It’s no secret that couples view their wedding as one of the most significant events in their life. However, with florals, photography, catering, music, and more to consider, booking wedding vendors can seem like a big hurdle to tackle. At SPC, we know how to find top vendors, and we’re sharing our tips in this wedding vendor guide to help you learn how to choose wedding vendors for your special day.
3 Tips for How to Choose Wedding Vendors
So you’re ready to start choosing wedding vendors, but where do you start? The many options and variations to consider can seem overwhelming, but they don’t have to be with this wedding vendor guide at your fingertips! Here are three things to keep in mind when determining how to choose wedding vendors.
Consider Your Budget
With many exciting and alluring wedding vendors to choose from, it’s essential to keep your budget in mind. Before beginning your search, sit down with your fiancé to agree on an overall budget for vendor services or specific budgets for each service you’d like. You may be willing to spend more on a photographer and florist, whereas your partner might prioritize the catering. It is important to discuss the financial plans for your wedding in advance, so you don’t end up in an awkward situation when conversing with the vendors. At SPC, we can help you develop and manage your wedding budget. Plus, hiring a wedding planner saves you money, so it’s a win-win!
Consider Your Priorities
Another thing to consider when determining how to choose wedding vendors is how many professional services you want and how much work you’re willing to do yourself. If the food served at your wedding is highly important, you can focus more of your budget there and choose to DIY some of your decor. On the other hand, if stunning wedding photos are your top priority, a simple meal option or less expensive DJ may support your needs. Consider making a list with your partner to determine which vendor services are of the highest priority to you and work together to find a happy compromise.
Consider Your Wedding Style
When thinking about vendors and services, be mindful of how each option would best fit the style and vision for your special day. Every photographer produces images with a different look or feel. Caterers can range from providing very traditional meals to unique, ethnic options. Each DJ has a different vibe and personality they bring into your space. There are many options out there, so don’t get discouraged as you search for the right vendors to match your style and expectations.
4. Hire a Professional Photographer to Capture the Event
While you don’t need all of the wedding vendors you had for your wedding, you should hire a professional photographer for your vow renewal. This is a significant celebration that you’ll want to look back on and remember for years to come. If you were pleased with your wedding photos, consider hiring the same photographer to capture your reaffirmation ceremony!
Wedding Vendor Guide Questions and Expert Advice
Now that you’ve considered a few different factors, you are ready to research and connect with vendors in your area. But you may still have questions–like how to find a vendor or what makes a good vendor–and we’ve got answers! Keep reading this wedding vendor guide to learn additional tips and tricks you’ll need when it comes to knowing how to choose wedding vendors for your big day.
How Do I Find a Vendor for My Wedding?
Researching wedding vendors may sound like a challenging task, but it can also be fun! Some of the best ways to start your search include talking with friends who recently got married in your area, using Instagram to get a sneak peek of what’s available, and asking your venue who they recommend. Another great option is to hire a wedding planner who is knowledgeable about popular vendors in the area. At SPC, we offer planning packages that include vendor recommendations that fit your specific style and budget.
Once you create a shortlist of vendors you like, it’s time to read reviews and potentially reach out to see if it is a good fit. You want to make sure you mesh well with the vendors you hire and that their aesthetic and services match your style and availability meets your needs. Some ways to ensure you’ve found the right vendor are by asking questions to get a feel of their passion for their work or the things they love most about their service. Once you see their face light up or hear that spark of joy in their voice as they talk about how they could contribute to your wedding, you’ll know they’re the one.
What Makes a Good Wedding Vendor?
This is an important factor in knowing how to choose a wedding vendor, and the answer is not always straightforward. Some things to be aware of throughout the process are how the vendors present themselves, their ability to communicate, and how personable and professional they are. Every couple is going to have different standards, and that’s okay! What’s important is that you find the best wedding vendors for YOU.
Some specific things you can look for as you begin your search are detailed services on their website or social pages, easy ways to get in touch with the vendors, a fairly quick response time (less than a week is typical), and good client reviews. For example, many couples who have hired SPC as their wedding planner have submitted glowing reviews about their experience. It’s a very good sign when a customer is so happy with a service they go out of their way to write a review!
Are Wedding Vendor Prices Negotiable?
The short answer is it depends. Some vendors are more than willing to work with you to create a package that fits your needs and budget. However, this may require you to compromise and be flexible. For example, some wedding photographers are willing to give you a discounted wedding package if you also book your engagement photos with them. Other vendors have set prices and services they offer without much flexibility.
In some cases, the cost may be worth it. In others, it may be beneficial to see if other vendors in your area provide similar services within your price range. For example, at SPC, we have relationships with industry professionals and can pass along discounts or savings for our couples. Bottom line: it doesn’t hurt to ask!
Choose the Best Vendors with the Help of SPC
Now you know how to choose wedding vendors, including knowing when it’s the right fit and how to negotiate to get your needs met. Next, it’s time for you to dive into the wonderful world of planning your perfect wedding! If all of this still feels too overwhelming, consider booking SPC as your wedding planner to make choosing all other wedding vendors simple, fun, and cost-effective.
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