How to Choose and Work with Wedding Vendors,
Professionals and Service Providers
Many brides and grooms write to A-wedding Day requesting information
about planning their weddings. The typical inquiry is as follows. "
We just got engaged. What do we do now? Where do we begin?"
Well, weddings are very personal and each has its own unique character.
It is very difficult to list every possible scenario but the basics
are the style of wedding, the size, the budget involved , the location
and of course the bride and groom's choices and their personalities.
WEDDING STYLE can range form a classic, elegant
and glitzy black tie affair to a picnic in a park.
WEDDING SIZE depends on the number of guests.
WEDDING BUDGET can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.
WEDDING LOCATION local or a destination wedding.
BRIDE and GROOM choose the setting, the colors, the music, the wedding
theme etc.. that reflect their personalities and interests.
Some couples hire a wedding planner, some rely on the experience of friends
and family, but most opt to plan their wedding by themselves.
The wedding day is only part of the term wedding as a whole. Wedding
as it will be referred to in this article includes the preparations for,
and the activities following the big day including the honeymoon.
So, you got engaged and are looking forward with anticipation to your
dream wedding but do not know where to start and what to do. You are not
alone! This article is dedicated to the many engaged couples facing this
dilemma and those who want to be focused.
It is very important that both of you, bride and groom, start planning
your wedding as soon after the engagement as possible. This allows you
to:
take your time, brain storm and leisurely discuss your needs and
desires,
prevent and correct any errors,
deal with delays,
handle any possible mishaps,
have fun and enjoy planning your wedding rather than stress over
it.
You need to choose your priorities first and write down everything that
is
very important - urgent,
less important - allows for flexibility and
least important - most adaptable for changes and compromises.
For example:
Very important - urgent
Date
Budget
Location of ceremony - location of reception
Size of guest list
Officiant - Clergy
A specific wedding vendor or service provider
Time of year time of day
Having prioritized, put together your wedding information and a list
of questions and requests, to present to the vendor or service provider.
Of secondary important - less urgent but needs time to organize.
Can be flexible
Attire
Menu and Beverages
Florist
Cake
Photographer - videographer
Invitations
Musicians
Wedding day help - before, during and after the wedding.
Least important - most acceptable for flexibility, changes and
compromises
Wedding day schedule
Readings at ceremony
Music selection
Final flower selection
Gifts for family and wedding attendants
A wedding gift from the bride to the groom
A wedding gift from the groom to the bride
Wedding favors
Centerpieces
Reception seating arrangements
How to find the appropriate wedding vendors professionals and service
providers.
Before setting any appointments it is a good idea to:
Ask your friend, acquaintances and family for recommendations,
Attend bridal shows
Visit bridal shops and ask for referrals,
Check the Internet
Check the yellow pages
Go over the written notes and organize them by priority and ease of use.
Armed with a list of vendors and service providers, it is time for you
to pick up the phone and set appointments. Schedule your appointments
by PRIORITY. So, if a specific person or company's participation at the
wedding is required, you should contact them FIRST to find out when they
have an opening. If the date is a priority you need to focus on securing
an officiant, and a location for the ceremony and the reception, and so
on. Do not, however, commit until you have accumulated at least a few
bids and found the person(s) you interviewed accommodating and easy to
work with.
Once you made your choice, do not look for other alternatives or you'll
drive yourselves crazy. Instead go on to the next detail that requires
your attention.
Be prepared! Go to each interview ready with your questions and information
neatly written. Bring a pen and paper and take notes at meetings with
the different wedding professionals, service providers and wedding vendors.
These notes serve as a fun keep sake too.
I'll list the wedding professionals, service providers and vendors that
are part of the BASIC WEDDING. You may not need every service or you may
need more than listed. Each mention will link to the information needed
for a meeting with the specific vendor or service provider and the information
needed from him or her.
So, without further ado, Here is the list in alphabetical order.
Accommodations - Bride and Groom, Family, Wedding Guests
