Planning a wedding can be as simple or as complicated as the client makes it. However, if you want a happy bride, you'll make the process as stress-free as possible. As a wedding planning business, it's imperative that you partner with vendors of wedding supplies who can assist you in this endeavor.

Wedding suppliers must be reliable, cooperative and affordable. Plus, they must share your desire to please the client: in their case, that would be you. Ideally, you want to build a longterm relationship with your wedding suppliers. Additionally, you need to pick a supplier who will benefit from your service as much as you'll benefit from theirs.

Before contacting wedding suppliers, consider the following:

1. Make a list of the types of wedding party supplies and services you would like to offer your clients, such as wedding decorations, wedding favors and other wedding accessories.

2. Online vendors of wedding supplies are convenient, but don't debut their product or service when you're on a tight schedule. Leave room for a backup plan.

3. Find plenty of good suppliers, some of which are duplicated so you don't have to rely on one vendor for a particular product or service.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose suppliers of wedding accessories at multiple price points

Creating a wedding on a budget doesn't mean you have to cut corners. It just means you have to be a little more creative with your ideas. When choosing wedding suppliers, make sure you include a variety of price ranges so you can accommodate events with budgets ranging from frugal to extravagant.

I recommend: Save-on-crafts is a great resource for discount wedding supplies and wedding decoration ideas.

Ask for samples of wedding accessories

When trailing a new wedding supplier, especially online, you need to sample their products. Don't just rely on pictures, references or phone conversations. If you can visit a supplier, then do so. Even if you don't need a specific product, get a sample anyway for future reference, and always keep abreast of the latest products and services. If no samples are available, make sure there is a good money-back guarantee or refund policy in place.

I recommend: Elegala.com offers an extensive list of questions to ask reception sites. USA Bride also offers lots of questions to ask your vendors.

Limit your contact list of suppliers of wedding decorations

You don't need hundreds of suppliers, just enough loyal ones who you can give enough business. The more business they get, the more likely they are to give you deals, and the harder they'll work to accommodate your needs. As your business grows, so can your contact list. As a small business, you want to create a longterm relationship with your wedding suppliers.

I recommend: Your initial wedding suppliers should accommodate a number of needs, including wedding craft supplies, wedding favors, wedding cake supplies and wedding decorations. Wedding Library is a great resource for finding wedding vendors. WeddingVendors.com offers tips and a list of vendors by state.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before partnering or purchasing from an online vendor of wedding party supplies, do your research. Look for articles, press releases, blogs and forums with valuable feedback from brides and grooms who have personally dealt with a particular wedding vendor.