How to Compare Wedding Vendors Without Getting It Wrong
Every couple eventually faces a version of this problem: two photographers, similar prices, both with impressive portfolios. How do you decide?
Price comparisons are the first instinct and almost always the wrong framework. Vendor comparison done properly involves five dimensions — price is only one of them.
The Five Dimensions of Vendor Comparison
1. Portfolio Quality and Fit
Not just "is this good photography" but "is this the look for our wedding?" A photographer might produce technically excellent editorial work that is completely wrong for a traditional 400-person baraat. A mehndi artist might be extraordinary at Arabic style but mediocre at Pakistani bridal coverage.
How to compare: Look at work from events similar to yours — same venue type, same event format, similar cultural context.
2. Professionalism and Communication
How they communicate before booking tells you a lot about how they will behave on the day.
Signals of professionalism:
- Responds within 24–48 hours
- Answers your actual questions rather than sending a generic rate card
- Has a clear, detailed contract
- Can provide references from recent couples
Red flags:
- Slow or inconsistent responses
- Pressure tactics ("I have another inquiry for your date")
- Vague contracts or verbal-only agreements
3. Scope of Deliverables
Two photographers quoting AED 12,000 may be offering very different things. One includes 8 hours, 400 edited images, and a USB drive. The other includes 6 hours, 300 images, two rounds of editing, and an online gallery.
Always compare like for like. Create a simple table listing hours, deliverables, turnaround time, and inclusions for each vendor.
4. Availability and Logistics
Can they actually do your wedding? Confirm:
- They are personally available (not an associate)
- They can reach your venue without additional travel costs
- Their equipment is appropriate for your venue (some venues restrict certain lighting rigs)
5. Price and Value
Price belongs last on this list because it should be the tiebreaker, not the lead criterion. A AED 2,000 saving on photography is nothing against the regret of mediocre images from the most important day of your life.
That said, pricing transparency matters. Vendors who hide their pricing or give you a "custom quote" without explanation are not necessarily overcharging — but the lack of transparency is a data point.
A Simple Comparison Framework
For each shortlisted vendor, score them 1–5 on each dimension:
| Dimension | Vendor A | Vendor B | Vendor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio fit | |||
| Communication | |||
| Deliverables scope | |||
| Logistics | |||
| Price value | |||
| Total |
Whichever vendor scores highest across the five dimensions is your answer — even if they are not the cheapest.
What to Do When You Cannot Decide
Sometimes two vendors are genuinely equal. In that case:
- Go with your gut on personality. You will spend a full day with your photographer. The venue coordinator will be present for setup and breakdown. Personal comfort is underrated.
- Ask for references. Speak to one couple each vendor has worked with recently. Ten minutes on the phone with a real client reveals more than any portfolio.
- Check their reviews carefully. Look for specific mentions of professionalism, punctuality, and how they handled problems — because something always goes slightly wrong on a wedding day.
Compare Vendors Side-by-Side on Shaadi Bazaar
Shaadi Bazaar's compare tool lets you place up to three vendors from the same category side-by-side — portfolios, pricing, packages, and ratings. Shortlist the vendors you are considering, then use the compare view to make a structured decision.