Communicating the Visual

Use samples and pictures, not abstract descriptions.

One mistake that many brides make is describing the color that they want to use to vendors making important decorative contributions. Florists, caterers, pastry chefs all contribute elements that can meaningfully contribute to your overall design. Consider giving them paint chips or fabric swatches that they can keep to remind them of the colors you're choosing (Make sure to give them the chips labeled with your name and wedding date, and in a envelope or other container that's not prone to loss). Remember that periwinkle may mean purple to you, and blue to someone else. You'll need to provide everyone with a visual description of your chosen palette.

Collect and organize pictures.

Love a certain cake in a bridal magazine? Tear out the picture. Have to have a certain style bouquet? You need an image of it. Ideally, make a color copy of any item you want a vendor to create for you, and give it to him or her. You need to keep an image for your records and they need it to prompt their memory. If its really important to you, ask if you can append the image as an exhibit to the contract - that way you both clearly understand what you expect to get on your wedding day.

NEXT: Expect Variation, and Trust Your Artists…