Read reviews and then read them again! 

By J Costello Wedding Officiants

When you’re planning a wedding, it’s easy to get swept up in color palettes, cake tastings, and Pinterest boards. But one of the most powerful tools you have during the planning process? Vendor reviews.

Before you book anyone—from your photographer to your florist to your officiant—read the reviews. Then read them again. They’re one of the best ways to avoid surprises, set expectations, and find vendors who truly care about your day.

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1. Reviews Tell the Real Story

Websites and Instagram feeds are curated to show the best of the best—but reviews give you a peek behind the scenes. They tell you how a vendor actually shows up: Were they organized? Communicative? Kind under pressure? Did they add to the joy of the day—or create stress? Did they deliver on what they promised?

It’s the kind of insight you just can’t get from a photo gallery.

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2. Look for Patterns, Not Just Praise

One glowing review is great—but when you see the same compliments pop up again and again, that’s when you know you’ve found someone consistent. Things like: “She made us feel so comfortable,” “He was on time and professional,” “They were the calm in the chaos”—those patterns matter.

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3. Red Flags Are Real

Be cautious if a vendor has no reviews or has reviews turned off. That doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong—but it’s worth a second look. Transparency is a two-way street. Vendors who take pride in their work usually want their past clients to speak for them.

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4. Reviews Help You Ask Smarter Questions

Reading other couples’ experiences can help you know what to ask in your consults. You might learn to ask how they handle weather issues, what backup plans look like, or how flexible their timeline is. The better your questions, the more confident you’ll feel in your decisions.

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5. Your Review Helps the Next Couple

After your wedding, take a few minutes to write honest reviews for your vendors. Shout out the ones who went above and beyond—they deserve the love! If something didn’t go well, be honest and respectful. Your experience can make a huge difference for the next couple trying to decide who to trust with their big day.

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Final Thoughts

Planning a wedding is personal, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. Your vendors should make it easier, not harder. So don’t skip the reviews. They’re one of the most valuable tools you have—and they can lead you to the people who will show up with professionalism, heart, and the kind of care your day deserves.

So yes—read the reviews. Then read them again.

You’ll be so glad you did.

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J Costello Wedding Officiants
Helping couples create real, personal ceremonies—and cheering you on every step of the way