How to Choose the Right Vendors for Your Wedding Day
You're getting married - such a wonderfully exciting time! You booked your dream venue and things are falling into place, just as you start the process of building your vendor team. The journey to finding the perfect florist, photographer, caterer, and other essential professionals has a huge impact on the success of your wedding day, and requires careful consideration + attention to detail.
Choosing vendors for your wedding day might seem - at first - like an easy undertaking when you’re just starting out on your planning journey, but rest assured it’s a bit more complicated than that. As a seasoned wedding planner in New England who has helped dozens of couples hire their team, the vendors you choose can make OR break not only your wedding day, but your entire experience leading up to it - potentially causing stress when they should be helping to alleviate it amongst the hundreds of tasks on your list.
So where do you start? How do you find the right vendors for your wedding?
Photo by Move Mountains Co
KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES BEFORE YOU START
Every wedding is unique, and yours is no exception. One of the questions my team asks when speaking with a potential client for the very first time is about PRIORITIES. It’s so important to outline what is most important to you + your partner both for your wedding day and for the journey getting to it. You’ll want to have already had a discussion about all the things that are most impactful to you, while including target guest count + budget in those conversations, before you start talking with any vendors.
If your love of dancing + a great party outweighs your interest in over-the-top lush florals, then focus your time + efforts (and money!) on a killer band instead of on a florist with a $15k minimum. Want to host all your guests onsite so there’s little to no travel for your friends + family? Don’t tour venues that can’t offer onsite accommodations, so you aren’t left sacrificing your biggest wishes.
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of pretty things and endless options, and setting at least 2-3 top priorities before you start hiring a team will help keep you aligned with your wedding day vision + budget.
HIRE PROFESSIONALS WHO WILL KEEP YOUR STYLE + BUDGET IN MIND
Just as you would expect vendors to be upfront with you about their services and pricing, it’s best to be honest from the get go about your style + budget range. If they’re showcasing a gallery full of winter, mountainside weddings, but you’re hosting a seaside summer soiree, be sure to ask about their other experience and be transparent about what you’re looking for. Should a vendor say their pricing starts at $5k minimum and you have a max budget of $3k, you should be truthful at the start to ensure you’re not wasting their time, or your own! Vendors want to ensure they are the right fit for you just as much as you do, and communication is key to getting there.
PRO TIP: It’s okay to say no, we understand! A simple “thank you for your time” goes a long way; avoid ghosting vendors, especially those who are holding your date or that you’ve talked with directly.
Photo by Joanna Fisher Photography
RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
For many, planning a wedding is a first, and let’s face it - you don’t know what you don’t know. Right?!
When it comes to selecting wedding vendors, start by researching different options based on your budget, style, and preferences. Read reviews, view portfolios, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Contact potential vendors to inquire about their availability on your wedding date and schedule consultations to discuss your vision in detail. Make sure to ask about pricing, packages, and any additional services they offer. Request to see a contract outlining all terms and conditions before making any commitments. Weddings as a whole are a large financial commitment, and just like you would for any major purchase in life, you want to ensure you’re making the best investment possible.
Photo by Molly Anne Photography
HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER
If it’s within your means, hiring a planner can make all the difference between having an okay vendor team and a phenomenal one for your wedding day. Wedding planners have seen dozens, if not hundreds, of vendors in action - they can help not only save you time by researching and recommending those who will be a great fit, but have spent time taking mental notes that can prove invaluable.
It’s about more than just pretty pictures on a page and a budget to consider; planners know how these vendors act, react, and serve each couple over weeks, months, and years. The florist who is consistently professional, communicative, and really listens to their clients’ wishes? You can bet they’re on the planner’s list. That deejay who swore loudly mid-dance party? A planner can help you avoid that potential wedding day disaster.
Wedding planners have spent a lot of time building relationships with other industry professionals, and can quickly identify the best options for you that will fit your style + budget.
Photo by Love Flora Fauna
Whatever you do, choosing the right vendors can significantly impact your wedding day, so take your time to find professionals who align with your vision, are known as reliable, and easy to work with. Don’t be afraid to ask them directly about their communication preferences and the responsibilities they’ll have leading up to and on your wedding day. And as a bonus, ask them who their preferred area vendors are— it’s nice to know when someone you’re considering is on another vendor’s list, as it can be a good way to gauge compatibility amongst the team.
Once your team is in place, trust your vendors to do their job and take charge so you can be fully present to enjoy your special day!