Choosing the Ideal Team for Your Wedding
The vendors you select for your big day can make or break your wedding. A top-notch vendor will dedicate the time and effort needed to solidify your vision and create a plan to turn your dreams into a reality. They’ll swoop in on your wedding day to iron out issues before you or your guests even realize a problem exists. When choosing your vendors, look for professionals who will work within your budget while keeping your style and personality in mind.
Identify Your Priorities
Start by sitting down with your partner and determining your wedding priorities. Are flowers a top concern, or is it the venue that matters most? What about catering, photography, or music? Once you’ve established your priorities, you can start setting a budget. This is a crucial step before you begin conversations with vendors.
Select Your Wedding Planner First
Many couples believe they can’t afford a wedding planner, but the right planner can actually save you a significant amount of money and time. They have extensive networks and can recommend the best venues and vendors that fit your budget and style. Look for a planner with whom you can communicate comfortably, as you’ll be spending a lot of time together over the next several months.
Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Referrals
Once you’ve found a vendor you like and trust, don’t be shy about requesting referrals to help you choose the rest of your team. Vendors are usually happy to make recommendations based on their past experiences at various events. If you’ve recently attended any weddings, be sure to ask if the couples worked with a vendor they loved (or didn’t love!). Their insights can help steer you in the right direction.
Choose Your Venue Carefully
When searching for a venue, ensure that they allow you to hire the vendors of your choice. Some venues may restrict you to specific vendors, limiting your budget and style. You don’t want to be denied the opportunity to hire your preferred band, florist, or photographer.
Leverage Social Media
Social media can be an incredibly valuable tool for selecting your vendors. Check out comments and reviews on their pages to gauge how other couples felt about their services. After identifying a few vendors you like within a specific category, meet with each one to assess their value for money. They should also be open to your requests and easy to communicate with.
Look for Vendors That Share Your Vision
Don’t try to make your vendors fit into your vision; instead, seek vendors who already embrace your vision. For example, if you’re aiming for a big, bold, lush look, a florist who typically creates tight, round centerpieces might not be the best choice.
Stick to Your Budget
You established your budget for a reason, so don’t let your vendors convince you to overspend. There are plenty of vendors out there, so shop around until you find the one that meets your needs and budget. Be upfront with them about your budget constraints and look for vendors who are transparent about their costs. Ask to see photos of weddings they’ve done within your price range. Unexpected costs may arise along the way, so don’t start by exceeding your budget with your vendors.
Be Cautious of “Too Good to Be True” Packages/Prices
Just like anything else, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure to consider the value of what you’re getting for the price. For instance, if one vendor is charging only $600 while everyone else is charging $1,200, there’s likely a good reason. They may lack experience, have subpar equipment, or perhaps their package only includes the basics, requiring many add-ons to achieve what you want. Look for vendors at a fair market price and consider the whole picture before committing.
Consider a Small-Town Venue
If you’re looking to save money, consider a small-town venue. Everything tends to be more expensive in large cities, and you could save as much as 20% by opting for a venue in a nearby small town.
Spend Time Exploring Their Website
A wedding vendor’s website is their opportunity to make a great first impression on potential clients, so don’t overlook it. An outdated website isn’t a good sign. Look for a modern, user-friendly website with excellent photography and strong branding. This is a competitive, creative industry, and any vendor you’re considering should reflect that on their website.
See Them in Action
Before booking a live wedding band, take the time to watch them perform live or request online videos to see what their performances are like. Observe how the crowd reacts to them and their comfort on stage. If they align with your vision, book them as soon as possible because great bands can get booked 12 to even 15 months in advance.
Don’t Micromanage Your Vendors
Once you’ve chosen your vendors and you’re all on the same page, sit back, relax, and trust them to do their jobs. Trying to constantly micromanage them will only make your day more stressful. Let the professionals take charge, so you can enjoy your big day.