Introduction
The right vendors can make or break your event. A brilliant caterer, talented florist, or reliable photographer can bring your vision to life—while the wrong choice can lead to stress, budget blowouts, and disappointment. As a Melbourne event planner, I’ve worked with hundreds of suppliers and know exactly how to find the gems (and avoid the duds).
1. Start with Recommendations
Ask friends, family, or a trusted event planner for vendor suggestions. Personal referrals often lead you to suppliers who have already proven their reliability.
2. Check Reviews Carefully
Google Reviews, Facebook, and wedding/event platforms can give great insight—but don’t just look at the star rating. Read the details, especially about communication, punctuality, and flexibility.
3. Meet Them Before You Book
Even if a vendor has great reviews, make time for a quick meeting or video call. You’ll get a sense of their professionalism, enthusiasm, and whether you “click.”
4. Compare More Than Just Price
Cheaper isn’t always better. Look at what’s included in the package, their experience level, and the quality of their past work.
5. Get Everything in Writing
Contracts protect both you and the vendor. Make sure you understand the terms around payment schedules, cancellation policies, and what happens if the vendor can’t deliver on the day.
Finding the right vendor takes time and research, but the payoff is huge—a stress-free event and a team you can trust. If you want to skip the guesswork, Events With Amie has a network of Melbourne’s best suppliers, ready to bring your celebration to life.