How to choose vendors without losing your weekends

The instinct is to meet with everyone recommended by a friend, a venue, or a wedding app. Multiply that across five vendor categories and most couples burn an entire spring on tours and tastings before booking anything.

A faster method: for each category, ask three couples who got married in the last two years, at a similar guest count and budget, who they used and whether they would use them again. Cross-reference against two or three names that repeat. That shortlist is usually three vendors, not twelve, before a single tour is booked.

The other filter that saves time: decide your non-negotiables before you meet anyone. If in-season florals or a live band matters more than price, say so in the first email. Vendors who can't meet it tell you in one reply instead of one meeting.