Chateau Elan wedding photos

Getting the Best Referrals

As you search for the best wedding creatives to bring your vision to life, you'll undoubtedly ask vendors for other referrals. Be sure to ask details about how and why a particular vendor is being referred. You want to avoid a common but unethical practice of referrals based on kickbacks.

Some wedding vendors require a commission or "referral fee" to be one of their recommended vendors. Quite often that results in inflated costs as vendors try to recoup that fee. You also may be referred to vendors whose style may not best suited for your particular wedding. Keep in mind this does not apply to designers who have special relationships with their wholesalers.

Often I am contacted by wedding planners on behalf of their clients. After a nice chat and giving them details to share with their brides, some have asked for a referral fee. I always explain that I do not pay referral fees. I only want to be referred if I am good fit for the wedding couple. The planner should only refer me if the couple is looking for a laid-back, unobtrusive photographer with an emphasis on capturing the affections of the couple and the guests have a good time.

Likewise, I only refer vendors who I know and would be willing to hire myself. I've hired my recommended videographer for my own project. My recommended makeup artists not only do beautiful work, but do it quickly without causing delays in the wedding day timeline.

Location: 100 Rue Charlemagne Dr, Braselton, GA 30517.