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I’m a child of the internet age, and with that in mind, I have done pretty much the majority of wedding planning thanks to the internet. Sure, there’s a little word-of-mouth thrown in for good measure (for example, our jeweler who is the one my parents use and our venue, which is where Mr. High Wire’s cousins got married). But generally, the way we decide on our vendors is research, obsessively reading reviews, and working with vendors who give timely responses to my emails and requests for additional information.
If they type their emails in a way that makes me think they have this expression, even better:
Image via I Can Haz Cheezburger
“Oh wow, you are getting married?! Congratulations. That is so exciting.”
I’ll eat that up, no problem.
My method is pretty simple: If you do not respond to my emails or contact me in the method I requested in your contact form (which is to always email me—please do not call), then you are off the list. Simple as that! I’ve reached out to you to say, “Hey, I would possibly like to give you large amounts of money.” Your lack of response in a timely fashion communicates back to me, “No thanks, I’m not interested in your business or money at all.”
Our venue is a few short miles from a plethora of brand new hotels that have sprung up in that area. I filled out a contact form for each one (stating that I would like to be emailed) and also followed up with an additional email expressing my interest in booking a block of rooms with them. Only one hotel out of the five I contacted emailed me back. A couple called me, but I specifically asked not to be called, and if you didn’t bother to read my contact form, what else are you going to “not bother with” when it comes to where my guests are staying for the wedding weekend?
Hopefully this method continues to weed out the stress-inducing vendors who aren’t there when you need them.
How did you narrow down your vendors?
I am having issues with almost every vendor not returning emails. My DJ is the worst and he is about to get fired today. I have sent 3 emails with questions, no reponse. I dont have time for this shenanigans.
I emailed several dj’s - asking them to email me as well. Two of the 4 called, the other two did not respond.
When I explain my stress about this people just look at me like I am a loon.
I understand your feelings and I feel the same.
I feel the same way. I’m always try and return emails in one day and I don’t work in a SERVICE industry. I had one vendor respond to me 6 weeks after I filled out their online contact form. I don’t understand how some of these companies get any business.
Well, we had tons of trouble with vendor bookings because our venue coordinator offered to do it for us, but didn’t. It’s hard finding out you’re not having a band 5 weeks before your wedding.
This is SO true! I’ve had a number of photographers, caterers, venues, etc. either not email me back, or call instead (after I emailed them!). Sometimes they keep calling, multiple times, clogging my voicemail. If you can’t follow instructions and pay attention to details, I don’t want to give you my business.
THANK YOU! We were just talking about this. There have been a few vendors who I contacted via email and heard nothing back from. That is the quickest way of telling me you are not interested in my money. In this age of technology, how does any business survive without being on top of something so simple as email??
I had the same problem with DJs. My fiance actually called one from Afghanistan and she took 3 days to call me back. When she did, I let her know that I hired a DJ who called me back w/in 2 hours of my email while he was on his vacation. I point blank told her that her lack of professionalism cost her the contract. I can’t imagine doing business that way!
Ugh, I am having DJ problems too. What is it with DJ’s? Mine has refused to answer my messages for the past couple of weeks and I am about ready to blow my gasket. Granted, I know you have a day job. But my question needs only a couple lines of text or email or even a 5 minute call. Jeez!! I also had the ‘nope, not going to bother to respond to your emails’ response from vendors. It pisses me off. I’m about to give you money. If you don’t want it, fine.
My worst issues have been with the hotels and the room blocks. Such a nightmare.
I did exactly the same!! I HATE talking on the phone, HATE, with a passion! lol. Especially when doing this type of business. I prefer email communication not only because it is easier for me to track, remember and reply, but also because it is important documentation in the whole process.
I also like vendors who seem to “actually care”, the others I immediately delete from my list. For example one of the cake vendors I contacted, replied to my email with the following:
“Price per slice is XX. These are the flavors available: X,X,X”
Literally!! No hello, no thanks for contacting me, and not answering all my questions!! uughh he was out immediately!
Thank you for understanding my pain. I hate when people call when I always ask them to email! I don’t understand why it takes so long to email somebody back!
Just because you prefer email doesn’t mean everyone has to use it. If you gave them your phone number I think tjat implies that you accept phone calls. The hotel industry is run almost exclusively by phone. If you would like to use their hotel, just answer the phone. Then you can send a follow up email to confirm. They are still being responsive vendors with good customer service. Let’s celebrate good customer service, instead of avoiding it!
Ahaha, now I’m going to see Patrick Stewart whenever I get an e-mail with an “excited face” tone.
Fast communication and an eagerness to work with you are definitely good signs of a committed vendor. That’s exactly how our DJ won us over. 
AMEN!
I’ve said this before but in planning this wedding I have come across some of the most rude and incompetent people. Is there so much business out there that you can afford to be a jerk to me?
I think that some vendors are hesitant to respond via email because it is a record of what’s transpired, and they can be held to that if there are any problems.
thank you! I agree, so many young engaged couples now solely rely on email and a lot of vendors or managers don’t realize that. They still think we’ll appreciate a personal phone call. I would much rather email. Sometimes its easier to work with web/tech savy younger vendors who understand us.
@Erin E: That’s true! I hadn’t thought about it that way. I shouldn’t have provided my phone number if I was that adamant about not wanting a phone call. Thanks for poining that one out to me
I agree!!! I just had to give up on our “dream venue” even though it was in our price range because their contact person was SO terrible at returning my emails AND phone calls. She actually claimed not to get several of my emails or voicemails and was unable after 2 months of badgering her to give us basic information, like the dates they have available!! UGH!!**vent over**
I emailed all the people I was interested in working with, and if the emailed back I was willing to talk to them, if not, then oh well. Too bad.
When it comes to phone calls, I have realized websites are getting too intelligent. I try using a fake phone number to avoid calls, and it knows!! (”not a recognized phone number”) And most times you cant leave it blank.
I hate phone calls because I am an ADD SAHM. I really cant talk on the phone while watching my kids. I get too anxious on the phone with new people, and cant focus on information I need to tell a vendor, as well as make sure my daughter doesnt sit on my son.
Also people call all the wrong times (Nap time, kids bed time, dinner time) and if you dont answer they sometimes will badger you.
I have had Mens wearhouse call TEN times this week, and its tuesday!! I have even talked to them about it.
I think they think they can hook you via phone but it’s stupid b/c most of us work and want to deal with stuff via email. I don’t have time to awkwardly talk to people on the phone esp. when I need to make sure they’re in the price range I want and services I want. I agree, this is super annoying.
I agree with Erin E
The truth is every marketing strategy for sales strongly insists that these sales persons get on the phone - that an actual voice will secure the sale more than just an email response. They’re working their best to get the process moving and to get you signed, as opposed to having to worry about nagging you with a follow-up emails. You could argue that you don’t want to talk to EACH person on the phone - but you could also argue that you are sick of them emailing you asking about your hotel decisions.
You can be glad they are at least responding. I prefer email so I completely understand that’s not what you asked for and i understand the frustration, but if you include your phone number you are opening your self up for that.
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Mrs. High Wire, Dallas Age and Occupation: 23, Legal Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Director of Communications Engagement Date: October 9, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Clark Gardens About Me: My loves include yoga, anything spicy, our eccentric cat, our rambunctious dog, and Mr. High Wire, of course! Like the steadiness act of the tightrope walker, this gal is busy balancing life while planning a wedding to the man of her dreams. We’re hosting a laid-back, vintage-inspired, bird themed wedding with heavy doses of love, good eats (did someone say tacos and margaritas?), and endless Texas charm. Mr. High Wire and I are so happy to have you along for the walk across the tight rope.
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