Vendors - Don't Be Like The Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar

I haven't seen the latest Hollywood remake of "Alice in Wonderland," but ever since childhood I’ve delighted in Lewis Carroll’s dark fantasy tale of that down-the-rabbit-hole world in which things get, as Alice aptly puts it, “Curiouser and curiouser.”

Remember when poor Alice, disoriented but plucky, meets a Caterpillar sitting atop a mushroom puffing a hookah? She’s hoping for friendly conversation, but the Caterpillar nonplusses her by curtly and haughtily asking: “Who . . . are . . . you?”

When I arrive at a reception site, I greet the other vendors -- site coordinator, banquet manager, photographer -- in a friendly manner. If they respond curtly or brusquely or give me one of those "I can't be bothered" looks, they remind me of that Caterpillar.

My goal is to establish a good working relationship with all the wedding vendors. After all, even though we might not know each other and we work for different companies and have different roles at the reception, we need to work together as a team that night!

Fortunately, the vast majority of vendors “get it.” They appreciate the friendly greeting, the exchange of pleasantries, the sharing of information, the promise of teamwork, and even a bit of camaraderie. But, yes, there are some who give the other vendors that rude “Who . . . are . . . you?” treatment, like that silly, pompous Caterpillar.

WORKING TOGETHER

I just returned from DJ'ing an event at a facility where the staff were so friendly and helpful and professional, it's worth giving them kudos. It's the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in the Woodley Park section of NW Washington DC. From the event manager to the parking attendants, everyone was a pleasure to work with. The ballroom was stunning, everything was first-rate, this place exudes class. To me, "class" doesn't just mean fancy -- it also means people following the Golden Rule ("do unto others ... "). Management must be doing something right at this hotel -- even the guys working the midnight shift breaking down the ballroom after the event were cheerful.

Another place I recently worked where the on-site coordinator and her entire staff were noteworthy for their positive attitude, professionalism, and cooperation was the Engineers Club in the historic Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. And the interior spaces in this beautiful landmark are gorgeous and distinctive.

Although this blog is not intended primarily as a vehicle for plugging specific wedding sites or other wedding vendors, I'd be remiss if I didn't occasionally single out some of the best for praise.

When the staff at a wedding site works well with other vendors, the result is sure to be a smoothly run event. Everyone's working hard but also enjoying their work -- and this rubs off on your guests as well.