How to tell a vendor you won't be going with them

When I ended up letting a few photographers know that we weren't going with them (because a few had pencilled in the dates for us), I just thanked them profusely for their help and said that I wanted to let them know that we'd decided to go another way and wanted to let them know so that they could open the date back up. They were all very gracious, I'm sure this happens all the time.

Thank you for taking the time to lay out x y and z (or meeting with me) I appreciate it very much. We have at this time chosen another location, vendor, service for our event.

Cheers.

Xxxxxxxxx

Caitlin, we're all very used to being told we're not a good fit, and all you really need to say is that you've gone in a different direction (the universal metaphor for "not thanks', kinda like, "it's not you it's me.....). We might not like it, but personally, I like to know that a potential client is no longer. It's the polite thing to do, so thank you.

I don't see why telling someone no should be awkward. Just say it.

It's less annoying for a vendor to know you aren't going to use their services than to leave them hanging. Do you also leave your friends hanging? I hope not.

Just be honest, and sooner than later. Especially if they may have penciled you in because they need to know that you went with someone else. I think they're all pretty used to it, it's the nature of the business. People shop around and pick who works for them and their budget and vision.

I definitely want to let them know but I just didn't want to say something and have it seem insincere or rude. Almost with this was a job I could give my FH since he has no problem telling people no!

JoRocka's response is perfect.

Honesty is the best policy I've found with my vendors

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

You are kind to do so, thank you. Everyone had good suggestions,if they ask specific reasons just be lovely but honest and that feedback helps us a lot. Most are gracious about it, again you rock.