Who has booked their wedding vendors without meeting them in person?

A bride and groom booked me for their engagement pictures based on their research via on line and then phone conversation. It was a perfect match both in artistic style and personality. They loved their enagement pictures so much they booked me for their wedding! I believe that if it feels right, go for it. I myself have never regretted listening my gut feeling whether I'm the client or contractor. If you are comfortable with your decision and have peace of mind, don't let the "nay-sayers" give you discomfort.

Congratulations Laura on your upcoming wedding!

We didn't meet most of our vendors:

* We talked to the rabbi on the phone, corresponded with him via e-mail, and checked out his page on his synagogue's site (including his wonderful YouTube video of him giving his annual address to the synagogue board, with banjo).

* We read about the synagogue's history, and saw pictures of it, online.

* We found our hair and make-up person on Craigslist, talked to her by phone and e-mail, and got references.

* We had our post-ceremony luncheon at a Massachusetts restaurant that was part of a chain that also operated in the DC area, so we were familiar with the food. We checked with brides local to the area on things like whether it had a separate outside entrance, or whether we would need to walk through the mall to get to it.

* We found the place where we and all our guests stayed via Vacation Rentals by Owner. The listing had pictures and a description.

(cont.)

* We found a bouquet we liked on the site of a florist affiliated with Teleflora, and copied down the style number. We then called the closest Teleflora florist to our ceremony location, and asked her about making two of those bouquets, and also making a coordinating bouquet for the MOH and a bout for the dude of honor.

* We checked online for pizza delivery in the town where we were staying, and used them to deliver pizza for the rehearsal dinner.

* We did a Google search for places near the synagogue that had challah (the braided egg bread that is used for the blessing over bread), and sent my son over there to pick some up the morning of the wedding.

* We checked with the rabbi on where we could pick up some kosher wine for the blessing over wine. He offered to bring some, so we didn't actually have to worry about that part.

(cont.)

The only one of the vendors for the ceremony and luncheon that we did meet was the photographer. And that was only because he happened to be making a sightseeing trip to Washington, DC, and agreed to meet us at a Starbucks in our area.

I did! My photographer I looked up her work and booked her. Then my hubby met the cake artist and gave me her card to call and I booked her after that!

When I started officiating in 2002, I met nearly all of my couples in person prior to the wedding day. Has that ever changed! Now, we meet with fewer than 25%. The rest is phone, Skype and email.

I think it's a combination of more destination weddings, couples having even less time than ever before, improved technology and sites like WW, Facebook, Google Plus, etc. that showcase reviews and give couples the chance to "get to know" vendors without actually meeting in person. With all of these tools at their fingertips, it seems that couples feel more confident making decisions without having to sit down over a cup of coffee!