Tips on Choosing Wedding Pros
Vendors are the professionals that bring your wedding vision to life. With so many options, it’s hard to know where to start and to narrow down your options. Your core wedding vendor team includes a wedding planner, photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, entertainment and stationery. Wedding planners act as point person for the core team on the day. Each vendor will work to build your dream wedding.
Before even thinking about vendors, make sure you’ve locked in your wedding date, budget , and venue first! Most venues will provide a recommended list of vendors who have worked in the space before. This list is a great starting point for your vendor research. It’s important to remember that some wedding venues have locked-in contracts with certain suppliers and won’t allow a third party. If you have a specific vendor in mind, check the fine details before signing your venue contract.
It’s essential to discuss your likes, dislikes, and expectations with your partner to get a clear picture of what you both want moving forward. You want to find vendors that match your style, personality, and budget. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential supplier to hold your wedding date as you continue with your research. It’s better to secure something early rather than lose out on the date at the venue you have interest in!
Prioritize your key vendors. Who needs to be secured sooner rather than later? The most in-demand vendors that generally book out first are photographers and wedding planners. If live music and gourmet food are your top priorities, secure entertainment and catering next. We suggest prioritizing your top three vendors and adjusting your budget accordingly.
Go through their portfolios and read their reviews. Your vendor should be trustworthy, offers advice, and communicates quickly and efficiently. Follow the advice of wedding professionals that you trust. Wedding planners know the vendors that are worth paying for and can provide you with the ones that fit your style and personality best. We know how to negotiate with vendors and get you the best value for your dollar.
Talk face-to-face. Look for professionalism. If they talk poorly about a past client or your budget, do not ignore the red flags. Determine if you and your vendor’s personalities mesh well. If your personalities are complementary, you will feel infinitely more comfortable trusting them to be part of your core wedding team. We always tell our couples that the photographer is the one vendor you need to feel comfortable with because they’ll be with you all day. Your comfort will reflect in your photos for a lifetime.
Start research anywhere from 12-18 months before the wedding day. Give yourself enough time to gather information and make a decision. Do not wait until the last minute to book anything. It’s most likely to leave you with a lower quality than anticipated. Choose professionals that you trust with your dream wedding. We are here to help you build your dream team!
Wedding Planner: Lavish Haus
Venue: Lauxmont Farm Weddings
Photography: Sparrow and Lace
Caterer: Promise Kept Events
Videography: Amanda Films
Florals: Foster Flower Shop
Mobile Bar Services: Magnolia Lounge
