Tell vendors you aren't using them?

I've only let them know if they reached back out to me. The only vendors I contacted immediately were the officiants I had been looking into.

I only let them know if they reach back out to me. I just reply with, thank you for your time but I have decided to go in another direction

I think it's only necessary to tell them you're going with someone else if they follow up with you after talking. For example, I reach back out to couples a few weeks after they inquire with me. If someone reaches out to you, please respond. Or if you want to be pro-active, it doesn't hurt to say "Thanks for your time and answering my questions, but we decided to go with someone else." That's all that's needed

I see a lot of people recommend to say "We decided to go in a different direction." Please don't say that. Personally, that means nothing and is of no benefit to anyone. Just say you decided to go with someone else. If there is any beneficial reasoning that would lead to a vendor improving services or understanding his/her clientele more, say what your reason is. For example, "We decided to go with someone more in our budget." Or "We decided to go with someone closer to our area so we don't have the extra travel fee." Or "We decided to go with someone whose style is more in line with our vision." It's true you don't have to do this, but as a vendor, I personally appreciate reasons like that more than a vague "different direction".

I only let them know if they reached back out to me. I'm sure these vendors (especially ones that advertise on TheKnot or WeddingWire) are used to getting a few inquiries a day. Also it isn't required, but if you think to do it, I would briefly mention why you decided to go with someone else (Found someone cheaper, found someone that offers more etc..). This gives them feedback and can help them stay competitive.

Yes, please let us know. We aren't offended and much more appreciate honesty versus our follow up messages being ignored. Best wishes!

No one has followed up with me yet, actually. I would definitely respond if they did! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing the wrong thing

I agree that it depends on the level of communication you have had. For the people I went back and forth with, I proactively let them know that I had settled on someone else. And when I got follow ups from people who had sent information I also responded to let them know. But when it was just my initial request and one message from them responding to the request then I didn't bother. I figured it would be a waste of both of our time.