Choosing the people that will be by your side on your wedding day is such an important thing - and not just your bridal party - your vendor team makes your wedding visions come to life! Just because it’s the person that your friend or your mom’s coworker knows doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice for you.
Here are a few things to consider:
Make sure they are people you trust. Ultimately, you are investing your money into these vendors and trusting them with the details of one of the most important days. You want to know that they will not only listen to you, but work hard to make sure everything is as stress-free and smooth for you as possible! And, no matter how much you trust them, or how confident you are in them (or your relationship if you know them personally) ALWAYS get a contract!
Do they fit your style? This can be anything from decor styling, makeup work, videography or photography capturing and editing styles. From dark and moody to light and airy - posed, editorial or candid and storytelling, whatever style you’re drawn to is what you should have! Find vendors that not only are capable of doing what you’re looking for, but that are experts in it.
What do people have to say? Don’t just take the word of a single person - check their reviews! If they don’t have testimonials posted on their website or Google Reviews, don’t be afraid to ask! Providing reviews to you should be no problem. Everything should be clear and upfront - and if you feel like this is something you can’t ask them - that’s a red flag - you should always be comfortable asking your vendors anything, at anytime. See their work outside their Instagram/Website - ask to see full galleries from your photographer, videos from your film team, photos from your hair, makeup and styling teams.
Know the back up plan. Something that should be covered in your contract is what the plan is if disaster strikes and there is an emergency that affects them serving you on your wedding day. You should know who would be taking their place and make sure it is a replacement you approve of. Ask your photographer/videographer what their process is for backing up and protecting your images. Don’t simply assume they have one in place - know what it is and make sure that they are protecting your images the best way they can - multiple copies, multiple places.
They feel like a friend… Some of your vendors will be with you pretty much the entire day - your photographer, videographer + coordinator should be people you love being around + that feel more like friends celebrating with you than just a vendor working for you. They should also be approachable + accessible to you! make sure they are responsive - and that you are comfortable asking questions or reaching out whenever you need anything - even if it's just some reassurance.
Their experience + Your budget. Do you know what their experience is? How many weddings have they worked and to what capacity? Make sure that you know these things and are comfortable and confident in their ability. And while your budget should not be the end all - it is something to consider. Is there a vendor you HAVE to have? Even if they are outside your budget, it can definitely be worth your time to reach out and be willing to adjust the allocation of your funds. Remember - you get what you pay for, so make sure to prioritize the things that are important to you, and balance your budget accordingly.
Your wedding day is about YOU + your love. choose a team that not only sees your vision, but that supports it + works hard to serve you well. you deserve to have stress taken off of you, be loved on + pampered every step of this process.