FI and I met with a photographer last month. She's nice enough and her work is okay...but just okay, nothing special. I did a little more searching and found another photographer whose work I like better. It's still not the quality I would like (I don't think we're going to find that in our budget) but her work is good, and when we met with her it felt like we really clicked, so I think we're going with her.
Now the first photographer is emailing me to ask about the contract and signing engagement photos. Obviously I need to let her know we aren't interested, but I don't want to hurt her feels. I'm so bad at this, you guys. How do I say it?
Re: How to tell a vendor we decided to go with someone else?
ETA What his girl said because this didn't quote for some reason.
I am sorry to inform you that we have decided to go with a different photographer. It was a very difficult decision. We do like your work, but feel that the other vendor is the right move for our wedding day. We hope we will get the opportunity to work with you in the future.
Best regards,
Lalalaurita"
I think this one is sort of too nice and might lead her on. You aren't sorry you aren't booking her, and you don't want to work with someone who is "just okay" in the future. Here's an email we sent to a photographer we decided not to book:
We had to do the same thing. We just thanked the photographer for taking her time to meet with us and told her that we decided to go with someone who we felt better fit our style and budget.
Thanks y'all, I've got it.