Spotting The Vendor Red Flags

The Hunt for Vendors

“wedding and engagement photography chicago land”

“hype indian reception dj”

“cinematic video nw suburbs wedding”

If your recent Google/Instagram search history looks similar to the above, you’re in the right place. Securing a “yes” from your beloved was the easy part - finding the right partners to deliver an experience that you and your guests will treasure? A bit trickier. As you begin your search and refresh your Excel skills for your tracking spreadsheet, you’ll encounter all sorts of different vendors. Some will offer incredible work but be three times your budget. Some will appear perfect until you realize it’s run by a 15 year old. Some will be your dream vendor, and then get booked the next day. It’s not easy navigating the ins and outs of this process, and sometimes will feel as competitive/complicated as your dating life (before you met your person) was. At All-In Productions, we aim to make your life easier - so read ahead for some foolproof red flags to easily rule potential vendors off your list - and get closer to making your best decision.

Avoid At All Costs

1. Their contract refers to “overage charges”

“Don’t worry, most of it is just technical jargon and legalese, you can just sign at the bottom.” Stop right there. Read through every word of that contract, as it will save you tears, headache and dollars later down the line. If you notice a pesky clause, buried in the middle, talking about “overage charges” - run the other way. This is an opportunity for vendors to lock you in a fixed spread of service hours, after which they can either start charging an exponential premium (think - overtime hours) or even be legally allowed to simply walk out of your event, mid-family dance. All-In Productions offers guaranteed “all-day” service coverage. When we work for you, we clear our calendars. From sunrise to sunrise - we’ll be there, taking care of you and your family.

2. Vendors are sitting on the job or distracted.

Have you ever noticed wedding vendors, at events you’ve attended, sitting at their vendor table during key speeches or family dances? What about vendors who seem to be having very important text-conversations while you’re also getting ready to walk down the aisle? Distracted vendors are not worth your time or money - you’re paying them so they miss nearly nothing, all for you to re-live 6 months from now. The All-In Productions team wears our most comfortable shoes because apart from a brief dinner/bio breaks - we are on our feet and in your presence. Random California uncle wants an immediate picture with random Texas aunty? Yes, they can summon us with a snap. Yes, we’ll take a picture. That’s what you’re paying us for.

3. MCs are aspiring performance artists.

If you’re seated at a reception and suddenly the lights go down, and a man in a yellow, glittery blazer emerges and begins executing a scripted magic trick to open the reception (yes, we witness things like this) - you need to turn the other way. Wedding MCs are a curious bunch - they’ve either been waiting their entire lives for their big moment and will make sure history never forgets it - or, they will be like spotlights, illuminating you and your family with classy professionalism and hype. All-In Productions MCs are the latter. Avoid the aspiring singers, dancers, rappers and magicians.

4. No formal contracts or “handshake” agreements

If your vendor tells you “no problem, I’ll be there” but doesn’t give you a contract to lock in your proposal photography - run the other way. This is a red flag. Contracts are not legal documents meant to intimidate you or play “Suits” with. They exist to bind you to particular services, and protect your assets (your cash) in the case of service delivery failure. If your cousin who is shooting pro-bono arrives after you’ve walked down the aisle - that’s unfortunate, but you’ll have to enjoy your cousins’ iPhone shots. All-In Productions backs our word with a contract that you can literally take to the bank (or the court) if needed - but given 100% of our clients have been satisfied with their service, we are not expecting that.

5. No portfolio or references

We all want to help our friends and families “make it”, but that’s why YouTube and Instagram accounts are free to make. Don’t gamble your special day on a vendor who is starting out or has no portfolio or references. Photos and videos don’t care if you have good intentions - they will come out directly proportionate to the skill level of the operator. All-In Productions has 10+ years of experience handling photos, videos, events, sound, DJ and all your other event production needs - navigate to our extensive portfolios and referrals of each, to learn more for yourself. Save the gambling for Vegas.

Make the Right Decision

If you’re currently in the process of planning a wedding, invest in yourselves, your experience and your guests by hiring the right vendors. All-In Productions is a full-service vendor that offers premium videography, photography, MC, DJ, sound and equipment rental services. Navigate our portfolio of work by following the links at the top right of this page.

These are the moments that your grandchildren will be asking you about. Invest in the best to protect and steward your most precious moments, from start to finish. Reach out to All-In Productions below today to begin your inquiry. Green flags only.