Best way to tell a vendor you won't be hiring them??

I would just keep it short and sweet. "Thank you for following up, however we have decided to go with a different wedding planner who better fit our vision and budget. Thank you for your time. Best of luck."

Exactly what Raelyn said.

Short and sweet; "We've decided to go in another direction for our wedding. Thank you so much for your time."

We've all gotten them. They sting, but only for a couple of days! And it's MUCH better than not knowing at all!

Thank you for thinking of this.

"I'm sorry but we've decided on another planner that fit our budget and personal style better. Thank you for your time meeting with us."

Basically what everyone else said. "Thank you for your time but we have decided to go a different route."

I have a kind of form email that I send, it goes something like this:

Dear ____:

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about your wedding planning services. However, my fiance and I have decided to go in a different direction.

Sincerely,

C

Every now and then, I had a vendor follow up asking what exactly drove my decision. In those instances, I was as honest as possible without being rude. I would mention that they were out of our budget, or that we found someone who fit our vision/style a bit more. However, most of the time I just got a quick email back thanking me for letting them know. It's like Celia mentioned, I think vendors prefer to hear something (even a "no"), rather than to just be left wondering what happened.

Yeah, as everyone else said, short and sweet. Thank them for their time and let them know you have chosen to go in a different direction.

The only vendors that followed up and asked me why or who I decided to go with, were DJs. In those instances, I was very honest, but vague, like saying it was a better fit for our wedding day, or budget, etc.

Yup short and sweet.

Thanks guys! I figured I was over-thinking it, but wanted to be sure that I am being courteous!

You know what? The fact that you're taking the time to tell them you're not going to use them means more than how you say it. The worst thing is never hearing back. It really is best to say that you truly appreciate the time they spent with you, but you've decided to go in a different direction. Then just wish them the best of luck in the future. The end. A professional would not contact you again and ask you for further details.

Best way? Promptly.

We are all pros and won't cry if you tell us 'no, thanks.'

Just don't leave us hanging!

I've had to let a few know as well, and just a simple "We've decided to go in a different direction." seemed to be greatly appreciated. I received a couple follow ups with a "thank you for letting us know, and congratulations."