Real Jewish Brides: How Nargiz Picked Out The Right Vendors - Smashing the Glass

Nargiz will be marrying Ryan on 9th November 2019 at Farmington Hills Manor, in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA. Click here to read all Nargiz’s planning posts to date.

THREE FACTS: (1) Nargiz was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the wedding will combine her family’s traditions – they are Mountain Jews, or Gorski, and their culture is a mix of Persian and Middle Eastern influences – and Ryan’s American Ashkenazi background. (2) Nargiz’s mother tragically passed away last summer, so she has been facing wedding planning without her mom by her side. (3) Nargiz is a member of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club!

How I choose my vendors

Nobody tells you the amount of time goes into finding and picking out the right vendors for your wedding, and that’s probably because everyone has a different experience.

Whether it is picking out the right band, photographer, videographer, florist, planner, hair stylist, makeup artist (the list is endless), some brides (and grooms) need only meet with one company and choose them.

Others, on the other hand (like me), have to meet and/or talk to at least three different companies or individuals before making up my mind.

Image by of Mason Photography from Janice and Samuel‘s wedding

My fiance Ryan is the complete opposite of me. He can make a decision on the spot; if the price sounds right to him, he will say yes. I need to know who, what, where, when, why, how.

I probably have spent way too much time meeting with different vendors, emailing and discussing what they can offer, what ideas they have and for how much, etc. However, if I did not meet with so many different vendors, I would not be comfortable with making my decisions.

Image by Michael Lee from Miriam and Lazarus‘ wedding

Too picky?

Some of my friends chose the first dress they tried on, or found a dress at the very first store they went to. I went to 8 different stores and must have tried on 50+ dresses. I went to four florists before making my decision while some of my friends went to one, maybe two. It makes me wonder, am I being too picky?

I prefer to research their reviews, look at their prior work, sometimes meet face to face, compare packages, and even do a trial or two (hair and makeup), and then decide who to choose.

I am always looking for the best option which can be stressful and time consuming but if I don’t do it my way, I won’t feel at ease with my choice. After all, you only have your first wedding once! 😉

Image by Blake Ezra from Claire and James‘ wedding

No right or wrong

Everyone is different when it comes to making decisions on their vendors. Some people choose a vendor based on the prices, some choose vendors based on reviews and referrals, and some choose vendors based on their style. I do not believe there is a right or a wrong way to choose vendors for your event.

It is okay to figure it out on your own and in your own way. One should not feel pressured to choose a vendor just because it was easy for a friend of theirs (unless you are on a big time crunch). Take your time and figure it out in a way that is comfortable to you. Plan the wedding you want, the way you want it and try not to let others tell you otherwise.

Image by Jeremy Standley from Olivia and Paul‘s wedding

Click here to read all Nargiz’s planning posts to date.

Nargiz & Ryan’s Wedding Vendors booked so far:

Venue – Farmington Hills Manor
Photography – Visi Productions
Videography – Blue Racer Productions
Wedding planner – A June Event
Flowers – Designs by Guzzardo
Catering – Allegro Restaurant