The vendors with whom you decide to work will play a big part in the final outcome of your wedding.
Great vendors will ensure that everything goes smoothly and that your wedding is everything you envisioned.
A poor relationship with your vendors, on the other hand, can turn the whole planning process into a nightmare.
This list of the dos and don'ts of working with wedding vendors will help to make sure that you get those all-important relationships off to the best possible start.
Do: Choose to work with a full service bridal salon for their personal service, style expertise, and attention to detail.
Don't: Take advantage of their service if you have no intention of buying there.
It is very poor bridal etiquette to waste a consultant's time trying on gowns if you are planning to buy a knock-off of one of their gowns on the Internet.
Even if you have bought your gown there, do not take up your fitting appointments trying on tons of bridal jewelry, veils, and shoes that you bought somewhere else.
You are not obligated to purchase your bridal jewelry and other accessories where you bought your gown, but it is impolite to throw it in their faces.
Do: Be honest with prospective vendors about your guest list, budget, and any concerns you may have about fitting the two together.
It is acceptable, for instance, to ask a reception venue if their weeknight rates would be lower than those for a Saturday afternoon.
Don't: Try to negotiate a deal off of the listed menu prices, especially at a popular venue.
It will not fly, and there will be plenty of other brides waiting in the wings willing to pay the going rate for a great reception site.
A better bet is to pleasantly agree to the set rate for the dinner, and then politely ask if the venue coordinator can throw in some extras, like an extra hour or a waived cake cutting fee.
Your relationship with your venue is key, and you do not want to offend them in the early stages of planning! Do: Bring your florist pictures of centerpieces and bouquets which appeal to you.
Photos of your venues will also be very helpful, especially if she has not decorated that space before.
Don't: Discount your florist's advice.
If she tells you that out-of-season tulips are going to come in looking wilted and sad, believe her and choose something else.
You should trust your florist to give you good advice on how to choose flowers that will work for your style, your season, and your budget.
They may be alternatives to what you had initially imagined, but in the end, the results will be beautiful.
Finally, the biggest "do" of all: Be a thoughtful bride.
Show up to your gown fitting appointments on time.
Give your caterer the final head count by the date he needs it.
Pay deposits and balances by the required dates.
Most of all, remember to say thank you.
If you work in harmony with your wedding vendors, it will go a long way towards making sure that your event will be a grand success.