I have a few preferred vendors but don't publicize it. I don't think it's fair to clients or vendors I haven't worked with to limit my resources to a select few. There are some companies that I trust and have a great relationship with but I keep an open mind to who else is out there providing great service and excellent product.
I second what Louise said - sometimes my faves aren't the right fit for my clients. I wouldn't have met so many of the great people I now work with if I had limited myself to only certain vendors. I also believe that its our job to give the client the choice. While we can guide their decision we can't make it for them. :)
I love it when someone outside of the industry says, "Do you already have a (_____vendor)? I once tried to join a networking group outside of our industry and I've laughed about it so many times since. They didn't hold formal interviews for admission to the group so I wasn't aware that I needed to explain myself a little better in a casual conversation. Someone asked me how I referred people to clients. Admittedly, it must have sounded crazy when I said that I primarily make sure that their personalities will be a good match. For brides and grooms it's not just quality and budget that come into the equation. I agree with your comments completely. We need to know as many vendors as possible and hope that vendors aren't offended if we don't recommend or a client does not choose a particular vendor. It is a lot of fun to meet new vendors. We're matchmakers in so many ways.
