't wait for our wonderful day and the rest of my life with Mr. Soon-to-be Bird of Paradise.
Ooh, I’ve been wondering about this too, I’d love to hear what people say!