You’ve set your wedding date, secured your venue, and finalized your budget. Now it’s time for one of the most exciting parts of the planning process, choosing your vendors! From photographers to florists, there’s a vendor for every aspect of your big day, and the options can feel overwhelming. In this blog post, I’m breaking down the essential vendors every wedding needs to help you build your dream team with confidence.

1. Wedding Planner

Hiring the right wedding planner is essential to ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly and stress-free. Even if you choose not to book a full-service planner, having a month-of or day-of coordinator can make all the difference. Your coordinator will be there to troubleshoot any issues that arise, so you don’t have to. The last thing you want is to spend your wedding day putting out fires instead of soaking in every beautiful, joy-filled moment. Trust me, investing in professional help is a decision you won’t regret.

Photo by Pictures with Ariel

2. Photographer

Your photographer plays a vital role in capturing the moments you’ll cherish for a lifetime. A seasoned photographer knows how to make you look and feel your best in any setting. Start by asking your planner for recommendations or browsing through photographers’ galleries to get a feel for their style. Once you find someone whose work speaks to you, reach out to check their availability, and go from there!

Photo by Hey Devan

3. Videographer

While videographers aren’t always at the top of every couple’s list, they’re absolutely worth considering! A skilled videographer captures your vows, speeches, and special moments in motion, bringing your day to life in a way photos simply can’t. Most offer a range of packages, from short highlight reels to full-length films, so you can choose what best fits your vision and budget. If you’re on the fence, I say go for it! You’ll be so glad to have those moving memories to relive for years to come.

4. DJ/Band

Whether you choose a live band or a DJ, each comes with its own unique pros and cons. Go with what feels right for you and your vision! No matter what, music will play an important role in setting the tone for your day, from the processional to the final dance. Be sure to meet with your music professional ahead of time to make sure your personalities click. Discuss your timeline, musical preferences, and any must-play songs to ensure they can accommodate your requests. The right music can truly elevate the entire atmosphere of your wedding day!

5. Hair and Makeup

While hair and makeup services are often focused on brides, they’re not limited to them. Grooms and other members of the wedding party can absolutely benefit from light touch-ups too! As with photographers, it’s important to review your artist’s portfolio to see if their style aligns with your vision. Many bridal artists specialize in soft glam, but it’s essential to ensure they have experience working with your skin tone and desired look. I also highly recommend scheduling a trial run before the big day to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. It makes all the difference!

Photo by Pictures with Ariel

6. Officiant

Your officiant can be a religious leader, a professional celebrant, or even a close friend or family member. It’s entirely up to you and the type of ceremony you envision. No matter who you choose, your officiant will play a key role in guiding the heart of your wedding ceremony itself. They’ll help set the tone, lead you through your vows, and ensure your special moment is meaningful, personal, and legally complete.

7. Florist

Florists are one of my favorite vendors to work with because they bring so much beauty and creativity to a wedding! With endless flower types and color combinations, a skilled florist can help you bring your vision to life in a cohesive and stunning way. From bouquets and aisle markers to centerpieces and ceremony arches, they handle so many important details. You don’t need a luxury florist to have beautiful blooms. Share your vision, ask for a quote, and find someone who can work with your budget while still creating something magical.

Photo by Pictures with Ariel/Florals by NuTrend Events

8. Jeweler

This vendor comes into the picture even before the wedding day, helping you select your engagement ring and wedding bands. These rings are more than just accessories; they’re lasting symbols of your forever. Choose something that not only fits your style but feels meaningful to you. Don’t be afraid to add personal touches, like engraving or custom designs, to make your bands truly one of a kind. After all, you’ll be wearing them for a lifetime!

9. Stationary

This vendor also comes into play well before your wedding day. Stationery encompasses your save-the-dates and invitations, but it can also include important signage like your welcome signs, programs, menus, and place cards. You can go for classic or creative designs. Etsy offers a wide variety of beautiful options to fit any wedding style and budget!

10. Caterer

Food is an absolute must at your wedding! Whether your celebration lasts a few hours or an entire week, you’ll need to feed yourself, your guests, and your vendors. Catering is one of the vendors your guests will remember most, and let’s face it, good food is the way to almost everyone’s heart! Be sure to pick something you truly love and don’t skip the tasting! It’s the best way to ensure you’re selecting the most delicious options for your big day.

11. Baker

While we’re still on the topic of food, don’t forget to hire a baker! Even if you’re not going for a traditional wedding cake, you’ll likely want something sweet to cap off the night. Be sure to schedule a tasting so you can choose the perfect treats to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth and your own!

Photo by Love and Light Wedding Planning

12. Bar Services

Even if you’re having a dry wedding, there’s still a lot to consider when it comes to drinks! First, if you’re serving alcohol, what kind of bar will you have? Will it be a cash bar or an open bar? Are you offering top-shelf options, or sticking to your favorite brands? One of my personal favorites is signature drinks (including mocktails)! They offer a fun, personalized touch, allowing guests to taste a little bit of who you and your partner are with every sip.

Picture by Love and Light Wedding Planning

13. Rental Company

While some vendors may provide certain items, many will need to be rented through a separate company. You’ll have to choose things like linens, utensils, chairs, and even the dance floor. With so many options available, it can feel a bit overwhelming! To keep it manageable, try to stick to items that complement your theme or wedding colors. Be sure to ask the rental company about set-up and clean-up, as additional fees may apply for those services.

14. Wait Staff

Your wait staff will play a key role in clearing away plates, utensils, and glasses during the event. Sometimes, your catering team will offer this service, but if not, you’ll need to hire a separate company to handle the cleanup. The more guests you have, the more cleanup will be required, so it’s important to ensure it’s covered. You don’t want to burden your family with staying behind to clean up. Let the professionals take care of it, so everyone can enjoy the celebration!

15. Transportation

You’ll definitely need transportation for yourself, whether it’s a limo, party bus, or even an Uber! If your venue is far from the hotel block, consider arranging transportation for them as well. Many venues offer shuttle services, which can be a great way to ensure everyone gets to and from the celebration safely and comfortably.

Choosing the right vendors is essential to making your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of. Take the time to meet with each one, communicate your needs, and find professionals who align with your style and budget. With the right team in place, you can relax and focus on enjoying your big day, knowing that every detail is in capable hands. Happy planning!