LET'S REVIEW

 

If you watch the Food Network, you know that when a master chef or a baker create something, the judges don't always agree on how good that dish is. Some love it, some don't. Maybe it isn't their taste in food, maybe they don't like that spice or that sauce. Taste is subjective. WELL, so is reviewing vendors. So, today, let's talk about REVIEWS. 

I am going to start by asking you a question. If you had a business and worked really hard at that business, made your living, paid your bills, fed your family with that business. how would you feel if someone, not only disrespected your business in a review, but actively tried to ruin you- and attacked your person besides?  It would make you feel pretty awful, I would guess.  

Weddings are very personal.  they are costly, stressful and you want everything to be perfect.  BUT, THINGS HAPPEN! Maybe you don't have the budget for the Pinterest board you saw.  Maybe the flowers you love are not in season. Maybe the photographer is late, because there was a major accident on their way.  At the end of the day, you are married, the vendor team YOU chose did their job and life goes on. If something didn't go just so, do you really think you should blame your vendors?  

Sometimes personalities don't connect.  That's OK. Not every vendor fits every couple.  Sometimes you don't listen to what the vendor is telling you or you don't read the contract or you hear what you want to hear.  You must be flexible, communicate with your vendors.  SOMETIMES you just had a vision that was unrealistic!  Figure out what your budget is at the beginning and find vendors who fit that budget. Look, there are great vendors, good vendors, mediocre vendors- AND, there are some REALLY BAD vendors.  After 20 years in this industry, I know that. And, as someone who advises couples on vendors, I would not recommend someone I know to be CONSISTENTLY bad.  BUT, I WOULD NOT TRASH ANYONE on the internet.  

Everyone has a bad day.  Maybe your DJ lost their mother recently. Maybe the caterer had staff that didn't show up for work. Maybe the venue had a flood in the ladies room that morning. However, they show up. they do their job. They work past the trouble.  And, they do their best to give you what you paid for. 

RED FLAG:  If someone has a great rating on a wedding website and you read review after review that raves about the vendor. Then, you read some absurd NEGATIVE review that completely destroys someone's reputation- STOP!  Think about it!!  Is it possible for so many couples to be wrong and this ONE or TWO be right?!!  PLEASE!  use your common sense.  

Finally, instead of taking the word of other brides- good or bad, reach out to a vendor. Explain that you read something about them- there are 2 sides to every story.  Ask other vendors who have worked with that vendor- find out what they think. Ask your venue if they have worked with someone and what their recommendation would be.

As with the Food Network, TASTE is subjective.  So, don't destroy someone because you don't like the spices!!  Walk away and find something good to say- maybe you liked the "sauce". And, ask yourself, would I want someone to slander me on the internet?  My guess is, your answer would be NO!  Be kind. And, as my mother used to say- "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all".  

Happy Planning!