9 Types of Wedding Vendors to Consider

Mar 24, 2022

a beautiful top view of wedding planner hands while working

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many different decisions to make. One of the most important is deciding which vendors to work with. There are so many different types of professionals available that it can be difficult to know what’s essential and who to choose. This guide will help you figure out which vendors are right for your wedding based on your needs and budget.

Wedding planners

This wedding professional will take care of all the details to ensure that your big day goes smoothly. Think of them as project managers for weddings. They might handle everything from booking the venue and hiring the caterer to sending out invitations, arranging decorations, organizing transportation, and planning the ceremony, reception, and any other wedding events. Depending on what you need, a wedding planner can be very helpful or a major headache. Make sure you find someone that understands your expectations and has a communication style that compliments your own.

The wedding officiant

The wedding officiant can be either someone you know or a professional. Some people like to have their friend or family member perform the ceremony (you’ll need to make sure they’re legally allowed to marry people in your state or county), while others prefer to hire a professional officiant or clergy person. When it comes to hiring one of these professionals, make sure they meet your requirements for the ceremony. It's important to have an idea of what you want your wedding officiant to say or do before choosing one. Spend some time chatting with each officiant you’re considering to get a good feeling for who will be the best fit.

The venue

Location is a big part of any wedding. Make sure you choose a venue that fits your needs and budget, as well as if you'll need to make any special arrangements to accommodate larger parties. Some venues allow outside caterers, while others require you to use their catering service. You'll also need to know if you’ll need to bring your own tables, chairs, and decor, or if it’s all included.

Photographer

Your photographer is responsible for capturing images of your special day as it happens. In the age where everyone carries a camera (phone) in their pocket, wedding photography is often one of the first things to be cut from a budget. Your wedding photos are one of the few things you can keep to remember the event for years to come, long after the festivities are over. Make sure you hire a professional photographer; it's the best way to remember every detail of your special day!

a pure white wedding limo with floral decor

Caterer

Most weddings include food and drinks for guests to enjoy. These can be catered by an outside catering company or the venue itself, depending on the venue. If you are hiring your own caterer, make sure to ask about what facilities they’ll need at your venue in order to prepare and serve your chosen menu.

Florist

A florist is responsible for designing and arranging any flowers that will be displayed on your big day. This could include everything from the altar to the reception tables. Flowers can get expensive, so make sure there are no hidden costs before you finalize a contract with a florist.

Videographer

Wedding videos have become increasingly popular in recent years, and this is where your videographer comes in. They will record and edit footage of your ceremony and reception and generally create a lasting memento for you and your family to cherish. This service can be expensive depending on what you want, so make sure it's included in your budget before hiring a videographer.

Transportation

If you choose to hire a transportation company, they will be responsible for making sure all your guests arrive at and depart from the ceremony and reception venues on time. Some couples choose to save money by providing their own transportation, but hiring a transportation company can relieve stress and help everything flow more smoothly on your big day.

Entertainment

Some couples opt for live music during their reception. A traditional band can be cost prohibitive, while a DJ is usually far more affordable. When selecting either, make sure they specialize in the style of music you want to have at your event. If you do opt for live music at the ceremony site, make sure your hired musicians are included in the guest count when planning your catering and for venue capacity as well.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are many professionals who specialize in making the process easier. Choosing any one of these vendors will help you make your day special and memorable.

What vendors do you think are essential and which do you plan to go without? Let us know in the comments!

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