Choosing the Right Vendors for Your Wedding

Finding vendors for your wedding can be exhausting – with so many options, it’s overwhelming to find the right people for your big day. We held an open house where local vendors shared their tips for deciding on a team that’s best for your big day, and this blog gives their biggest tips and insights.

We’ve also compiled a list of vendors and caterers that we’ve worked with and found to be great in their field. 

Wedding DJ

DJ’s are such a big part of a wedding. Not only do they keep the music and party going, but they’re one of the keys to a fun and smooth wedding reception. Andre, also known as DJ 4000, gave his best tips for finding a DJ.

• Make sure you align on the details of the day, but also find someone that you like and feel comfortable with.
• Always ask if the wedding ceremony is included in the fee for the day.
• Ask if there are additional fees for uplighting and other services.
• Remember that while it’s your party, it’s also a formal event for all of your guests. A good DJ will play your favorite songs, but they may play a few “crowd pleasers” first to keep it classy and get all guests involved.

Baker

While the cake is traditional for weddings, there are many different dessert options. Elisa from Craig’s Cake Shop encourages couples to go with dessert items that they truly enjoy. 

• Look for a commercially licensed vendor, and determine if the budget and availability are right in the first contact with the baker.
• Ask what is included in setup – are there extra delivery and set-up fees?
• Do tastings with multiple vendors to find what you like, and it doesn’t have to be traditional.

Caterer

Food is a major element of a wedding reception, and David from Blue Plate Catering advised choosing a caterer that will leave a lasting impression.

• Caterers won’t build your vision for you. Make sure you go to your meeting with ideas of what you would like, and they can build from there.
• Most guests will remember the service over the food.
• Your caterer should provide fee transparency from the first meeting.

Wedding Photography and Videography

Documenting your wedding day is so important, and Paul from Paul Gero Photography encourages couples to do both photo and video coverage. A video can provide lasting memories of a loved one (such as a grandparent) who may not be here in the future but was able to attend and participate in your special day. Here are his tips for finding a photographer.

• Assess what your style is. Do you like to be directed? Do you like portraits? Do you like the real moments documented? Look for wedding photographers that specialize in your desired style.
• Ask a potential photographer for a full gallery from a previous wedding they have done to see what kind of coverage you may be getting.
• Ask what will be delivered. Will they be high-resolution photos that you can print on your own, or do you have to print through the photographer?

Florist

Sarah from Melody Rose Designs makes it her mission to work with couples with all different budgets to add a fun and beautiful element to their wedding day – florals. 

• If you don’t have a big budget for florals, find someone who doesn’t have a minimum and who is happy to work with you. 
• Meet with several florists and find one who shares the same vision with you and someone that you genuinely like.
• On your wedding day, if something goes wrong, just don’t react – most people won’t even know that something went wrong!

As wedding venues are often one of the first vendors booked, the experienced staff at Barnwood Events is happy to help guide you and give advice on additional vendors as you move forward with planning.