How to Find (Qualified & Trustworthy) Wedding Vendors
Working with reliable vendors for your wedding planning (and wedding) makes all the difference to your experience of getting married. Whether its trusting that your photographer will capture the perfect shots or knowing that your flowers are going to be perfect, the single best thing you can do is hire people who you love and trust. From consulting online listings to networking with friends, we’ve put together some helpful tips to find wedding vendors who will help make your Big Day perfect.
Start by hiring a planner.
One of the major perks of hiring a planner is having access to a network of the best of the best in wedding pros. A great wedding planner will know which vendors match your style, vision, and budget and take some of the guess work out of your research. (You’ll also get the perk of your planner’s ability to negotiate with vendors to get the best price possible). Planners work with countless vendors every week and can have great insight into the best options in your area. Just as important, your planner will steer you away from any vendors who don’t deliver as expected, saving you from unnecessary stress or heartache. (see our preferred vendors list below).
Use your network.
Some of the best advice you get comes from people you trust, and this is true with recommendations as well. Loved the flowers at your best friend’s wedding? Ask her who she used. Let your network tell you all the good and bad about their experience because negative reviews can be just as helpful as positive ones!
Read reviews.
Like your network, online marketplaces are a great tool for finding the right fit for your wedding. Most websites allow you to narrow down your preferences based on needs, style, and budget so you don’t have to scroll through an ocean of vendors who aren’t the right fit. And, there are usually honest reviews from real weddings that will give insight into how your own experience may be.
Look to magazines.
Wedding magazines can offer a wealth of information on different vendors, in a number of different ways. While a national publication may not offer much insight, local wedding magazines definitely will. Check out real weddings or editorials that took place in your area and follow up with anyone whose work you love. If there’s one publication that you always love, check to see if they have a vendor directory. Most magazines will offer a hand-picked selection of vendors that have been vetted in some way.
Check out the Gram.
If there’s a particular Instagram account that always makes you swoon, pay attention to who they are tagging in their posts. More often than not, pages will tag the other vendors that were involved with an event or specific aspect. You can then check out their pages and events to see if it’s the right fit.
Talk to your venue.
Wedding venues will have their own preferred vendors list, so definitely be sure you get that information from your venue coordinator. Venues will likely only use vendors that provide a high level of quality and accountability – since their own name is at stake – so you can rest assured knowing they have already provided superior service to that venue. In addition, your venue may also limit who you can work with or make you choose from their list, so it’s important you know this information ahead of time.
Finding the perfect vendor for your wedding will be your own unique experience, and you shouldn’t settle for anything less than perfect. Do you research and trust your gut – this is your day and it shouldn’t be anything less than amazing!
Check out some of our preferred vendors:
Photography/Cinematography
Endless Wave Studios – @endless_wave_studios
DJ/Photo Booth/Lighting
EME Entertainment – @edgarmusicentertainment
Floral Design
Yumila Florals
Cakes/Dessert Tables
Patty Cakes – @pattycakesnj
Invitations/Design/Itineraries/Favors/Etc
DTown Designs – @dtown_designs
For a complete list of preferred vendors, hire The Perfect Shindig!