What does it take to hire a professional in the wedding industry? We figured it takes one to know one, so we asked Shirley Lo-Cadotte, Event Planner & Coordinator at Double Happiness Events who has hired her fair share (and more) of wedding pros for some incredible events.

The Wedding Co.:What are the three most important things to look for when hiring a wedding professional?

Shirley Lo-Cadotte: I would want a competent, reputable individual who is totally “me-oriented”. For competency, look at their experience, training and recent work.  Ask how many weddings have they been a part of, and where and how have they learned their profession. Ask yourself if you are impressed by their work. To determine reputation, ask for references from recent wedding clients and research them on-line to see what others have to say.  To determine if they are “me-oriented” I would look for good communication, professionalism, enthusiasm about my wedding and an overall sense that our personalities click.

TWC: Who is likely going to be the first professional a couple hires?

SL: The wedding planner of course – to save hours of scouring websites and attending shows to find the perfect venue and the best vendors. They will also help the couple stay on track and not miss any details.  However, a full service wedding planner is sometimes not in the budget and if that’s the case I would select the venue first as most are staffed by knowledgeable event coordinators who know their venues well and would likely be able to recommend vendors that they have had positive experiences with.

TWC: What kind of items should you look for in a contract with a wedding professional?

SL: Make sure all the who’s, what’s, when’s and how’s are covered in any contract you sign.  Specifically, look at hours of coverage that will be provided, product details if they are providing supplies, the name of the particular individual that will be providing the service if you have requested someone specifically; any cancellation policy (if you or the vendor cancels); any no-show policy (if the vendor does not show up); any back-up policy (if vendor is unable to be present due to unforeseen circumstances); and payment details including due dates and extra fees such as over-time and travel.

Shirley began her wedding planning career in sunny California three years ago and has since returned to her native  Canadian soil and launched Double Happiness Events in Toronto. With both event and catering management experience, she’s met the gamut of the wedding industry and knows what’s what.

More questions and answers available if you click to continue reading the full post.

TWC: When is it customary to pay the people who work on the day of your wedding, and does etiquette call for tipping?

SL: It is customary to pay on the day of the wedding for vendors that are providing a service to you on that day.  Tipping is optional and a reflection of the level of service that was provided to you.  If they met or exceeded your expectations, you consider the following tipping guide: Make-up/Hair – 15-25%; Officiant –$50-100+; Photographer $50-$200+; Musicians $15-20+ per musician; DJ $50-150+; Transportation 15%-20%; Planner/Coordinator $50-$200 or a personal gift

The tip may be placed in an envelope with the remaining payment for services and given either to the wedding coordinator or someone from the wedding party to distribute to the vendors as their service concludes.

TWC: What’s the best way to research potential professionals?

SL: Meet with them, look at their work (photographs, videos, or even attend an event that they are providing a service at), ask for references, the best reflection of someone’s work is what their past clients have to say about them, and see what others are saying about them, other vendors or on-line talk boards are great resources.

TWC: What’s the best way to prevent disaster when it comes to relying on so many strangers?

SL: First, hire the most reputable vendors.  Second, communicate all the details, timeline, and expectations.  Third, review all the details, timeline, and expectations.  Fourth, get everything in writing.  Fifth, follow up, follow up, follow up.

All images courtesy of Shirley Lo-Cadotte