Choosing the right wedding suppliers can make or break your big day. At Jellybean, we know just how important it is to surround yourself with people and businesses you can trust. Those that show up, deliver what they promise, and genuinely care about your day going off without a hitch. Yes we’re here as a business to make money like any business, but we put you the customer at the heart of everything we do; and without you we wouldn’t be here. Unfortunately, there are a few not-so-genuine suppliers out there, and we’re here to help you avoid them.

Here’s our honest, behind-the-scenes guide on what to look out for when choosing a trustworthy wedding business.

1. Is the Business Genuine?

This might seem obvious, but always do a little digging to check whether a supplier is a legitimate business. A genuine wedding supplier will be easy to contact, have clear branding, and get back to you in a timely manner. We all know how crazy wedding season can be, but a professional business ,especially one that does this full time, should reply within 24 hours during peak season.

If you’re waiting days or even weeks for a reply before you’ve booked, imagine how stressful that could be once you’ve handed over money or need urgent support near your big day. Look for little extras such as a live chat, or quick responses on social media. Or even, do they have a business WhatsApp you can drop them a message to? We have a dedicated team that do reply almost instantly on our online chat, but the expectation is within 24 hours whether that be an email or a DM.

2. Don’t Just Rely on Facebook Reviews

Everyone loves a five-star Facebook review…but did you know that business owners can hide bad ones?

To get a better picture, dig a little deeper. Check their Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and even industry platforms like Bridebook. Trustpilot in particular is great because reviews can’t be removed and are usually from genuine, verified customers from that business’ booking system. You’ll quickly get a feel for how consistent they are and how well they handle any problems that arise.

Look for recurring themes in the reviews. Are they praised for the same positive traits again and again? Or are there red flags you shouldn’t ignore? A solid supplier will be happy to point you toward their public feedback, because they’re proud of it.

3. Ask the Venue

If you’re unsure about a supplier, don’t be afraid to ask your venue coordinator what they think. Most venues have seen it all, and if a business has a solid reputation, the venue team will likely speak highly of them. We’ve been fortunate to be recommended by dozens of top venues across Yorkshire because they’ve seen us show up time and again with professionalism, personality and a can-do attitude. Plus communication is key, so if you’re stuck and worried ask the wedding team and they will give you the honest feedback.

If the venue hesitates or says they haven’t heard of them? Take that as a sign to dig a bit more.

4. Look Into Their Background

Now this one is for the ultra-focused couples and we know some of you will dig deep. A quick look on Companies House will tell you if the business is registered, who the directors are, and if it’s ever been dissolved or “struck off” the register. This is public information and surprisingly easy to access.

Now, this part may feel like overkill to some, but if you’re booking a high-value supplier (photo booths, entertainment, catering, etc.), you have every right to do your due diligence. A business that’s gone bust and restarted under a different name or as a sole trader might not shout about that—but it’s something to be aware of. If a company disappears overnight, what happens to your deposit?

Legit businesses will:

    •    Have a registered company number if applicable.

    •    List a trading address on their invoice for contact purposes.

    •    Include a VAT number if applicable which is a legal requirement if they are VAT registered.

    •    Provide detailed, professional invoices including accurate terms and conditions & a physical contract / terms of service.

We mention this because we’ve seen some questionable practices in the industry recently. Businesses once running as limited companies suddenly reappear trading under slightly different names, dodging the accountability that comes with official registration. Sole trader businesses aren’t bad what so ever and make up 90% of the wedding industry – but as mentioned, check the history of the business. If they’ve dissolved or been stuck off, this could be a sign that they’re not organised or take responsibility – and a huge red flag.

5. Do They Show Up at Wedding Fayres?

This one is often overlooked, but it says a lot. If a supplier is consistently exhibiting at wedding fayres and shows, it means they’re not just running a weekend side hustle. They’ve invested money and time to meet couples face to face. It shows they’re stable, committed, and confident enough in their service to put themselves out there.

These are the suppliers you want to work with: the ones who want to meet you, chat with you in person, and help you visualise what they offer. It shows pride and professionalism. And whilst it can be overwhelming going to dozens of wedding fayres in a season, it’s also a good sign seeing the same business time and time again as they want to see you!

6. Avoid Full Payment Discounts

It’s industry standard to take a deposit or booking fee when securing a date. That’s completely normal and expected – we take a £75 inc VAT booking fee to secure your date. Some businesses don’t do this at all, but this for us secures your date and price. The reason? It gives us a genuine forecast for the year so we can reserve the right team and employ the right amount of staff and to accurately review the year in advance.

What isn’t good practice is a business asking you to pay in full upfront…especially if they offer a discount as an incentive. This should raise alarm bells. Once a business has all your money, where’s the accountability if things go wrong? Keep an eye out for those full payment discounts around January when some businesses need to pay their self assessment tax bill.

We’ve heard of couples being stung this way, and that’s exactly what we want to help you avoid. While some couples may choose to pay in full closer to the event (which we always accommodate), we never pressure or encourage that as a way to save money. A good supplier wants to build trust—not fast-track your payment.

7. Can You Meet Them in Person or Via Video Call?

Not every supplier has a showroom or an office like we do, and that’s okay! But you should still be able to meet them in some way. Whether it’s over a coffee or a Zoom call, a reliable supplier will be happy to chat through your plans and make sure you feel confident.

We offer in-person consultations at our showroom, where you can see our booths and magic mirrors before you book. And for couples further afield, a quick video call is no problem. If a supplier can’t accommodate either—or makes excuses why not—that’s another red flag.

If the supplier avoids meeting, dodges video calls, or only wants to communicate by message—ask yourself why. Meeting your supplier, even informally, shows transparency, care and professionalism. If they don’t offer that, it’s worth questioning how invested they really are in your big day.

Booking your wedding suppliers should feel exciting, not stressful. A reputable wedding business will be open, approachable, easy to communicate with, and visible both online and in person.

Ask questions. Look into their history. Meet them at a wedding fayre. And trust your gut—because when you find the right supplier, it’ll feel right.

And if you’re a competitor who made it to the end of this blog—yes, we saw your old company records. 😉

Happy planning!