Why Reading Reviews is Essential When Booking Wedding Vendors

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting yet overwhelming experiences. From finding the perfect venue to selecting the right caterer, florist, or photographer, every decision impacts your big day. I've recently seen too many postings about couples being scammed or disappointed by a wedding vendor they've booked. What do I always tell my brides and potential clients? Read. Reviews. One of the most important steps in choosing wedding vendors is reading online reviews.

Skipping this step can lead to disastrous results, while thorough research can ensure your special day goes off without a hitch. Here’s why reading reviews is a non-negotiable part of wedding planning.

The Importance of Reading Wedding Reviews

Derrin with Vinylly Wed mixing music on his DJ turn table — "From our first conversation Darrin put me at ease. He asked questions to get to know our personalities, not just our music preferences... I highly recommend Vinylly Wed for your wedding." - Kheesa J., Google Review

1. Ensuring Reliability and Professionalism

Your wedding is not just another event—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You want vendors who are reliable, professional, and can deliver as promised. Reviews help verify whether a vendor has a history of showing up on time, providing quality service, and handling unexpected challenges with professionalism.

2. Avoiding Scams and Disappointments

Unfortunately, not all vendors are reputable. Some may take deposits and disappear, while others might fail to deliver the quality they advertise. Reviews can reveal red flags like poor communication, missed deadlines, or unfulfilled promises, helping you avoid major wedding day disasters.

Jada with Upstate Strings Trio playing the violin — "Jada was absolutely fantastic for our wedding ceremony. She didn’t break stride even with a little rain. Everyone loved the music, extremely talented." - Kevin W., Google Review for Upstate Strings Trio

3. Gaining Insights from Real Experiences

Reviews offer firsthand experiences from couples who have already used a vendor’s services. This information is invaluable because it provides real perspectives on what working with a vendor is like, beyond what’s shown on a polished website or social media page.

4. Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses

Every vendor has strengths and weaknesses. One photographer might be excellent at capturing candid moments but struggle with posed shots. A caterer might have fantastic food but poor customer service. Reading multiple reviews helps you determine whether a vendor aligns with your expectations.

Vintage floral mismatch plates table setup — "Laurie made everything so effortless and made sure that i was as stress free as possible during my wedding." - Alicia B., Google Review for Monarch Event Planning

5. Confirming Consistency in Quality

A single glowing review isn’t enough—consistency is key. If a vendor has numerous positive reviews over time, it’s a good indicator of quality and reliability. On the other hand, a mix of good and bad reviews may signal inconsistency in service, which could be a risk on your big day.

Where to Find Credible Reviews

To ensure you’re getting reliable information, look at reputable review sources, including:

Google Reviews – Provides customer feedback with a wide range of experiences.
The Knot & WeddingWire – Two of the most trusted platforms specifically for wedding vendors.
Yelp – A popular site for service-related businesses, including caterers and venues.
Facebook Business Pages – Many vendors have reviews on their social media pages.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) – Helpful for checking complaints and vendor credibility.

What Could Happen If You Hire Without Reading Reviews?

1. The No-Show Vendor

Imagine booking a DJ who promises an incredible reception atmosphere, only to find out on your wedding day that they never show up. A quick scan of online reviews might have revealed complaints from past clients about last-minute cancellations.

2. Poor Quality Services

A couple once hired a baker for their dream wedding cake, only to receive a dry, flavorless cake with incorrect decorations. Reviews from other couples had warned about the baker’s lack of attention to detail, but the couple booked without checking.

3. Hidden Fees and Unethical Practices

Some vendors advertise affordable packages but hit you with unexpected fees later. A bride shared her experience of hiring a florist who added extra delivery and setup charges, doubling the original price. Had she read the reviews, she would have seen similar complaints from others.

4. Unprofessional Behavior

A wedding photographer might have a gorgeous portfolio, but reviews could expose their habit of delivering photos months late or being rude to guests. Skipping the research could lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment.

How to Read Reviews Effectively

Look for patterns – A single negative review might be an exception, but multiple complaints about the same issue are a red flag.
Pay attention to dates – More recent reviews reflect current service quality.
Check the vendor’s response – A professional vendor will address concerns and try to resolve complaints.
Read beyond the star rating – Detailed feedback provides better insight than just the overall rating.

All photo credit to R Turner Photos

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day should be a joyous and stress-free celebration, and choosing the right vendors plays a huge role in making that happen. Taking the time to read reviews ensures you’re making informed decisions, protecting your investment, and securing services that align with your expectations. When in doubt, trust the experiences of other couples who have walked this path before you—it can save you from unnecessary stress and heartache.

Are you currently researching wedding vendors? What has been your experience with reading reviews? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

EVENT PLANNING

Charlotte Event Planner