Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting yet stressful journeys you’ll ever take. Before you start choosing colors, booking vendors, and setting dates, you need to know these wedding vendors red flags. In the rush of things, it’s easy to overlook red flags—until it’s too late. Before you even book any vendors, ask your family about some petty things—like where the engagement will be held and whether your family already has a designated Okyeame (spokesperson). These small details can not only help avoid confusion but also reduce costs, since they might already be covered by the family.
Once that’s sorted, you can move on to the next step—hiring vendors with confidence and clarity. But not every vendor is as professional as they appear. So, lets take a look at wedding vendors red flags to be on the look out for.
Wedding Vendors Red Flags Based on Real-life Experiences.
1. Poor Communication
When researching vendors, pay attention to their response time to enquiries. If a vendor takes days (or weeks!) to reply to your messages or frequently ignores your questions, or leaves your messages on read, take note. Your wedding vendor should be prompt, clear, and professional in their communication. If they’re this slow now, imagine how stressful it will be closer to your wedding.
2. No Contract or Agreement
This is non-negotiable. Any vendor who refuses to provide a written agreement or says, “Let’s just trust each other” is a walking red flag. A contract protects both you and the vendor, clearly stating what you’re paying for and what you should expect.
3. Too Good to Be True Pricing
Quality services cost money. We all love a good deal—but if a vendor’s pricing is significantly lower than the market rate, be cautious. They may be inexperienced, cutting corners, or could ghost you after collecting a deposit. You don’t want a case of “what i ordered verses what I got”.
4. They Refuse Tasting Or Trials
If the caterer doesn’t agree to a food tasting, or if you can’t sample drinks from your local bar service, reconsider booking them—many couples regret skipping these important steps. Similarly, always insist on a makeup trial before your big day to avoid unwanted surprises. And don’t forget to gather feedback from multiple sources before making your decision.
5. Physical Location
If you’re booking a wedding planner, don’t choose one without a physical office or location. Also, beware of decorators who parade to be planners. Don’t fall for the confusion; always confirm their role before booking.
6. No Backup Plan
Ask vendors how they handle emergencies. What happens if the photographer falls sick? Does the decorator have backup staff? What if it rains at your outdoor reception? Vendors should have contingency plans—they’re professionals, after all.
7. Bad or Missing Reviews
A few negative reviews are normal, but a pattern of complaints—especially around professionalism, lateness, or no-shows—is a big warning. Also, if they have no reviews at all, dig deeper.
8. Pushy or Overly Salesy Behavior
It’s one thing to follow up, but if a vendor is aggressively pushing you to book today or using fear tactics (“I’m booking up fast—better pay now!”), slow down. You should never feel pressured into a decision.
9. Have No Interest in Meeting Face-to-Face
If a vendor consistently avoids in-person meetings or makes excuses every time you suggest one, take caution. Face-to-face meetings help establish trust, clarify expectations, and assess professionalism. A vendor who refuses to meet may not be serious—or may have something to hide.
HELPFUL GUIDES TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING.
- The Cost of Marriage Registration in Ghana: Everything You Need to Know.
- The Kusasi Traditional Marriage Process & List.
- Kassena Marriage – List & Details.
- 7 Ways to Manage Wedding Planning Stress.
Hiring the right wedding vendors can make or break your special day. Always do your research, ask questions, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. At Kente Knots, we believe your wedding planning journey should be joyful, not stressful. That’s why we’re building a directory of trusted vendors—so you can find the right match with confidence.
Have you had a vendor horror story or a dream-come-true experience? Share it with us in the comments!
