So you’ve found your perfect wedding venue, now what? The next step in wedding planning is getting your wedding vendors hired. Your wedding vendors are the ones who will help bring your wedding vision to life, and with so much of the day resting on your vendors, its important to make sure you pick high quality people, who you trust! But with so many vendors our there, it can be hard to find the perfect one. We’ve come up with a list of tips and suggestions on how to find your perfect wedding team, and what to look for during your search.
Most venues have a list of recommended vendors, and their list is usually a great place to start your search. The vendors on the list have the advantage of working with the venue staff before, and even better, the know the property well. The vendors on Elliston’s preferred list have worked with us for years, and we check to make sure that the provide amazing services and products. They are at our property almost every weekend, and know it just as well as we do! People who work together often get to know what to expect from every member of the team, and it makes the night go off without a hitch.
Once you find a few vendors who you are interested in, it’s time to do some research. If they are a preferred vendor at your venue, check in with the venue. What makes them a great photographer/DJ/Florist, etc. Chances are your venue will have some good insight on each vendor. When considering wedding vendors, don’t forget to check out their ratings, it is always great to see what past couples have said. Websites like WeddingWire and Yelp are great jumping off points to see what past couples have experienced. If your photographer, decorator, lighting vendor, etc. has been to your venue before, ask to see photos! It is always nice to see what they have done or could do at your venue.
This is probably the best piece of advice we can give. We hear it all the time, “My friend is going to bake my wedding cake”, or “My cousin is going to be my photographer”. It is great to have close connections that can help you with your wedding planning, but hiring friends and family for one of the most important days in your life is usually less than ideal. There is a lot that goes into a wedding, and there are things that are better handled by the pros. If you hire a professional baker, they can ensure that the cake is transported to your venue correctly, that the cake wont fall apart before cake cutting, and that (most importantly) it tastes delicious. Your professional DJ will know just how to keep everyone on the dance floor, but also how to cue up toasts, get the bridal party prepared for introductions into the reception, and keep the night flowing smoothly. Your professional photographer will know the best shots to get, when the sunlight is the best, and how to wrangle your family for those large group shots. We like to see family and friends be able to enjoy themselves on your special day, not stressed out taking pictures or setting up decor. Let the professionals handle that for you, so you and your guests can relax!
Your vendors are going to be with you all day long. Your hair and makeup artist with be there in the morning to get you ready, and do touch ups during the day, your photographer will be following you around taking photos, and your DJ and Coordinator will be with you during the entire event making sure everything is running on schedule. Your wedding vendors are involved in a very personal and important day, so it is crucial to chose vendors who you are comfortable with, and who can share your wedding vision. Make sure to schedule an in-person meeting before you hire your vendor and see how you interact, and to make sure it is someone you can work with for 6+ months.
Whether your budget for a vendor is $500 or $5,000, you are sure to find someone fantastic in your price range. Look for vendors who will work within your budget, if your florist can’t get you the expensive out-of-season flowers, maybe they can suggest some beautiful flowers that are in season, and within your budget! Keep your budget in mind while searching for vendors, while it would be great if every vendor fit within your budget, if their regular prices are more than double your budget, chances are you’ll end up going over your budget.
No matter who you go with for your wedding, the most important thing is to enjoy your special day with your new spouse!
Still looking for vendors? Join us at our annual Wedding Fair to meet the best wedding professionals in the area.
Click Here for our Wedding Fair!
"Dan and I can't thank you guys enough for such a fantastic job you did with our wedding. It far surpassed our dreams. Working with you guys was seamless and all the little details really meant so much to us. Madeline, you are a rock star! You went above and beyond and your work and diligence shows in all you do. It was a great pleasure working with you." - Georgie & Dan - November 15, 2014