Three quotes per vendor category, and the decision still comes down to a feeling? This matrix replaces the feeling with arithmetic you chose yourself. Set your weights once — Price 40%, Reviews 25%, Availability 15%, Vibe & fit 20% in the sample — then score every quote on the same four criteria, and let total cost and weighted score argue it out in the open.
Total cost is the honest number: quoted price PLUS the fees & extras line (rentals, service charges, travel — editable EXAMPLE lines typed from each quote, never assumed), with the deposit due at booking calculated from each vendor’s own deposit %.
Then the sample does the thing cheap-quote shoppers need to see. Willow Creek Barn is the PRICIEST venue — $7,250 all-in against the Glasshouse’s $6,200 — and it WINS, 7.85 to 7.70, because the weights say reviews (9/10) and vibe (10/10) matter. The cheapest total finishes second and the sheet shows its working. On the second tab the mid-priced photographer wins on a perfect reviews score, the cheapest caterer wins both ways — and if all three winners are booked, the deposits due total $4,555, printed before you sign anything.
Change the weights and the winner can change. That is not a flaw; that is the decision, made visible.
What it does for you:
– Compares 3 vendors per category side by side — venues, photographers, caterers
– Builds total cost from quote + fees & extras, with the booking deposit per vendor
– Scores every vendor on YOUR weighted criteria (weights must total 100%)
– Names a winner per category — and shows when the winner is NOT the cheapest
– Totals the deposits due if you book all three winners ($4,555 in the sample)
– Adds a planning expense log, zero-based monthly budget, dashboard and 12-month summary
What’s inside (.xlsx, works in Excel AND Google Sheets):
– Start Here — setup steps, the four score weights and wedding date settings
– Venue Comparison — 3 venues fully scored, cheapest total vs score winner side by side
– Photo & Catering Comparison — 3 photographers and 3 caterers on the same scorecard, winners’ deposits
– Expense Log, Monthly Budget, Dashboard, Monthly Summary
Instant download. Type only in the yellow cells — formula cells are locked (password: sheetdaily, disclosed on the Start Here tab so you can unlock if you ever need to). Sample vendors are pre-filled so you can see exactly how it works; clear the yellow cells and type your own. Planning tool only — scores are your judgement and deposits are your contracts; re-confirm quotes before you sign.
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