The Ultimate Wedding Vendor Checklist
Lily & Sparrow Photo Co.
The Ultimate Wedding Vendor Checklist
Building a top notch wedding vendor team is so crucial because these are the talented wedding professionals that will help you bring your vision for your big day to life. According to WeddingWire’s Newlywed Report, the average couple hires around 14 vendors for their wedding day. Every wedding is different and has its own unique needs, so you may need to book more than 14 vendors or you may choose to book less than that. Regardless of how many wedding pros you book, it’s important to book vendors that you connect with and who you believe are passionate about making sure the wedding of your dreams happens! Ready to build your team? Use our ultimate wedding vendor checklist to make sure you have all of the wedding pros that you’re wanting to book for your special day.
Bokeh.
Venue
Your venue literally sets the scene for your big day. From elegant grand ballrooms to modern industrial spaces to rustic barns, find an event space that matches your unique vision and style. Many venues, especially popular ones, book a year out if not more, so make sure you secure your wedding date with your favorite venue as soon as possible.
2. Wedding Planner
A trustworthy wedding planner is such an important professional to have on your vendor team. He or she will be the one who will take the stress away from wedding planning. They are absolute pros at keeping things on schedule, resolving any issues that arise, helping you stay within your budget, and making sure everything goes according to plan. Whether you choose to hire a full-service planner or day-of coordinator, this is one vendor you won’t regret hiring!
Bokeh
3. Photographer
Don’t skimp when it comes to booking your photographer. Your photographer will be there to capture all of the special, personal moments on your wedding day. These photos will be cherished for a lifetime so it’s crucial to hire a professional who knows how to expertly capture and document your wedding memories. When booking a photographer, look through their portfolios to see if you like their style: airy and bright, dark and moody, or vibrant and colorful. If you can, get a feel for their personality too. It’s helpful if you feel comfortable around them, as you and your wedding party will be spending all day with them!
Bokeh
4. Catering
Food is usually a highlight for most wedding guests. Impress your guests by hiring a professional caterer that can deliver an exceptional food/dining experience at your wedding. Work with your caterer to decide if you’d prefer a formal plated dinner, family-style service or buffet style dinner. Then, consider what kind of menu you want to serve. Most professional caterers will handle menu planning, food preparation, presentation, service and clean up, making this one less thing to worry about on your wedding day.
Jared Burgess Photography
5. DJ And Entertainment
This is another vendor you will not want to skimp on. Your DJ/Emcee has a huge impact on how your event will go. They manage the timeline and flow of your reception, inject energy into the room, interact with your guests on the mic and on the dance floor, and lead the entire event experience. Invest in a professional DJ that is passionate about bringing your grand vision for your big day to life. Most guests remember the fun they have at a wedding, not so much the beer/wine selection or what party favors they received. Invest in a DJ and wedding entertainment (ie. wedding band and instrumentalists) that will keep your guests talking about your event for years to come.
Sheri Holloway Photography
6. Hair & Makeup Artist
When it comes to your wedding, you want every aspect to be perfect - including your makeup. These are the talented pros that will help you look and feel your best on your wedding day. Hire a professional hair and makeup artist that knows how to work their magic to create the look you’ve been dreaming of, whether it’s bold and dramatic or soft and romantic. Hiring a pro gives you peace of mind that they’ll be using the highest quality products on you and your wedding party. What’s more, they’ll also know the latest makeup trends and best tricks on how to help your makeup stay put all day.
Sheri Holloway Photography
7. Florist
While you may have considered trying to DIY your centerpieces or bouquet, it’s truly best to go with a professional florist. They have the most knowledge on what florals and greenery are in season, as well as how to best arrange them in a beautiful fashion. Adding a florist to your team to work on your bouquet, boutonnières, centerpieces and other arrangements will help you bring your color scheme and theme to life.
Bokeh
8. Cake Baker
Make sure your wedding cake is just as memorable as your dress by hiring the right bakery! Great cake designers are true artists. Think about how much skill it takes to create handmade icing flowers or decorate a cake with detailed piping. Only a private wedding cake shop can dedicate that kind of time and energy to create a cake that truly stands out.
Sheri Holloway Photography
9. Rentals
Rental companies provide items such as linens, dinnerware, tables, chairs, tents, and decor. Though some basic items may be available through your caterer or venue, rental companies tend to have more items in their inventory that may better complement your unique wedding style.
Abigail Derrick Photography
10. Apparel & Accessories
The hunt for the dream dress and jewelry pieces begins! It’s such a fun experience searching for the perfect wedding dress, tuxes and suits, wedding party attire, and other sparkly accessories. Keep in mind that the dress shopping experience can be majorly influenced by the bridal shop you go to. Read a few reviews on nearby dress salons and tux shops, ask around for recommendations, and do a little bit of research on your favorite designers and dress trends to make sure you get the best service and experience.
Sheri Holloway Photography
11. Videographer
A videographer will be able to capture what a photographer cannot: sounds and audible moments. From tearful toasts to heartfelt vows to first look reactions, these moments will be preserved forever in a 3 to 5 minute video that’s seamlessly edited together with just the right music and special effects. Important note: don’t go with an amateur. A professional videographer will have invested in expensive, high-quality equipment so that you get the best results. In addition, they’ll have the experience to know exactly where to be at the right time.
Jessica Yahn Photography
12. Ceremony Officiant
Without an officiant on your vendor list, you won’t be able to get legally married! You may have considered asking a close friend or family member to officiate your ceremony, but there are quite a number of advantages to hiring a professional wedding officiant. They bring the necessary knowledge and skill to help create a wonderful ceremony and deliver it with composure and grace. They’re also able to give guidance on things like the proper length for your ceremony, different options for wedding traditions you can incorporate, and much more. If you want to make sure your ceremony goes off without a hitch, it’s important to hire a trustworthy, reliable officiant.
Hannah Arnzen Photography
13. Stationer
Your save-the-dates and invites are the first hints that your guests will receive of your special day’s style so you want to get these just right! Going with an experienced stationer will save you from trying to create and design something yourself. They’ll also work with your budget and help you select the right paper products, ensuring that everything is prepared and sent off in a timely fashion.
14. Transportation
If your venue is remote or if you’re planning a destination wedding or if you’re just needing transportation for you and your wedding party, this is where an experienced transportation company comes into play. They’ll help ensure that everyone gets to your ceremony and reception in a safe and timely manner.
Jessica Yahn Photography
15. Photo Booth
Keep your guests entertained all night long with a trendy photo booth. Renting a photo booth will ensure that you and your guests capture hilarious memories and fun photo keepsakes that will be treasured for years to come. These days, there are a variety of photo booth experiences you can choose from. While some couples like the more traditional photo booth set-up (backdrop + props + DSLR camera), couples who are wanting a more modern, trendy experience opt for photo booths with a bit more glitz and glam such as Selfie Mirror Photo Experiences (interactive photo booth “mirrors” full of innovative features).