The Sassy Girl’s Guide to Vendor Hunting Without Getting Burned, Ghosted, or Glitter-Bombed
Darlin’, in the golden age of wedding planning, we’ve traded yellow pages for Facebook groups—and while that can be a peachy place to find budget-friendly vendors, it can also be the wild west in a tulle skirt. So before you say “yes” to a stranger with a Canva logo and a dream, let’s talk turkey about the pros, the cons, and the red flags that’ll have you shouting, “Not today, Satan!”
🌟 The Pros of Booking Vendors from Facebook
👜 1. Budget-Friendly Beauties
Many new vendors offer sweet deals to build their portfolios. That means you could snag a steal—if you do your homework.
🎨 2. Hidden Gems
Some real talent is just getting started. They may not be on The Knot, but they’re out here creating magic with glue guns and hustle.
💬 3. Quick Responses
Most Facebook-based vendors reply faster than your Aunt Matilda at a gossip swap. Messenger is their main gig!
⚠️ The Cons (Ain’t Nothing Retro About a Scam)
🙄 1. No Website, No Receipts
If all you can find is a Facebook page with blurry pics and no reviews—baby, walk away in your kitten heels.
👻 2. Vanishing Acts
No contract? No protection. If they disappear like a soda jerk on payday, you’re out of luck and likely out of pocket.
🤷♀️ 3. Unprofessional Vibes
If they’re posting selfies instead of set-ups, or arguing with clients in comment sections… run faster than your girdle on laundry day.
🕵️♀️ Vendor Vetting, Cherry Pop Style:
Ask These Questions Before You Book!
- “Do you have a contract?”
(If the answer’s no, the answer’s really NO.) - “How many weddings have you done?”
Experience matters—even if they’re new, they should be prepped. - “Can I see your portfolio or reviews?”
Screenshots count, but live testimonials are sweeter than pie. - “What happens if you can’t make it the day-of?”
Professionals have backup plans. Amateurs have excuses. - “What’s your cancellation and refund policy?”
This is where a lot of bad eggs get scrambled.
🔍 The Vendor Matrix: Who’s Worth It?
| Vendor | Has Contract? | Reviews? | Responsive? | Portfolio? | Gut Feeling? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ / ❌ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🚫 | 📱 Fast / 💤 Slow | 📸 Yes / No | 😍 / 😬 | |
| ✅ / ❌ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 🚫 | 📱 Fast / 💤 Slow | 📸 Yes / No | 😍 / 😬 |
✏️ Print this baby out and fill it in like your future depends on it—because it kinda does.
🧰 Bonus Tips to Keep Vendors Accountable
- Get everything in writing. Every promise, every price, every timeline. Don’t trust verbal sugar.
- Pay through secure platforms. Venmo is for brunch, not business. Use PayPal Goods & Services or credit cards.
- Schedule check-ins. A real pro will appreciate timelines and communication.
- Have a day-of contact. If you don’t hire a planner (cough you should), assign a bestie to play point-person.
🍒 Final Word from Your Favorite Retro Wedding Gals…
Listen, cupcake: you deserve more than crossed fingers and digital pinky promises. Your big day is not the time to gamble on a flaky florist or a ghosting DJ. And if you want someone to help wrangle the real pros, dodge the fakes, and make sure every sequin sparkles just right?
Cherry Pop Events is your planning partner in crime, your tulle-wrapped guardian angel, and your no-BS backstage boss.
💌 Let’s Make Some Magic
Sashay on over to cherrypop.events to book your free consultation. We’ve got the know-how, the checklists, and the sass to keep your wedding as smooth as your grandma’s buttercream.
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