Here is a checklist and everything you need to know to find wedding vendors confidently.
Planning a wedding is exciting, but it comes with the daunting task of sifting through vendors and venues to create the perfect team for your big day. Knowing where to start can feel overwhelming since this is uncharted territory for many couples.
The process can be more detailed than expected, from scheduling interviews to reviewing contracts. We’ll provide a checklist and everything you need to know to find wedding vendors confidently.
How to Find the Best Wedding Vendors
Everything about your wedding should reflect your style, dress, decor, and menu. Finding the right team of wedding professionals can make a significant difference when bringing your vision to life.
At Historic Oakland Manor, we provide a list of preferred wedding vendors in all categories, from photographers to caterers. It’s a great place to start your search as you hire the vendors for your wedding. We don’t require you to work with the wedding vendors on our list, so feel free to choose other vendors that fit your vision.
Creating a Wedding Vendor Checklist
Many couples look through hundreds of wedding vendors to find the best team for their big day. There’s a lot to finding the right wedding vendor team, and you want to be confident in your choices.
If you’re considering a wedding vendor not on our Preferred Vendors list, research and interview them thoroughly. Make appointments with your favorite vendors as early as possible to give you the best chance of securing your wedding date on their calendars.
Starting a wedding vendor checklist using a tool like Google Sheets or Google Docs and sharing it with your fiancé will help keep things organized.
Clear communication is essential, no matter the vendor’s role in your wedding. During your inquiry and interview process, you can tell whether someone is a clear communicator. As you talk to vendors, ask yourselves:
- Did we feel heard?
- Did the vendor reply within a reasonable time?
- Are their emails straightforward to understand?
- Does the vendor understand our needs and vision?
- How did we feel while talking to them?
- Will they work with our budget?
In addition, ask to see their portfolio. Looking at their previous work samples will help you decide if the vendor’s style aligns with your wedding style. Researching the social media profiles of your prospective vendors will help you find ones that represent your values. You can get a lot of information based on the type of content they create.
Questions to Ask Your Wedding Vendors
When you’re talking with a potential vendor, trust your gut! If you must be convinced to hire them, they’re probably not the right fit for you. As part of your wedding vendor checklist, ask these questions:
- How many people will be part of your team at our wedding?
- What is your backup plan for emergencies on the day of?
- What is your payment schedule?
- How many weddings do you usually take on per weekend?
- Do you charge additional fees in addition to the information you provide? Please provide a detailed list of what you include in your services.
- Are you licensed and insured?
When talking to potential photographers and videographers, ask them about their typical turnaround time. How soon will you be able to see and use your wedding photos?
Editing requires time, and it varies from vendor to vendor. Knowing when to expect your final deliverables and in what format they’ll arrive is essential to ensuring a smooth experience.
HISTORIC OAKLAND MANOR: THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE
Nestled in a peaceful wooded area in the heart of downtown Columbia, Historic Oakland Manor stands proudly in natural splendor. Elegant Oakland is the perfect setting for ceremonies, wedding receptions, bridal showers, holiday parties, family celebrations, business meetings, or retreats. Schedule a tour today with our expert venue coordinators! Please call (410-730-4801), email ([email protected]), or visit our chat on our homepage to book a tour appointment.
