What is the best way to tell vendors you won't be using their services?

Hey Sarah! I struggled with this a bit too, especially when the other vendors are super nice, but you said it yourself - they go through this all the time. I think the best approach is what you just typed out: that you're very grateful for their time, but you've decided to go with someone else. No need for anymore details. Keep it short and sweet, that's what I did Most vendors replied back thanking me for letting them know.

Thank you for your time, we've decided to go in a different direction. Boom.

I would just send a short but polite email saying something like "Dear VENDOR NAME, Thank you for meeting with us to go over _______ (your cake options, your flower designs, etc). We really enjoyed meeting you and seeing your work. After some consideration we have decided to go another direction. Thank you very much for your time."

Just like @Jeanne said, no need to go into detail: "Thank you for your time, we have chosen another vendor." I only had one vendor follow up with me and ask why. I explained that his cost was out of our budget while the vendor we chose was willing to be a little more flexible and had a few better options. Generally, I think vendors keep a running list of perspective clients so I think even just a sentence letting them know you chose a different vendor will save them time when they do follow ups.

Thanks for the suggestions! That's what I was thinking, just wanted to make sure it sounded okay before sending out

@Jeanne.

If there is a resolvable issue, then let them know. "We loved your ideas but we really needed to be less money/have more time...... Is there a way to make this work?"

Only use that if you really want to use them but there are sticking points, and only use that if you're willing to compromise if they will.

And thank you for replying to them. It's pretty maddening to have a meeting with a couple and then hear nothing at all.

This is all great advice. i have a friendor i need to tell we won't be using her...thats for all the examples!

Like what the others said, something short and sweet. I also found it super awkward. One of the caterers actually asked me to elaborate because she wanted to improve her customer service...

This is my absolute least favorite part of wedding planning. I literally broke out in hives when I had to tell a DJ we picked another DJ. But it was fine. He emailed me and said "Just checking in, I have other people asking about the date" and I said "Thanks so much for your time, I appreciate all of your help, we found a DJ we will be using but won't hesitate to recommend you to other brides".

Yes...short and sweet, and if they ask specifics for their own research, give them honest feedback what led you to your decision. It's nice you're responding. many don't bother and that sucks.

I also really appreciate hearing back from a couple -- even if the reply is, "No, thank you." That way I won't be wasting their time or mine by checking back with them monthly.