The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Vendors: Who They Are And What They Do

Wedding vendors are the people and companies you hire to provide products and services for your wedding.

There are many different types of wedding vendors, including those who provide products, such as wedding invitations, wedding dresses, and wedding favours, and those who provide services, such as catering, transportation, and music. Some vendors offer both products and services, like photographers, who provide photo albums as well as their shooting and editing services.

Wedding vendors can be extremely helpful in making your dream wedding a reality.

Wedding planners

A good wedding planner will make things easier for you and ensure that your big day is a success. They can help you stay organised and on budget, and are pros at keeping things on schedule and handling any last-minute issues. Whether you opt for a full-service planner or a month- or day-of coordinator, hiring a planner is definitely worth the cost.

When choosing a wedding planner, it's important to research and read reviews to see who's available in your location. You should also consider your guest list size and your unique vision for the wedding. If you need assistance, a wedding planner can also help you select other vendors that match your personality and budget.

Florists

Wedding vendors are the professionals that couples hire to provide a service or product for their wedding. The average couple hires 14 vendors for their wedding day, including photographers, caterers, and florists.

Flowers are a key part of any wedding's decor, and a good florist will help you bring your vision to life. Florists can create bouquets, boutonnieres, and centrepieces, as well as larger floral arrangements such as arches or chuppahs.

When choosing a florist, it's important to first consider the style and type of flowers you like. Do you prefer large centrepieces or smaller arrangements? Do you want a specific type of flower, or are you happy for the florist to suggest blooms that are in season? It's also a good idea to think about which events you'll want flowers for, and whether you'll need any additional decor.

Once you've found a florist you're interested in, reach out and share your style and vision. Be open and honest about your budget, and provide any inspirational photos or colour schemes.

It's recommended that you book your florist at least six to eight months before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time to discuss your ideas and make any changes if needed.

Flowers are typically a significant expense, with the average cost of wedding flowers being around $2,000. However, there are ways to save money, such as avoiding installations and sticking to "wear and carry" options, where the florist simply drops off the arrangements. You can also ask your florist to suggest flower types and options that fit your budget.

When it comes to choosing specific flowers, traditionalists might prefer classic blooms like lily of the valley or peonies. For something more modern, orchids or calla lilies could be a good choice. Ultimately, the best flowers for your wedding will depend on your personal style, budget, and the season.

Your florist will be able to guide you through the process and help you create beautiful floral arrangements that reflect your unique style.

Photographers and videographers

When selecting a photographer or videographer, it is important to do your research. Look through their portfolio and see if their style matches yours and your vision for your wedding day. You should also find out about their experience and background. Ask them how long they have been in the business and how many weddings they film or shoot each year. It may also be beneficial to know whether they are familiar with your wedding venue.

Another good question to ask is if they know your other vendors, especially whether they have worked with your photographer or videographer before. This is not a requirement, but it can be an added bonus. Ask about their equipment and whether there will be more than one person or a team.

Finally, it is always important to inquire about pricing and packages. Find out what is included and what you can expect in your wedding video or photos.

There are many fantastic wedding photographers and videographers out there, and you can find them through Instagram, wedding vendor websites such as The Knot, or Google. However, the best way to find a trustworthy photographer and videographer is through referrals from other vendors. Taking recommendations from a planner, a venue, a dress shop, or a florist is likely to lead you to a professional who will deliver amazing service and whose personality will be a positive presence on your wedding day.

• Silverfox Studios: Offers relaxed, candid, and authentic photos or videos.
• Life Art Photographers: With over 15 years of experience, they embrace the chaos of a wedding day and bring out the best in couples through their photography.
• Dreamlife Photos & Video: Based in New York, they capture your wedding celebration, whether it's an intimate gathering or a formal affair.
• Danglinn Productions: Serving the greater DMV area, they provide stunning quality for great prices, shooting in both cinematic and documentary styles.
• Lake Full of Pictures: Based in South Lake Tahoe, California, this videography company creates unique and captivating wedding videos.
• Estrada Productions: A professional wedding videographer in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with many years of experience.
• Shawn Bossick Films: An accomplished wedding videographer based in San Juan Capistrano, California, having documented hundreds of weddings.

Caterers

Wedding vendors are the group of professionals who will bring your vision to life on your big day. Wedding caterers are an important part of this team, ensuring that the food at your event is both plentiful and delicious.

Choosing a Caterer

When choosing a caterer, it's important to consider your wedding guest list size, your personality, and your unique vision for the day. It's also a good idea to book early, as great vendors can get booked up quickly.

Types of Catering

Timing

It is recommended to contact a wedding caterer far in advance of your event, as it takes time to plan your menu, do a tasting, choose bar options, and order any rentals. Giving yourself more time also means your caterer may be able to guide you in other parts of the planning process, such as choosing a venue for your reception.

Dietary Requirements

A good caterer will be able to accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. It's important to communicate any food sensitivities, allergies, and specific guest preferences to your caterer so they can make the necessary arrangements.

Eco-Friendly Options

Some caterers offer eco-friendly disposable dinnerware and ensure that no food goes to waste. They may also donate any leftovers to community fridges for those in need.

Venue

Custom Menus

Tastings

Many caterers offer the option to schedule a tasting so that you can be sure you'll love your wedding food.

Recommendations

Transportation

Wedding vendors are the professionals you hire to provide a service or product for your wedding. Transportation is a key part of wedding planning and is often overlooked. It is important to ensure that everyone, from the wedding party to the guests, can arrive at the wedding venue(s) safely and on time.

Who needs transportation?

It is customary for the couple and their wedding party to be provided with transport. If your budget allows, you can also offer transportation to all of your guests, especially if you have guests from out of town or if there are multiple venues with limited access to taxis or ride-sharing services.

There are various options for wedding transportation, from stretch limos to party buses, shuttle buses, vintage vehicles, and even boats or ferries. Limos can seat 6 to 20 people and often include features such as bars, mini-fridges, and surround sound systems. Party buses can include extras like a disco and dancing poles, while shuttle buses are a practical option for transporting guests to the next wedding event.

It is recommended to book your wedding transportation early, as vehicles and staff may be limited. The cost of transportation varies depending on the type of transport and the number of vehicles required. For example, a stretch limo might cost $350 to $500 for three hours, while shuttle or party buses can range from $800 to $1,200. Trolleys, a fun option for cultural cities, can start at $1,200 and go up to $2,200.

Frequently asked questions