There are so many vendors to book for your big day! But which are the ones to book first and which are the ones you should invest in? What investment will last? Let’s dive in!
The Dress
This may seem like a given, but it’s first on the list for a reason! A gorgeous gown is the first step, and next is quality and timely alterations to make sure it fits you like a glove. If anything moves, shifts, or feels weird, that is your chance! You don’t like how things wriggle up? You don’t like a gape? Let them know! That’s their pride and joy, and they WANT you to rock that gown in the best way possible! And if you notice it in the fitting, you will DEFINITELY notice it day of!
Things to look for: a quality fit that hugs your curves NOW (weight changes can be adjusted for later!), a shop and team that commits to alterations, a shop that wants to complete the look with headpieces, veils, and accessories (you don’t have to buy them all, but they’re the pros at knowing what pairs well). To see more of the Pronovias gown pictured above in action, click here.
A Planner
This is NOT A JOB FOR A FRIEND. I mean it! No matter how well they know your plans, no friend can run your wedding day like a true event planner, and if you want your stress level at the lowest level possible, this is one job you NEED to allocate funds for! Not only does having a planner or day of coordinator help your loved ones enjoy the celebration, it also lets your vendors do their best work and create the best day for you!
Things to look for: ask for rates for day of coordination as well as help planning, ask what each of those entails, ask for a sample wedding plan and timeline, if wanting help with planning ask for a sample mock up based on an idea or theme
The venue
There are so many things to consider here, and many are likely on your list already. For the moment, the one I want to shine light on above all others is the esthetic. Whether you want a darker and moody look or a lighter and brighter look, the venue plays a huge role in that! Even the best light and airy photographer can’t make light and airy images with dark walls and busy streets.
Things to look for: light colored walls, neutral color themes, lots of shade outdoors, neutral exteriors, lots of vegetation amid open space available for backdrops. To see more from this wedding at The Maples Wedding Venue in Woodland, CA, click here.
Floral
If there is one other vendor who can single handedly (besides photo, ahem) make or break your wedding look, it’s floral. Floral is one of the main elements of your day that you can invent without worrying about venue or surroundings. It has a HUGE impact on not only your bridal look, but also your ceremony and reception vibes as well. I know this price tag can seem high, but don’t write off those quotes too quickly. And a good florist can help you meet your goals by helping you repurpose those gorgeous blooms from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception, make your whole day look lush and beautiful.
Things to look for: portfolio work within your wedding theme, ask about multi purposing blooms throughout the day. For more peeks at the floral inspo above, click here.
Hey Mr DJ!
Do you want your guests to hang out all night and dance their hearts out? Do you want them on the floor for the tosses? Do you want your grandparents and parents having an adorable romantic moment after your first dance? NONE of that will happen without a quality DJ.
Things to look for: do you play couples songs first, how do you read the crowd, what’s your favorite way to get the guests on the dance floor?
PHOTOGRAPHY
Obviously I am a bit biased, but hear me out! When all is said and done, photos are what you have to remember your big day that goes by in the fastest of blurs! A solid photographer should be, hands down, one of the biggest investments of your wedding day. All those details you spend hours organizing, the drape of your gown, the shine of your reception candles, the view of your ceremony from your family’s seats, none of it will be remembered vividly without a great photographer!
Things to look for: Is a second photographer included in my package, what is your style, are detail photos included in my package, can I see some non-golden hour images, how do you handle difficult lighting scenarios, how many images can I expect?
Already planning your engagement session? Take a peek at some of our favorite locations for engaged couples to celebrate their upcoming wedding here.
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