Navigating the Wedding Vendor Landscape: Types of Wedding Vendors Explained
What types of wedding vendors do you need and which components do you want for your wedding? Have you made a list of your must-haves? Planning a wedding can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Every couple is unique and so every wedding is different. In this article, we will explore the must-have types wedding vendors and when to book them.
Wedding Vendors List – the Must-Haves Types of Wedding Vendors
Now you are engaged and ready to start planning your wedding. Where do you start? Who do you hire? There are many services, vendors, and companies to choose from. Now, let’s see some of the must-have vendors you will probably need to produce your dream wedding!
Wedding planner
Hiring a wedding planner will probably be your best money spent. A wedding planner can help you with all the details, create a wedding timeline, and organize all your wedding vendors. A wedding planner can relieve some stress. They will help keep your wedding day going as smoothly as possible. If you do your research and find the right planner for you, you will not regret hiring one.
Wedding venue
The location of your wedding is important. You will want to find the right wedding venue for you. And the research to find one is an essential part of planning a wedding. Everything revolves around the venue. The availability of the wedding venue will determine your wedding date and timeline. Be sure to secure your dream venue as soon as possible.
Images by Alerian Artography
Photographer
One of the most important vendors is the photographer. Photos are the most tangible way to remember your big day. Some couples already have a specific photographer in mind and choose their wedding date based on the availability of the photographer. However, while doing your research on choosing a wedding photographer you should go with what you like and someone you get along well. Don’t just follow recommendations, as this is a personal choice.
Musicians or DJ
The music is another essential part of your wedding. You can choose live singers or performers like a guitarist, harp, piano or string duo or quartet, a DJ or live band. Think about all the occasions you might need music at your wedding day. The cocktail hour, the walking down the aisle, your ceremony, after the ceremony, the reception, the party and also your rehearsal dinner! It comes down to your personal preference on who you hire. Talk about your wedding timeline and music preferences. Steal our Spotify list and create your our wedding song list for each occasion of your wedding day!
Videographer
A videographer is a must-have for some couples and for others, it is not as important. Some couples will say they do not want to forget every word in their vows or wedding speeches. If this is the case, hiring a videographer is well worth your money. Find a videographer who is talented and professional. If you’re spending so many hours and money on your wedding, you want it to be documented well! Make sure to see their previous work and find the videos you like, to show them what you’re expecting. Before booking, check reviews and what they offer. A short video of your day or a longer more detailed video?
Hair and makeup
A hair and makeup artist or “MUAH” will make you look your best. Especially for your hot summer destination wedding in Greece, where you want your makeup to be sweat proof and lasting till the morning hours! Find a professional who knows the climate and whose work you love and will fit you best! When you are looking for a hair and makeup vendor, be sure to read reviews. Look at social media for inspiration and get recommendations from your friends and schedule a trial if possible.
Officiant
You will need to do your research before choosing an officiant. Connecting with the officiant is essential to see if their style matches your personality and type of ceremonies they can offer you. There is a difference between an officiant, celebrant, pastor, rabbi, or priest. Make sure you know what you need for your ceremony and what type of ceremony you want. Official, Symbolic or Religious? If you need someone for a symbolic wedding, you will want to find a celebrant early in the planning process to ensure you have enough time to work on your ceremony speech. In case you are planning an official, religious or civil ceremony, you should also obtain your marriage license in time for the wedding. Ask your planner about that!
Florist
Finding a florist can be stressful for some couples. There are so many colors to put together and flowers to choose from. Make sure to talk with your planner or stylist and express your wishes and your vision of your big day. Entrust your planner, stylist or designer to communicate this vision to your florist. Florists can help bring the theme of your wedding to life. Before booking this vendor, be sure to ask to see bouquet and centerpiece samples. This can help you envision your day.
Baker
Everyone loves dessert. Whether you decide on a small cutting cake, personalized mini cakes or a multi-tiered cake there are a variety of options to choose from. It’s always a good idea to have preferences of flavors you and your partner like and dislike! Schedule a tasting if possible a few months before your big day. Come hungry and enjoy the tasting. You will go home full and happy.
The transportation
Be sure to book your transportation early in the wedding planning process. You want to be sure to have pleasant transportation and drivers for a limo, shuttle bus, or trolley. Your transport may be for you and your wedding party. Sometimes, you may need to also provide transportation for your wedding guests. In which case we suggest to work with a travel guide or ask your planner for a dedicated guest management in order to organize all the different pickup and drop off locations! Especially for your big destination wedding!
Caterer
Some venues include catering, however sometimes you will need to hire a caterer. The menu is another essential part of your wedding. You will need to do your research for the best quality. Prices will vary and menu options as well. You can opt for a buffet style or plated style dinner with specific drinks or an open bar, which we suggest if you want to party! This vendor is one of the largest budget items you will hire. Before hiring a caterer, ask to meet with them if possible, get their pricing list, and schedule a tasting of the food options to make sure you choose the perfect fit for you!
Bar services
Sometimes bar services are included with the venue or catering. For some of your guests, the bar will be important. You should talk to your caterer and venue for bar services and if you can bring outside bar catering service. You can choose between mobile bar vans or free standing bar hires, which will be a prat of your décor scheme as well!
Wedding Attire
Finding the perfect wedding dress is absolutely crucial. You do not want to have the wrong dress at the wrong venue! So wedding dress designers and men’s suit designers are one of the must-have types of wedding vendors! Go for fittings and see all the wedding dresses available to you! Choose the right style and design for the right location. For instance, if you’re getting married on the beach, you might not want a heavy beaded and huge wedding dress or thick warm suit which would be best suited for a winter wedding!
You have an option of making a custom gown for yourself designed for you and your wedding or you can opt for readymade designs from some of the well-known or less-famous designers out there. See some designs here!
When to Book Your Wedding Vendors
As every wedding is personal and different, and many destination weddings in Greece also happen last minute, these time lines are more of a suggestion. It all depends if you have a capable team and if you have some non-negotiable vendors you absolutely need to book. So in this case, lest see the suggested timeline leading up to your wedding.
Twelve months ahead of the wedding, you will want to hire a wedding planner and find a venue. Also, you will want to find a photographer, florist, videographer, and caterer.
Nine months before your wedding you will need to find a DJ for the reception. The DJ or band will create your reception’s ambiance with music. Be sure to give yourself ample time to secure the DJ or band you love.
Six months ahead of your wedding you will want to hire a makeup artist and hairstylist. Again looking your best all day and into the reception is essential. It is a good idea to schedule a trial makeup session and a trial hair session a few months or weeks ahead.
You will want to find your wedding rings three months before the wedding. Remember that your rings are a piece of jewelry and something that will be worn daily and for years to come. Take your time when shopping for your rings. It is just one of many important decisions.
Finally, you can find many types of wedding vendors online and inspiration from Pinterest. Planning your wedding may be stressful at times, but planning your wedding should be enjoyable. Take your time, do your research, and find the right wedding vendors for your big day!
