How Long to Wait for Vendor Responses

I personally wait up to a week before either trying to contact them through a different method (though that's only if I've already signed a contract with them), or until I move on to a different vendor. If their communication isn't great, and I haven't yet signed the contract, that tells me that there may be communication issues later on. I also don't typically expect them to reply on weekends (though bonus points if they do).

I consider 3 business days to be reasonable. If you don't hear back after a week, either pick up the phone to follow up or move on. I definitely eliminated vendors from my list for not being responsive because how could I trust them to handle my wedding?

3 business days is perfect. I’d reach out 1 more time Monday afternoon. If no response by noon on Tuesday, move on.

Don't forget that weekends are probably her busiest days. I'd give it until at least early next week.

I remember making a similar post when I first started planning because it was so frustrating. While response time can vary between vendor (e.g., a vendor with a team available to answer questions may reply quicker than a one-person company), I agree that most should respond within 1-2 business days, but 3 is a fair window -- especially going into the weekend. Many weddings happen on Fridays and Saturdays, along with engagement shoots and whatnot, so the end of the week can be very busy for MUAs. A week is the longest I waited to follow-up if it wasn't something timely.

Most of the vendors I ended up with were very quick to respond, which factored into my hiring decision.

View Quoted Comment Yes! This person is a solo artist, so I want to give her some flex time. I have already booked church, venue, photographer and they were all extremely responsive and gave same day responds so I think that’s why I am getting frustrated here.


I had some follow up questions so my worry is that she gives away my date before she gets back to my questions.
But you’re right - if someone is not responsive to questions, is that someone I want on my vendor team? So much factors into booking!

2-3 business days and then move on.

Three business days as a few others have responded.

For one vendor, I waited 2 weeks before finding someone else, and it was the best decision. After a month of not hearing from them, I finally heard from the vendor today. For me, most vendors have typically responded by the next day or within a few days, and some have followed up with me to see if I still needed their services, which I liked. I think if it takes longer than a week for someone to respond, it's too long. That may be an indication of poor communication in the future.

I typically give it about two weeks because things are so weird right now with the pandemic and not everyone is working normally. For instance, my coordinator is only at the venue three days a week and two of those are the weekends which tend to be really busy.