TIPS ON WHAT WEDDING VENDORS YOU NEED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY.

Weddings can be stressful to plan. It can be hard to make sure you have a vendor for everything that you need, allow me to help make that a little easier. I have created a list of vendors that will help you dot every i and cross every t. Don’t forget to provide your photographer and videographer a complete list of your vendors so they can be sure to give them credit in blog posts and on social media. 

1: Photographer
Your wedding is such a memorable day, so you want to make sure you get all of your special moments captured. Your wedding photographer will do just that, capture your precious memories. Even if you are eloping, it is highly recommended that you hire a photographer. Those memories will be ones you want to cherish forever. 

2: Videographer 
In addition to your photographer, many couples will hire a videographer. They are another great way to relive your day over and over. They capture pictures, videos, and sound to create a film of your special day. They are a great resource to have to help you relive your wedding day every time you watch it. 

3: Venue
Your wedding venue will help set the scene for your big day. Whether you have your wedding in a ballroom, on a beach, or in a rustic barn – it is a great way to bring your family and friends together in the setting that fits you best. Some couples will also rent two venues, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. 

4: Wedding Planner/Coordinator
A wedding planner doesn’t only help you plan for the wedding, but they also help you stay organized and on a budget throughout the planning process. They are also great to keep the planning process rolling and making sure every detail is handled in the planning process so you don’t get behind procrastinating (don’t worry, we’re all guilty of this at some point), but with a planner, they will keep you from forgetting to get your dress in time to ensure enough time to complete any necessary alterations. 

5: Hair and Makeup Artists
Every bride wants to look and feel their best on their special day and hiring a hair and makeup artist is a great way to make sure you are feeling just as beautiful as you look. Besides, who doesn’t want to get pampered while sipping mimosas?

6: Attire
I hope you like shopping because there is a lot to do just to get your attire ready for your wedding day. From wedding dresses to tuxedos, wedding party attire, and more. This is when you say yes to the dress! Most brides will also go shopping for the mother of the bride and groom’s attire to make sure they are dressed in something special as well. 

7: Jeweler
Your wedding rings are a symbol of your marriage, however, they should also match your style. Many jewelers will help you find the perfect ring for both you and your future spouse. It’s ok to look at more jewelers than just one, some will also have more rings that match your style. 

8: Baker
Your dessert will be a major focal point for your event’s decor. Most couples will have a wedding cake, some will have cupcakes, and some will even have donuts. Your desert will be a huge hit at your reception, and if you decide to smash a little in your spouse’s face, that makes for great pictures. 😉 

9: Caterer
Aside from celebrating the newlywed couple, your guests will want to do two other things; eat and drink. Your caterer will make sure the food is hot and ready for you and your guests. During the dinner portion, it is also a good time for you to sneak away for a bit and spend a little time with your new spouse. Some couples will do a private dinner just the two of them so they have a moment to celebrate on their own, others will celebrate with their wedding party. Be sure to check with your venue to see if they offer an in-house caterer in the package. 

10: Florist
Your wedding florist is an important focal point of your wedding. From the bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony arrangements, to centerpieces; your wedding flowers are an essential part of your wedding decor. Your florist will bring your vision to life! Don’t forget to see if you can get just a few extra flowers and greenery for your wedding photographer/videographer. This will help add some extra detail to your detail shots. 

11: DJ
Most couples will hire a DJ, however, some will hire a band. You can also look at hiring live ceremony musicians. Your music pros will help set the mood for your ceremony and reception. They will also keep the dance floor booming all night!

12: Seamstress & Alterations 
Many brides and grooms need alterations done, as well as some of the wedding party. Getting your alterations done by the same seamstress might take some hassle off going to multiple. With all the hard work they do to get your dress to fit you flawlessly, don’t forget to add them to your vendor list! 

13: Stationer
Your stationery is a huge part of bringing your family and friends together for your special day. From sending your save the dates, invitations, to date changes (especially for 2020/2021 brides.) Your stationery is your communication to all of your guests. Choosing the perfect one to fit your special day can be tough, however, a stationer can help you pick the perfect one. They even ensure they are prepared and sent out in time.

14: Officiant
Your officiant is the one that will marry you, and it wouldn’t be official without them. Whether you have a family member or a religious figure, you will want to make sure your officiant can make your ceremony feel personal to you as a couple. Before selecting your officiant you will want to make sure they are registered to marry you. You may want to check with your state to see what requirements they need to complete before hiring them, especially if you are having a family member complete your ceremony. 

15: Favors Vendor
Many couples provide their guests with favors as a little something to say thank you for coming. Some will provide edible treats and others provide keepsakes. If you decide to give your guests favors, you will want to thank your vendor for getting them all ready for you. 

16: Rental Company
Rental companies are great when you do not have a venue that provides everything. Some things you might need to look into renting are tables, chairs, dinnerware, decor, tents, and even arches. If you are needing something rented, most rental companies will have a variety. 

17: Transportation Company
Some couples decide to rent a limo or party bus service to take them, and their wedding party, too and from their hotel on their special day. If you decide to get a transportation service, it will relieve some stress of your wedding party showing up to your venue late. They will make sure you all get there together and on time. 

I hope you found this vendor list helpful! Don’t forget to provide your vendor list to your photographer and videographer. Happy wedding planning!