The wild world of wedding planning is like no other beast. From dozens of unlicensed or uninsured vendors that pop up daily, to those who appear to be legally operating but suddenly disappear off the face of the planet, couples are being urged more and more to research your vendors. Every day I see posts in wedding groups saying “research your vendors” and wedding planning has gained a whole new level of work for the 2020 and beyond couple! Some couples don’t have a lot of time, some don’t know where to start. Don’t worry though, I got you boo.

Reason 1 for not researching: I don’t have time.

I get it boo, I really do. Between running my business full time, raising 3 kids, and trying to have some semblance of a relationship with my husband (no joke, our date last night was laying in bed for 30 minutes showing each other facebook memes before turning out the lights)… there’s not a whole lot of time left for doing personal research! This is where I highly recommend limiting your research to ONE vendor: The Planner. Your planner may be known as a wedding planner or historically called a “bridal consultant”. This planner/consultant can assist you in researching your wedding vendors, or may have a preferred vendor list to work off of. NOTE: Even if your wedding planner has a preferred vendors list, request BOTH a copy of the business license and insurance from each vendor. Your wedding planner may have this information (or at least the business license) already on hand. If so: giant kudos to them for being prepared!

Reason 2 for not researching: I don’t know where to start

A huge hurdle for most of us is not knowing where to start! It shouldn’t be hard to research your vendors, but knowing WHAT licenses to search for is half the battle. Thankfully the easiest license is a business license, which can be found on the DOR website. Every single vendor needs a business license in the State of Washington. For those planning out of state weddings but considering taking vendors with you: be sure to check the individual state requirements. Some require a business license in their state, others will honor the vendors out of state license.

Specialty Licenses

For the most part, your vendors will simply require a business license so researching your vendors is limited to a single simple search. However, things get more complicated with other vendor types. Hair and Makeup Artists are required to have a cosmetology, esthetics or personal service license. Dessert vendors (like your favorite cake gal) need to have either a health department permit (similar to a catering license) or a cottage foods permit if they’re baking desserts at their home. That favorite food truck you want at your wedding? If they’re going to be setting out a buffet, they are also required to have a catering permit. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a single file line at the food truck (which is NOT adequate for the timeline of your reception). For the most part, these can be searched similarly to the business license (instructions below) but on their individual resource sites. Some licenses and permits (like bartending permits) must be requested from the vendor themselves, and I recommend asking to see it in person or even request they send proof of their licensing. If they’re operating legally, they’ll be able to prove it without argument.

One really special license you need to be aware of is the drone licensing. Courtesy of a local drone operator: “You need a Part 107 license to operate a drone commercially. Couples can check for these licenses at https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/airmeninquiry/ If a drone pilot is operating commercially, they need to have this license and if they do not, not only can the pilot be sued tremendously but also the couple/person that hired them. The FAA is extremely serious about non licensed pilots and can actually do site checks if they see a drone pilot. And although not required, they should have liability insurance because drones are able to harm not only people but property if crashed. The FAA Part 107 needs to be renewed every 2 years so for people booking videographers 1-2 years in advance, not only do they need to check when they place their deposit but also again before their final payment/wedding.”

How do I search a business license?

Searching the business license is easy. Head to dor.wa.gov and click “Look up a business or reseller permit” (note: if you’re on a smart phone, you’ll need to select “more”, THEN “look up a business or reseller permit”). You’ll be brought to a page where you can select how to search and a search form. The two easiest ways to search are “General License” or “Governing People”. On the general license form, you can search for a business name, UBI/Account # or License #. On the Governing People form, you can search for business name or last name, and the first name. When there is a license on file, it will show up at the bottom of the form. However, if there isn’t a license or it’s been closed for some time a message will appear in bold saying “The account does not exist or the account has been closed for more than 5 years”.

How to search specialty licenses?

Depending on the specialty, you may be able to search online. Cosmetology, esthetics, personal service licenses as well as limousines and travel agencies can be searched at https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/bpdlicensequery/ much in the same way as a general business license. Catering permits must be searched on the health department website, however in the state of Washington I’ve only found a list of permitted caterers on the Pierce County Health Department site. When searching for a specialty license, the best way is to ask your potential vendor if they will provide a copy of the license. You can then call the DOR and be directed to someone who can help you verify the validity of that license.

What if I find a vendor who isn’t licensed?

What you do next is up to you. I would recommend reporting them to the DOR, to help protect couples who may not be doing the research. Hiring an unlicensed vendor is a huge risk; you’re risking a no show, the business being reported and shut down before your wedding day, or someone not taking their job as seriously as a licensed vendor. Caterers and HMUAs are held to extremely high standards in Washington and you’re risking your own health as well as the health of your guests or wedding party when you hire unlicensed vendors from this category. It shouldn’t be a huge task to research your vendors, but it’s definitely a very important part of your wedding day! Looking for someone to simply do the research for you? Check out my additional services for hourly planning rates.