Using Friends As Wedding Vendors

Recently, I was speaking to a friend who is a makeup artist. She told me she wasn't asked or even considered to be the makeup artist for her friend's wedding. I asked if she is upset and she said: "Not at all. Thank goodness I wasn't asked." Her reaction is probably the opposite of what I expected. This lead to me thinking what are the pros and cons of hiring your friends as wedding vendors:

Pro: You feel completely comfortable with them
Since you probably have known your friend 4EVER, you will be completely at ease with them. You won't feel anxious about working with them and know what they are like and what to expect. Your friend vendor is someone you can talk to and understand the wedding stress you are going through!

Con: It could strain your friendship
Because you feel completely comfortable with them. (Yes, it was a "pro" at first.) You might be expecting more from your friend than you would a regular vendor. Or you might be inclined to treat them as vendor rather than a friend. Either way, it is a very slim line to draw here.


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Pro: You'll likely get a deep discount
Most likely your friend will give you a deep discount because they are your friend, they will "gift" you the services as a wedding present (don't expect this), or they are looking to expand their portfolio.

Con: Your friend may not be up for the job
If your friend vendor is trying to build up their portfolio, they might not have a lot of experience yet. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but something to keep in mind. You can't be expecting them same service from your friend that is just starting out in their field and compare them to a vendor with over 10 years of experience.


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Pro: A good friend knows you best
A good friend will be honest and guide you in the right direction, according to your needs, hopes and vision. They know you the best and have your best interests at heart.

Con: It isn't as easy to express when you're not that into an idea
Because your friend vendor thinks they know you the best, they might not be totally open to hearing what you want. They might feel they are the professional with experience and knows you the best. You might really have to work at explaining what you want in a diplomatic way.

Con: Certain costs may be overlooked
If your friend isn't a professional wedding vendor, they might overlook certain costs. This might turn your deep discount upside down. Be careful!


brides

 ~Monica Hui
Owner, Lead Planner and Designer
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