Looking at wedding vendors online can be very confusing. I know because some are my competitors and I am constantly looking at their products. Many of them are overwhelming in the number of products they advertise. Some of these sites may carry Beverly Clark jewelry and accessories, for example. You click on “jewelry” and end up on Beverly Clark’s website. The same is true for Cathy’s Concepts. Likewise, you may click on “invitations” and get transferred to the website of Carlson Craft. These are very reputable companies that offer the drop ship method of delivery to numerous bridal websites. In other words, the wedding vendor you visited will not really be a part of the handling or shipping of the product, which is fine in most cases.
Some sites have their own products as well as products from other companies. I am interested in obtaining the services of a reputable monogram wedding topper manufacturer. But I notice, on their website, they also sell the plastic comical toppers that you see on everyone else’s site. If I do business with this organization, I will only be interested in the toppers that they personally handle and are familiar with. Of course, the average bride doesn’t have that option.
I recommend the bride select 5 to 10 reputable looking bridal web sites. (One site I have visited, misspelled the word “veil” a number of times. I would avoid these as well as those that have testimonials all over the home page. Both are substandard web practices.) Make a list of each website you are interested in and make a sub list of the products you need. Under the sub list, note the type of products they sell, “Jessica McClintock Tiaras,” for example. As you compare each website, you can determine the difference prices for A. A. Bridal Veils, Mariell Jewelry and so on.
Also note the shipping charge for each site.
Lastly, contact each website with a question, even if you have to make one up. You will see if their response is timely as well as considerate. If they use it as a “hook” to get you to buy more than you need, you might reconsider. Thoughtful responses and free information usually indicate reputable products and good service.
Kathleen Terrana is the owner of
Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils, bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Visit our site for additional tips, advice and information.
