How To Gracefully Break Ties With Underperforming Wedding Vendors

Your wedding vendors are the foundation of a well-planned wedding. You have dreamed and invested quite a sum of money in the wedding planning, so it’s obvious that you want it to go as you envision it. But at times, it doesn’t. The photographer who seemed like the most perfect choice to cover your big day suddenly is not communicative, the most stunning designer lehenga doesn't come through as visioned, the decor pieces aren't even close to what you imagine and your makeup artist seems bored by the looks you suggested. What do you do then? Here are quick and easy tips on how to gracefully break ties with wedding vendors who aren’t delivering!

Image via @devina.duggal

Review Your Contract

You must have a contract with all wedding vendors that you sign up with. Before talking to the vendor, check the termination clause and refund clauses. You should be well aware of the cost implications before you call to cancel.

Have A Meeting With The Vendor

Unless the issue is work related, we suggest, before calling things off, talk to them. Have a meeting and voice your opinions on how certain things are not going according to the plan. Maybe a final word may help you save a lot of hassle and worry!

Lead With Kindness

Just because you are choosing not to work together, there is no need for unkindness. And because you both initially agreed to work together, your vendor likely turned away business to keep your date. Support them and lead with kindness. We know how much this sucks for you - but it also sucks for them.

Image via Shimul and Rahul

Do It Over The Phone

When breaking up with someone professionally, make it as personal as possible. Before you write that email, try giving them a call or doing a video chat. Have a frank and heartfelt conversation. Remember, you hired them because you loved their work, and a lot can get lost in translation over email during tough talks. Speaking over the phone adds a human touch and helps you part ways on a positive note, even in difficult times.

Refund Details

Stick to the refund clause as per contract. If you don’t have a contract in place, request a refund depending how close to the date you are cancelling. If it's more than 3 months and no contract, we would recommend asking for a full refund. If it’s close to the date, ask for a percentage of the advance. We understand weddings are expensive and every rupee matters but these vendors work on an event basis. They probably turned down offers to accommodate you. Have an open chat and see what works best for you. If they refuse even after that or are non-accommodating, you can opt for the legal route.

Get Everything in Writing

When ending things with a vendor, use Zoom, FaceTime, or a good old-fashioned phone call. Jot down notes during the call, then follow up with an email summarizing what you discussed. This gives you a clear, time-stamped record. Finally, get a signed addendum confirming the contract's end and releasing both sides from any liability. This way, it's not just a verbal goodbye but a legal one too.

Image via Shreya and Rajat

Keep It Professional

Break ups are not easy, not even with your vendors. There is going to be a little heat and stress. Do not let that get to you and start a blame game. Be polite and respectful. After all who wants bad vibes close to the wedding. So, tell them you are not happy with it, firm but not rude.

Do Not Ghost Your Vendors

We hear a lot of vendors complain about this. Please confront the situation, don’t run away from it. It is never ok to disappear on anyone and leave them hanging. If you don’t think you can break up over a call or meeting, just text or email them.

Make A List And Get Them Done

Make a list of things that are issues and deal with them head-on. The best thing about trying to break up is to give them issues on a platter and let them deal with it. Forget the criticism, give them "things to do" and get them done. If you definitely don't want anything done, let them end it well so get whatever you have left, done and dusted. Be a professional even if they are not!

Don’t Use Social Media To Lash Out

Yes, it's the easiest thing to lash out and write on their wall and put it up on your Facebook/Instagram page for all to see but weigh the outcome and your criticism beforehand. I remember this woman who ranted about how expensive a vendor is - seriously and honestly, you chose them despite the price and now you can't blame them for it. Know what you can blame and what to avoid. In the end, you don't want to look like a fool. But if the vendor is unprofessional or is trying to cheat you, share the same on social media so that other brides might benefit!

Image via Pulkit and Kriti

Write A WedMeGood Review

If a vendor has behaved professionally and gracefully, go ahead and put your experience down in a review on WedMeGood (Reviews matter a HUGE deal for brides). The same way, instead of getting into a cussing match with a vendor who has behaved unprofessionally, just go ahead and drop in a review about them on their profile on WedMeGood. It usually makes them sit up and take notice, and resolve any outstanding issues. It also helps future couples read about your experiences before booking them.

If you do decide to break up over email here is a template:

Dear <Vendor Name>

Thank you for taking the time to meet/talk to me. It was a pleasure to discuss the wedding ideas with you; however, we have decided to go with another vendor as the work delivered till date is not as we envisioned. This is because <add the reason why you are unhappy>

The contract says I am entitled to a partial sum of the deposit money for cancelling 6 weeks in advance. Please let me know the details of how that works. I wish you the best of luck in the future and thank you again for your time.

Best, <Bride Name>

Lastly, Be Patient

Remember, wedding vendors are businesses, and any deposits you’ve paid have likely already gone towards keeping them afloat. It's rare that your money is just sitting there, ready to be refunded instantly. If your vendor agrees to a refund, give them some time. If they suggest a payment plan, try to work with them. Always get everything in writing via email to protect yourself from any fraud.

Breaking up with a vendor can be done gracefully. Have you broken up with a vendor? Tell us how you did it.

All images are for representative purposes only

*Original Blog by Krupa Kumar, Updated by Apoorva Pagar