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Lets Talk: How to Spot Not-So-Great Wedding Vendors (Without the Drama)
Planning a wedding is a wild ride—exciting, emotional, and full of decision-making. At Emerald Acres we are here to help find the best fit for your day. While we offer an open vendor policy (that means you can bring in who ever you want to help) we do have some suggestions on what to look for when choosing a vendor. From photographers to florists, these are the people who will bring your big day to life. But let’s be honest, not all vendors are created equal. While most are fantastic professionals, there are a few out there who may not be the best fit. Here’s how to spot the signs that a vendor might not be the dream partner you’re looking for—without actually calling them “red flags.” (Because we’re keeping it classy.)
1. The Great Disappearing Act
If a vendor takes forever to respond to emails, ghosts you after an initial inquiry, or consistently leaves you on read, that’s a problem. Yes, wedding vendors are busy (especially in peak season), but reasonable response times are a sign of professionalism. If communication is already a struggle before you even book, imagine how stressful it’ll be when you actually need them to show up on time and deliver!
What to do: Look for vendors who set clear expectations about their response times and stick to them. If they say, “I typically respond within 48 hours,” and they do—gold star! ⭐
2. The Case of the Mysterious Business 🤔
No website? No social media presence? No portfolio? Yikes. A professional vendor should have some kind of online presence where you can see their work, learn about their services, and check reviews. If you’re struggling to find any information about them online, that’s a sign they may not be as experienced as you’d like.
What to do: Always ask for examples of their work, client testimonials, or even referrals. A reputable vendor will be proud to show you what they’ve done!
3. “Contracts? We Don’t Do Those.” 🚩 (Okay, just this one red flag.)
A professional wedding vendor should always have a contract—no exceptions. A contract protects both you and them, ensuring that expectations, pricing, and services are crystal clear. If a vendor insists on doing everything with a handshake deal or vague email agreements, you’re taking a big risk.
What to do: If a vendor doesn’t offer a contract, ask why. If they seem hesitant or dismissive, it’s best to move on. Always, always get everything in writing!
4. The Over-Promiser Who Under-Delivers
Ever met someone who promises the world but then doesn’t quite follow through? In the wedding world, this can mean a vendor guaranteeing a dream outcome but then showing up unprepared, delivering a different style than promised, or simply not meeting expectations. If reviews or past clients mention that a vendor didn’t deliver as expected, take note.
What to do: Read reviews carefully and ask specific questions. “Can I see full galleries of past weddings you’ve done?” or “Can you walk me through what’s included in your package?” The more details they provide, the better.
5. The Stress-Inducing Vibe
Your wedding vendors should make you feel excited, confident, and supported—not stressed and full of doubt. If you feel like you’re constantly chasing a vendor for answers, feeling dismissed, or getting weird vibes from them, trust your instincts. Your wedding is a big deal, and you deserve a vendor who treats it that way!
What to do: Pay attention to how a vendor makes you feel during the consultation. If they’re engaged, professional, and organized, that’s a great sign. If they’re scattered, dismissive, or hard to pin down, it might not be the best fit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing wedding vendors doesn’t have to be stressful—it just takes a little research, clear expectations, and trusting your gut. Emerald Acres offers a list of vendors that we have had good results with, wether with in our own space or from other clients, its a good starting point.
Here are just a few vendors to get you started in your search:
Photographer - photoalli <———- our house photographer
Florist - Olive & Honey
Catering - Akey’s Catering <—— They also have suit rentals
Photobooth - All Smiles
DJ - Uptown Productions
