Almost every UK based business has a website. This is fast becoming the most popular way brides and grooms research and select their potential suppliers.
So, what should you look for in a website that will make you book this supplier over another that offers a similar service or product?
Do they look professional?
Not everyone has the budget when they first start up to get their website designed by a professional – but it should at least look professional! If the website is badly designed it gives the impression that the business itself could be badly run. Have a proper read of all the information they provide before making a decision and if it doesn’t sound quite right – move to the next website.
Testimonials
Are they real? Ask to see the original cards/emails they have received from happy customers. Some suppliers may even have contact details of a past client who would be happy to talk to you. If they are just starting out and have been honest about this on their website – enquire about past experience and what work they have completed to prepare themselves for working at your wedding.
Accreditation
Check if the supplier is everything they make themselves out to be. If they say they are members of organisation’s or are recognized by industry experts, contact these people and check their stories. You may find that their membership has expired or they no longer meet their standards.
Images of Weddings they have worked at
Are they images given/loaned to the company by a photographer? If they look familiar you may have seen them somewhere else before. There is nothing wrong with this as long as they are honest that they do not have images yet, but hope to replace these with real weddings soon. The best photos are often those that prove the supplier was there, for example I like to have my photo taken with my couples not only for my memories, but as hard proof I was there and did what I say I do!
Experience & Qualifications
Some wedding suppliers do not need or there are no official qualifications for their job – but check they have experience and sound like they know what they are talking about! It is even better if they have been mentioned in the media or contribute to industry publications or forums as an expert. This really shows that they know what they are talking about and others think they do too!
Fixed abode
PO Box numbers are not a secure way to ensure the company you are enquiring about is legitimate and not likely to take your money and disappear! This is not always the case, but it is safer to choose a supplier that has a fixed address where they can be contacted directly.
Price
The most expensive is not always the best. Location can sometimes add to prices quoted (for example in London) and it is always best to compare experience and testimonials rather than the cheapest you can find or the most expensive. Look at various websites of companies that sell the same products or offer the same service and find an average as a mark.
If at all possible talk over the phone with suppliers before you book them to make sure you like them! I am a strong believer that I am successful in what I do as I actually grow a relationship with my clients that often lasts after the wedding day has happened. If you do not feel comfortable with them at a meeting or over the phone, you won’t feel comfortable with them on your wedding day either.
Morale of the story – do your research! You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing a bit about the car and its competitors and you wouldn’t buy a house without going and viewing it first. When you are spending so much money on one day – why should you do things differently?
