| One of your most valuable assets as a wedding | | | | vendors during shows, they are there to meet brides. |
| planner is a network of high-quality vendors to work | | | | 3) Open houses and tastings |
| with to plan and design weddings. There are a lot of | | | | Venues, caterers and bakers often offer days in |
| wedding vendors who are looking for wedding | | | | which they invite planners and potential clients to tour |
| planners to work with them. The way to know if they | | | | their facilities and taste their food. Check to see if this |
| would be suitable is to always make sure you meet | | | | is offered by vendors who sell the types of services |
| with them and get to know them before you add | | | | your brides would want, then ask for an appointment. |
| them to your vendor network. | | | | 4) Chambers of Commerce and Convention and |
| You should find vendors who are responsible, have the | | | | Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) |
| proper licenses and permits to be in business, are | | | | These organizations have members who host |
| skilled at what they do, are customer focused, are | | | | networking events to showcase their venues, catering |
| professionals whom you can trust and can work with | | | | and decor. When you attend, you will get a first hand |
| easily and offer the services the brides in your niche | | | | look at their skills and can contact the ones who |
| need. | | | | interest you. |
| Here are 5 tips on where to find vendors: | | | | 5) Other vendors |
| 1) Local editions of bridal magazines | | | | Once you have a few vendors in your network, ask |
| Most bridal magazines have local area editions that | | | | them to recommend other types of vendors. Most |
| feature vendors in your area in their articles. If you like | | | | wedding vendors have worked with many others and |
| what you see in the magazines, contact them and ask | | | | know the best ones in your area. |
| if they would be willing to talk to you about working | | | | Don't stop looking when you have just one vendor in |
| with you and your brides. | | | | each profession. You need to have a variety of |
| 2) Bridal shows and wedding expos | | | | vendors who can meet the different styles, tastes, |
| These will give you opportunities to meet many | | | | budgets and personalities of all of your brides. |
| vendors and learn what they might offer to brides in | | | | Remember that you also need to show vendors that |
| your niche. If you are a fellow exhibitor, walk the floor | | | | you are a professional who would be worthy of their |
| before the show opens, introduce yourself, get their | | | | referrals. Arrive at your meetings on time, wear |
| contact information and contact to them after the | | | | business attire, review their website before you meet |
| show to schedule a meeting. If you are just visiting a | | | | so you know a little about them, be prepared to |
| show, contact them after the event, let them know of | | | | answer questions about your experiences and show |
| your interest and ask to meet. Never interview other | | | | them your portfolio. |