Hiring family and friends (aka Friendors). Don’t make this mistake with your wedding!

Hiring your friends and family is the BIGGEST, and often the most costly mistake you can make with your wedding. There. I’ve said it.

Planning A Wedding?

If you are planning your wedding, it is important to remember that hiring friends and family as vendors should be avoided at all costs. While it may seem convenient and cost-effective to hire someone you know, it can often lead to unexpected problems and stress. Trust us. You really don’t want to make this expensive mistake with your wedding.

The #1 Mistake to Avoid!

The number one thing that makes my stomach drop when I have a consultation with potential clients is when they tell me that they’re going to use friends as vendors. And they’re so excited about it. I mean they’ll say, “Oh! My cousin Sheila, she’s an attorney, but on the weekend she loves to…” Now, listen. It’s never my goal to burst anyone’s bubble. I don’t want to rain on your parade, but for someone who has done hundreds upon hundreds of weddings at this point, take it from me. The times I most often have issues with vendors, or my clients have has issues, is when they have not been actual business owners. They’ve been friends that you know are going to make a cake for you. Or are going to do your catering. Or plan to DJ the second set. It just never works out.

Hire Professionals With Contracts

For starters, it is important to remember that friends and family may not have the same professional experience as a professional wedding vendor. You want to ensure that your vendors are properly licensed, insured, and have excellent reviews from past clients. Professional wedding vendors also have portfolios of their work so you can be sure they will do a good job for your event. A contracted vendor has a contract. Everything that you’ve decided on, agreed upon and the expectations to be met are all in that contract. You can refer back to it.

Don’t Risk Ruining Relationships

With family and friends, there is a lot of gray area. Which makes this often a costly mistake for your wedding. And last but not least, it can ruin relationships with family and friends. 100%. I have see it happen first hand…more than once, in fact. There can be potential conflicts of interest between the two parties. Even if the vendor does an amazing job, there is always the chance that emotions can get in the way when dealing with a close friend or relative. This can cause tension and awkwardness during what should be a fun day filled with joyous moments. 

Finally, if something goes wrong on your wedding day (which unfortunately does happen sometimes), things could quickly become uncomfortable between you and your friend/relative vendor. People who are not professionally trained might not handle such issues properly or may take it personally if something doesn’t go according to plan. The moral of this story is hire professional, licensed, insured vendors. Not frienders, family or friends invited to your wedding. Do you want the best results possible? Would you like to still have family and friends after your big day comes to a close? Do everyone a favor. Hire a professional.