Planning A Wedding: Selecting The Right Number Of Vendors

how many vendors do you need in a wedding

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding on the number of vendors you need to hire. The number of vendors required for a wedding can vary depending on various factors, including the size of the wedding, personal preferences, and budget. On average, couples hire around 14 vendors for their wedding day, each playing a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and memorable celebration. From photographers and caterers to florists and entertainment, building a reliable team of vendors is essential for bringing your dream wedding to life.

Characteristics Values
Number of vendors 14 on average
Essential vendors Venue, caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, decor designer, DJ, entertainment, officiant, planner, hair stylist, makeup artist, dress designer, alterations specialist, emcee, bartending services, accommodation, transportation, delivery or setup crew
Cost considerations Budgeting for a wedding depends on location, guest count, personal preferences, and the level of service desired.

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Wedding planners

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but it doesn't have to be! Wedding planners can help you stay organised and on budget, keeping things on schedule and handling any issues that may arise.

A wedding planner should be one of the first vendors you book, as they can guide you through the entire planning process and be your counsel for every vendor interview, contract, and scheduling question. It's recommended to book a wedding planner 12 months in advance to ensure you reserve your date on their calendar. Even if you only have the budget for a month-of wedding planner, it's still worth booking them in advance to secure your day.

  • Photographer
  • Hair stylist and makeup artist
  • Band or DJ
  • Caterer (unless your venue has an in-house caterer)
  • Transportation company
  • Officiant
  • Jeweller
  • Stationery designer
  • Rentals company

The number of vendors you hire for your wedding will depend on your budget and priorities, but on average, couples hire 14 vendors for their wedding day. Remember, great vendors book up fast, so once you find ones you like, don't hesitate to book them!

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Photographers and videographers

The number of photographers and videographers you hire will depend on the size of your wedding and your preferences. The industry standard is to have two photographers, but some prefer a three-angle, three-photographer approach. This allows for the documentation of multiple important moments and angles, especially if the wedding preparation takes place in different locations. With two photographers, you can capture wedding party photos in half the time, and a second photographer can minimise the risk of missing essential moments and details.

For a standard full-day wedding, six to eight hours of photography and videography coverage is usually sufficient. This will allow the photographer to capture the getting-ready process, details of the decor, and toasts during the reception and on the dance floor, especially if the wedding is in one location. Photographers and videographers can leave after the last major event, such as the cake cutting, the first couple of songs, or the grand exit.

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Food and drink

When it comes to food and drink for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to feed your vendors. Wedding vendors often work long hours, and providing a meal for them is a thoughtful gesture that will help them stay energised throughout the day. It is also a way to show your appreciation for their hard work.

So, who exactly do you need to feed? Well, this includes your wedding planner, photographers, videographers, DJ, band members, photo booth attendant, and anyone else who will be working for six or more hours. It's also a nice touch to offer water or light refreshments to vendors who may not be staying for the entire event, such as hair and makeup artists, transportation drivers, and rental companies.

When should you serve the vendor meals? It is recommended to serve vendor meals during guest dinner time, as there is usually not much happening during this time, and it allows vendors to finish eating around the same time as the couple. If possible, it is also preferable to serve vendor meals before guests are served their entrees, so vendors have a chance to sit down and be ready for any "main events" after dinner, such as cake cutting or the first dance.

As for where to serve the meals, it is generally recommended to provide vendors with a separate space to eat and relax, away from the guests. This could be a green room, staging area, or a screened-off section of the venue. This allows vendors to truly unwind and take a break, without feeling disconnected from the couple and party.

In terms of what to serve, it is not necessary to provide vendors with the same meal as your guests. Instead, a simple hot meal or buffet option will suffice. Be sure to check with your vendors about any dietary restrictions or preferences and communicate this information to your caterer.

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Florists and decor

Flowers and decorations are an important part of any wedding. They help establish the aesthetic and beautify the space. While flowers are not a requirement, they can bring your event to life. If you are planning to have flowers at your wedding, it is recommended to hire a professional florist who can take your vision and build a realistic plan within your budget.

When it comes to flowers, there are many options to consider. Bridal and bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, and flowers for the ceremony aisle and arch are all popular choices. You may also want to decorate your reception tables with flowers, either as centrepieces or scattered bud vases. If you're looking to save costs, you can repurpose your bridal bouquet and bridesmaids' bouquets as decor at the reception.

When choosing a florist, it's important to consider your budget. Flowers can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the types of flowers, the size of the arrangements, and the complexity of the designs. Be sure to discuss your budget and your vision with your florist, so they can guide you towards the right design options.

In addition to flowers, there are other decor options to consider. Candles, candelabras, and other unique items can add a personal touch to your wedding. If you're handling the decor yourself, consider hiring a day-of coordinator to help with the setup and breakdown, so you and your family can enjoy the day.

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Hair and makeup

When it comes to hair and makeup for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to book your hair and makeup artists well in advance, as they can get booked up, especially if you have your heart set on a particular stylist. It is recommended to book at least three months before your wedding, and some artists may even book a year in advance.

Secondly, you should consider the number of people who will be getting their hair and makeup done. This will impact the number of artists you need and the time required. For example, if you have a large bridal party, you may need to hire extra artists to ensure everyone is ready on time. It is generally recommended to allow at least an hour and a half per person, and two hours for the bride, as their hair and makeup need to be perfect.

For a small group of around four people, including the bride, two stylists may be sufficient, but for larger groups, you may need a team of artists. One vendor may be able to provide a team of artists, which can be helpful in ensuring everyone is ready on time. For example, one person shared that they had a team of five people getting their hair and makeup done, and they were sent two artists with no extra fee. In another instance, a group of seven people, including the bride, had two stylists, one for hair and one for makeup.

It is also worth noting that some artists may charge an additional fee for an early start, so be sure to discuss this with your stylist in advance. Additionally, if you require your bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, it is customary for you to cover the cost.

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