While you’re shopping for venues, it’s not uncommon to encounter those with approved or preferred vendor lists. Like many couples, you may be concerned about having the flexibility and freedom to choose the professionals you work with. Understanding the purpose of these lists and making sense of venue guidelines can help drive your decision-making process.

What Are Approved Vendor Lists?

Wedding Wire’s Stephanie Weers breaks down approved vendor lists and how they’re used in the wedding industry. Also known as preferred vendor lists, you’ll most likely find them when working with reception venues. Some compile them because they already have good working relationships with these businesses and to help guarantee that their clients receive great service. Wedding Wire EDU’s Emilie Smith advises professionals on how to build and maintain these relationships and end up on these vendor lists. Meanwhile, both Weers and Wedding Chicks discuss some benefits of sticking with an approved vendor list:

• You can save time in researching and hiring vendors.
• Some preferred vendors may offer discounts.
• The venue may have carefully vetted each business, ensuring a better chance that you’ll get great service.
• A preferred vendor will already be familiar with the venue’s floor plan, amenities, and staff.

Watch Out for Kickbacks

At the same time, there’s no guarantee that you’ll enjoy any advantages from hiring vendors from a preferred list. Your outcomes are impacted by the quality of service each professional delivers. Some venues have each couple’s best interests at heart. However, both Wedding Chicks and Weers point out that others offer spots on these lists in return for receiving kickbacks from these businesses. Special Events blogger Kerry Lee Doehr argues that this is unethical since the practice is centered more around profit and less on client satisfaction. Also, it jeopardizes businesses that have worked hard to serve clients but aren’t willing to “pay to play.”

With all this in mind, Weers strongly suggests that couples research each potential venue. When it comes to approved vendor lists, she recommends asking some crucial questions: How is your preferred vendor list compiled? Do vendors pay a fee to get listed? Am I allowed to use outside vendors? Do these businesses offer special rates or discounts?

Be Aware of Contractual Obligations

While some venues may merely recommend industry professionals, others could require you to use their services. Martha Stewart Weddings’ Nicole Harris stresses the importance of reviewing venue policies and reading contracts before you sign. You’ll want to watch out for restrictions as well as fees for using outside businesses. Don’t overlook any special requirements you could be asked to follow. For instance, a venue may ask that outside professionals provide proof of insurance coverage or membership in industry organizations. 

Additional Tips for LGBTQ Couples

As an LGBTQ couple, you’ll also need to do an extra bit of research to confirm that you’re working with affirming vendors. Your community may have LGBTQ business listings that you can reference. Also, it’s a good idea to browse through online directories like PrideZillas and Equally Wed. Besides these suggestions, The Knot provides some tips for discerning whether a company is LGBTQ-friendly:

• Browse through its website photos. If you notice same-sex or transgender couples, that’s a good sign.
• Look at its wording choices. Affirming businesses make more of an effort to use inclusive language.
• Check for certifications with organizations such as Halls of Ivy and the Gay Wedding Institute.
• Review its social media. Look for posts featuring LGBTQ couples and affirming language.

It Pays To Do Your Homework

As you plan your wedding, navigating the vast number of vendors can feel overwhelming. Depending on who you ask, preferred vendor lists can be a blessing or a curse. While exploring your options, be sure to research and understand details before you commit to any vendor.