Booking the right venue and vendors is one of the biggest wedding decisions you’ll make. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A simple comparison spreadsheet lets you score each venue or vendor side-by-side so you can make confident, stress-free decisions.
Why Use a Comparison Spreadsheet?
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Clarity: all your options in one place.
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Objectivity: score each on the same criteria.
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Budget alignment: instantly see who fits your price range.
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Confidence: no second-guessing after booking.
What to Include in Your Vendor Comparison Sheet
Basic Info
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Vendor/venue name
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Contact details
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Website/socials
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Availability (date hold/booking policy)
Pricing
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Base fee
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Package details
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Extras (overtime, travel, add-ons)
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Payment terms (deposit, balance, schedule)
Services & Quality
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Inclusions (e.g., catering: tasting, rentals, staff)
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Flexibility (custom menus, décor rules, music limits)
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Reviews/testimonials
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Portfolio/photos
Logistics
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Travel distance
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Capacity (for venues)
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Setup/cleanup times
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Restrictions (noise, décor, alcohol, pets)
How to Score Vendors & Venues
Assign numeric scores (1–5 or 1–10) in each category. Example:
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Price (weight 30%)
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Quality/Reviews (weight 30%)
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Flexibility (weight 20%)
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Logistics (weight 20%)
Then calculate a weighted total to see the best overall fit.
Tips for Making the Best Choice
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Don’t rely only on price — value and fit matter.
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Visit in person (or schedule a video call).
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Ask the tough questions: backup plans, restrictions, contracts.
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Track deadlines for deposits to avoid losing availability.
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Always have a second choice in case your favorite falls through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Comparing based only on photos.
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Forgetting hidden fees (service, corkage, overtime).
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Not reading cancellation/reschedule clauses.
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Ignoring logistics (parking, transport, distance).
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Booking before confirming guest count.
FAQ: Vendor & Venue Comparison
Q1: Should I compare vendors separately or all in one sheet?
Use one sheet per category (venues, catering, photography, etc.) for clarity.
Q2: How do I handle different pricing models?
Break them into common denominators (hourly vs package) so you can compare fairly.
Q3: How many options should I shortlist?
3–5 serious contenders per category is manageable and thorough.
Q4: What if a vendor is great but slightly over budget?
Score high on quality but mark budget impact. Decide if the upgrade is worth it.
Q5: Can I reuse the sheet for honeymoon planning?
Yes — the same structure works for hotels, flights, and tours.
Final Thoughts
Choosing vendors and venues shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With a structured comparison spreadsheet, you’ll clearly see who offers the best mix of price, quality, and fit.
✨ Want a ready-made system? The Wedding Dream Planner Bundle includes a Vendor & Venue Comparison Sheet plus budget, guest list, seating chart, timeline, and Canva templates — all linked together.
👉 Get the Wedding Dream Planner Bundle today and book with confidence.