Should you hire a "friendor" for your wedding?
Photo by Sarah Canning Photography
Occasionally we will have a client tell us they have a friend or family member who is a photographer, a baker, a DJ, or some other type of vendor and they’d like to consider using them for their wedding. This can go well, but it can also go very wrong. Here are some things to consider before hiring a “friendor”.
How many wedding have they done?
Everyone needs to start somewhere, but do you want to be your friends first client? If they’re a photographer, what happens if they don’t capture all of the photos that you want or their style isn’t what you expected? For a DJ, what if they aren’t good at reading the dance floor and playing the music the crowd likes? A good, professional DJ has all types of music available and can read the crowd and play songs to keep them up and dancing.
Are they a professional?
Is this how they earn the majority of their income? Have they been doing it for a while? Do they have good reviews on popular sites like The Knot and Wedding Wire? If so, then you may be ok. If not, you may run into issues.
Do they have insurance?
Vendors should have, at a minimum, liability insurance. It not only protects them, but can also protect you in some cases. Plus, many venues now require it.
Do they have a contract?
If they aren’t a full time professional wedding vendor then you might find it hard or uncomfortable to ask them for a contract. Without a contract it may be hard to hold them accountable if something does go wrong. What happens if they get sick and can’t make it on the wedding day? Without a contract this may not be addressed.
What if they mess up?
If your “friendor” photographer messes up the photos (or worse…loses them all!), or your “friendor” baker ruins the cake, are you prepared to take them to court? Or, worse yet, lose them as a friend? What if your “friendor” officiant doesn’t file the correct paperwork? Are you even allowed to have a friend act as an officiant? Not all states allow this. Here in PA they don’t. Imagine thinking you’re married but you later find out you’re not!
These are just a few things to consider when hiring a family member or friend as a wedding vendor. Remember, this is your wedding day…you don’t get a redo on it so make sure you hire good vendors. And of course, if you have a wedding planner, reach out to them. We will help you find vendors that fit your budget, style, and personality!