If you are new to the world of organization and event planning then you probably see vendors as being less important than the one who organizes the event. The truth of the matter is, vendors are more like your partners; they are the ones who can make or break the event you’re planning.
Every successful event relies on a combination of reliable vendors. Finding the right vendors can be challenging, given one mistake a single vendor could make could reflect the relationship you have with your client.
It’s essential, therefore, to know how to find amazing event vendors for the success of your event. Here some tips for picking the best ones.
Know Your Needs
You should have an idea on what each vendor should offer on your big day. Having a solid list of things you want the vendor to provide will make it easier to judge their proposal. As an event organizer, it’s important to realize the risks of not knowing your requirements before the event. Having the right vendors will ensure your event will turn out perfectly the way you imagined it.
At time, your potential vendors have a rough idea of what you need in accordance to the theme of your event. Take advantage of their knowledge and ask for their opinion or recommendations.
Don’t Rely on the Web Alone
It’s easier to Google things these days, including vendors. The thing is, going through individual vendor sites one by one can be a daunting task and event organizers don’t have all the time in the world, do they?
To make things easier, familiarize yourself with sites like Yelp, event industry blogs, and other sites related to events. If for some reason the internet disappoints you, seek the help of friends, family, co-workers, and even existing vendors. These people can help narrow down your options and find the vendors your event needs.
Don’t Limit Your Options Based on Price
One of the common mistakes new event organizers make is making cost the bottom line. While budgeting is important, you should not choose a vendor solely on price. Let’s say your budget is limited; trim down the cost of other aspects of your event and get the vendors that you absolutely need.
Get multiple quotes as well; do not settle for just one vendor. Getting quotes is your way in getting the best price for a vendor, and having several will serve as your benchmark for comparison. Make sure that the quoted prices include everything, too, to avoid acquiring additional bills after the event.