Hello ladies 😀

Most venues have preferred vendors. The big thing to ask is if there is a “vendor fee” for your own DJ. I turned down a couple venues because they wanted to charge me 250/vendor I used that wasn’t one of their preferred people.

A “preferred” list is supposed to be suggestions or recommendations, not a requirement. Stick to your guns!

I would just wait and see what she says before you make a decision. Maybe she will be fine with the DJ you selected.

Agree with other PPs, I'd find out why she wants to talk to with your DJ because this doesn't sound normal at all. A preferred list is usually more like a suggestion & they will typically allow you to use your own vendors if you choose. The preferred list is usually people the venue has worked with a lot & many are local places closer by. My venue has a preferred list, but we were told right away that we didn't need to go with their list. I'd stick to my guns & let her know that you're more comfortable with using your own DJ & that none of this was initially discussed. If she still pushes back then try to get your money back.

Exactly. I'd go up there to speak to her directly & not through email because text is hard to determine someone's true tone/feelings. Tell her even though you appreciate they have a list of djs, you're more comfortable using someone you know/already picked & ask her what you'd need to send to the DJ to be sure they can set up for your wedding. She shouldn't deny your request & should simply be sure your own vendors have the proper insurance needed to be there. She shouldn't need to speak to the person directly since this is someone you personally picked.

I think almost every venue has a list of "preferred vendors" but that shouldn't mean that you have to choose between them. Our venue gave us a list but I didn't choose any at all from the preferred list. If you didn't sign a contract then you should be fine.