Frequently Asked Questions...

How do you choose the vendors for your Little Black Book?

The process to become a Little Black Book member is actually quite extensive. Each vendor is carefully selected by Abby based on a series of criteria...

First, they need to have been recommended by an SMP reader, a recent bride or an industry professional. We don't simply look for a referral but rather for a passionate reason as to why a particular vendor deserves to be in the book. Perhaps the designer worked with a reader's best friend when she was getting married, perhaps they have already designed the world's most beautiful invitations for a particular bride and groom, perhaps an event planner that we know shares with us the one photographer that she will work with. Whatever the connection, it must be strong and based on a real knowledge of the vendor's work.

Second, we must see images of the work that they have completed and it must meet the Style Me Pretty level of quality. We really pride ourselves on being able to separate good design from great design. The vendors that we have chosen are setting trends, they are looking for new ways to approach traditional design, they are creative, passionate and most of all, talented.

And finally, after a long discussion with the vendor, we must feel confident that they are honest, have a high level of integrity and are truly dedicated to their craft. At the end of the day, this is what really matters.

Do the vendors pay to be listed?

In short, yes. Vendors pay a small monthly fee to be listed. The fee is less than most wedding websites require, and even less than many blogs charge for sponsorships. We intentionally set the price very low, so that small and large businesses alike, could easily be a part of our Book. The money that is generated goes directly towards Style Me Pretty expenses...more specifically, our site redesign, marketing materials, travel expenses (to bridal events and to publicity-based trips like our Martha Stewart event and our interview with Get Married TV), as well as very basic overhead costs and promotion of our LBB vendors. The money that is generated, in no way effects the vendors that are chosen to list. If we aren't happy with the quality of vendors for a particular category, we will happily leave that spot empty until we find someone that meets our standards.

How do I become a member of the Little Black Book?

First, shoot me an email {abby at style me pretty dot com} that includes your company name, contact information, website and any product photography that you think highlights your talents. If we think that it's a good fit, we will contact you directly. Please be ready with three customers that can provide us with solid feedback.

Why are there only three vendors per category, when there are so many more great vendors in any given city?

There are so many sites out there that list all of the vendors in a particular city which is often really overwhelming! We wanted to give you our favorites...not based on size, or advertising dollars...but based on reputation and quality. Not everyone listed is the most well-known in the industry. Some are up-and-comers, some are small mom and pop boutiques. We want to show you that alongside the most brilliant, well-known companies are often equally as talented, one-man shows. By limiting each category to three vendors, we feel like we can really showcase those that are chosen.

What if I don't agree with your choices and/or have had a negative experience with one of the vendors listed?

We will do absolutely everything to protect the integrity of our Little Black Book. If you have had a negative experience with any of the vendors listed, please let us know as soon as possible. Your name will remain anonymous and we will take your issues very seriously. If we find that indeed the vendor has violated what we believe to be good, honest work ethics, they will be removed from the site.

What if I want to leave a comment about my great experience with one of your listed vendors?

Sit tight! We are working on getting the comments sections active, so that you can share your own experiences with the vendors that are listed OR an opportunity to list the other vendors that you love that might not be listed.

Have another question? Feel free to email me directly {abby at style me pretty dot com} and I will get back to you asap!