Vendor Red Flags: How to Spot When a Wedding Vendor Isn’t the Right Fit
Written by: Disha Patel
I’m going to be real with you: not all wedding vendors are created equal. During my own wedding planning, I came across amazing vendors, but also a few who made me think: “This might not be the right fit for us.” When you're planning a wedding, you’re balancing multi-day events, cultural expectations, and family input, so hiring vendors who truly “get it” is key. Here are the red flags I encountered—and the ones I now tell every bride and groom to watch out for.
1. They Aren’t Curious to Learn
💡 It’s not a deal breaker if they’ve never done a Hindu, Sikh, or fusion wedding—but if they aren’t asking the right questions, that’s a red flag.
Why it matters:
• South Asian weddings come with unique rituals (e.g., milni, varmala, baraat) and timing quirks (e.g., early-morning muhurat starts).
• Vendors who don’t have experience should at least be proactive and culturally curious.
🚩 Red flag: “We’ll figure it out on the day!” (Nope.)
✅ What to look for instead: Someone who says, “I’d love to know more about your specific traditions—can we chat about key moments?”
2. Their Communication is Inconsistent or Vague
💡 I knew a vendor wasn’t for me when I’d get responses days later or half-answered questions.
Why it matters:
During your wedding week, you’ll want fast, clear communication, not back-and-forth over logistics.
🚩 Red flag: Delayed replies, missing details, or “ghosting” after an initial quote.
🚩 Red flag: Invoices or proposals that feel incomplete or lack clear deliverables.
✅ What to look for instead: A vendor who clearly outlines timelines, fees, and next steps upfront.
3. They Don’t Offer a Written Contract
💡 This sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many vendors operate informally.
Why it matters:
South Asian weddings can get complicated with multiple events, so you need clarity on what’s covered and what’s not.
🚩 Red flag: “Don’t worry, we’ll sort it out verbally” or “Let’s just handle it over text.”
🚩 Red flag: No terms listed for overtime, travel fees, or extra services.
✅ What to look for instead: A formal contract that covers deliverables, pricing, timelines, cancellation policy, and extra fees.
4. They Push a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
💡 Your wedding isn’t cookie-cutter, so your vendor shouldn’t treat it like one.
Why it matters:
If a vendor doesn’t tailor their services to your vibe (modern, traditional, fusion, etc.), it can make your wedding feel generic.
🚩 Red flag: “This is just how we do it for everyone.”
🚩 Red flag: No flexibility for unique cultural touches or non-traditional elements.
✅ What to look for instead: Someone who asks, “How can we personalize this for your family and events?”
5. They Upsell Without Listening to Your Budget
💡 I once got quoted for upgrades I never asked for—and it blew up the proposal by thousands.
Why it matters:
A good vendor respects your budget and works within your priorities, rather than inflating quotes.
🚩 Red flag: Constant upsells and suggesting packages outside your budget range.
🚩 Red flag: Pressure to book services you didn’t request.
✅ What to look for instead: A vendor who suggests creative alternatives to stay on budget.
6. They Can’t Provide Past Wedding References
💡 Photos and reviews on Instagram are great—but so is hearing from past couples.
Why it matters:
You need first-hand insights on how the vendor handled real weddings, especially under time crunches or family pressure.
🚩 Red flag: Dodges the request for references or says, “We don’t really do that.”
🚩 Red flag: Only shares staged content with no real feedback from couples.
✅ What to look for instead: A vendor who happily shares contact info or testimonials from past clients.
7. Your Gut Says It’s Off
💡 Energy matters! Vendors will be around you for some of your most emotional and exciting moments.
Why it matters:
You want someone who makes you feel at ease, understood, and excited. If you feel uneasy or pressured, trust that.
🚩 Red flag: They seem dismissive of your ideas or make you feel like a burden.
🚩 Red flag: Personality clash that feels like it would cause friction on the day.
✅ What to look for instead: A vendor who listens, reassures, and genuinely aligns with your vision.
Think about it like this: you’re hiring more than just a service—you’re hiring a partner to help bring your wedding to life. Trust your gut, ask the tough questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right.
💡 Want a short-list of pre-vetted vendors who already understand South Asian weddings? Check out Plan My Desi Wedding.
