How To Find The Best Wedding Vendors (For Your Wedding)

How do you find the best wedding vendors?

Honestly, there’s no one right way to find the best wedding vendors. There are lots of ways, and lots of techniques, to find the best wedding vendors for your wedding, though. This is because every vendor is right for every wedding. Some are perfect for you, but would be terrible for someone else. It’s all about knowing what you’re looking for and then finding the right vendors to fit in with what you want to find.

Before you start looking for wedding vendors, make sure you have a vision for your wedding. Need help? This post can help you with that. Knowing the types of vendors you want to hire, your budget, and the kind of wedding you want to have is crucial. Once you know those pieces, you’ll have the foundation to find the best wedding vendors for your wedding.

How To Find The Best Wedding Vendors (For Your Wedding)

This post is going to share with you how to find the best wedding vendors for your wedding. This means that you know what you want, and what you don’t want. Now, keep in mind that there is no one right way to find all your wedding vendors. You’ll find some of your vendors one way, and others in another. So, explore the techniques in this post and pick the ones that work best for you.

Let’s get into it!

START YOUR RESEARCH FOR THE BEST WEDDING VENDORS EARLY

One thing about good wedding vendors is they book up early.

These are the talented vendors. The one that are easy to work with. Responsive. Plus, they are the ones with the best prices for their field. The main way to get the best, with the least amount of risk, is to look early. Start your research. Narrow your lists. And then reach out. The good ones almost always book up right away.

ASK YOUR FRIENDS FOR REFERRALS

If your friends liked a particular vendor, chances are you will, too.

Let’s say some of your friends recently got married. Maybe you really liked a certain aspect of their wedding. The food, perhaps? Or the photobooth? Ask those friends who they hired. It’s okay if you slightly “copy” their style. You’ve seen a service provided and were impressed. Go with that.

CHECK OUT ONLINE REVIEWS TO FIND THE BEST WEDDING VENDORS

Are you the kind of person who delves deep into reviews? I totally am.

Reviews can tell us a lot. What to expect. What is typical. They can share with us things that we are okay with, as long as we know what we are getting into. So, read them. Look at reviews from multiple sources. This will help you decide if a certain vendor is right for you, or not.

GO DEEP INTO SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AND WEBSITES

Social media and websites can tell you a lot. And they are right out there, free on the internet. So go ahead and look.

A photographer’s website can tell you what their photos look like. It can also tell you pricing, non-negotiable details, and even how good the photographer is at grammar. Caterer’s social media accounts can share with you the types of food they can create, both on and off their regular menu.

So, go deep. Look into things. See what you find. And then book accordingly.

DON’T SKIP THE PRE-MEETS

Even if someone seems great online, and via emails, there’s nothing like meeting in person. This is where pre-meets come in.

If you are looking into a vendor who offers pre-meets, as is often the case with photographers, videographers, and wedding planners, go ahead and meet them before booking. Make the time, even if you’re busy. Knowing what someone is like in person is crucial, because they will be with you on your wedding day. You’ll want to have a good vibe with them, you know?

HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS READY FOR POTENTIAL VENDORS

You know what can really weed out the best wedding vendors? Their answers to questions. So, ask them.

Not sure what questions to ask your wedding vendors? I have lots of posts to give you pointers. This includes questions to ask your photographer, questions to ask your caterer, and questions for your venue. By asking questions, you can learn so much about how someone operates, what they are willing to do for your wedding, and if they can work with your vision. You may learn that they are perfect for your wedding, or that they just won’t work out.

LOOK AT SOCIAL MEDIA TAGS AND REACH OUT

Have you ever seen a photo on social media and just loved what you saw? If so, chances are the people who contributed to the photo are tagged in it.

For example, you may be scrolling and researching for your wedding and come across some delicious looking food. Or an amazing floral arrangement. Perhaps it’s a gorgeous gown, or the most ideal bridesmaids dresses. For whatever reason, you’re drawn to what you see. Check the caption. You’re likely to find the vendors who will be perfect for your wedding tagged right there, ready for you to reach out to.

HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

You know who can help you find the best wedding vendors for your wedding? A wedding planner.

A wedding planner will take the time to learn about your vision. What is important to you and your partner. Your style. The dream wedding, so to speak. A wedding planner should be able to direct you to the appropriate vendors who can help you make that vision come to life.

ASK YOUR BOOKED VENDORS FOR REFERRALS

Birds of a feather flock together. Even when it comes to wedding vendors.

Did you find the perfect caterer? See if they can refer you to an amazing baker. How about the dream photographer? Maybe they know the best videographer. If you want to find the best wedding vendors, see about referrals from the vendors you’ve already booked. Not only will the vendors you’ve hired know a bit about your wedding, but sometimes you get a referral discount, which is always appreciated.

VISIT A WEDDING FAIR OR EXPO TO MEET THE BEST WEDDING VENDORS

Have you heard of wedding fairs? Attendance isn’t that common for most people who are planning a wedding, but they can be a great way to meet potential wedding vendors.

Here’s the thing about wedding fairs and expo’s. If you learn of one that is convenient for you to go to, you should check it out. Essentially, they are a gathering of many wedding vendors all in one spot. Many of those vendors will have samples of their work ready to show you. They may even have specials or coupons for those who book in a certain amount of time. Plus, you get to meet vendors face to face, all in one swoop. If you jive with someone, they may be perfect for your wedding.

GO WITH YOUR GUT IF YOU’RE INDECISIVE

Caught between decisions? Not sure if a certain vendor will be one of the best wedding vendors for your wedding?

Go with your gut.

Imagine that you’re deciding between two photographers. You could make a pros and cons list. You can even sit and meditate on it. Perhaps you imagine that one tells you they are now booked on your wedding date, and then you sit with the emotions for a moment, wondering if you should have booked them. Look, there’s tons of ways to make decisions out there. But the key is to go with your gut. If you can see someone at your wedding, and believe you’ll be disappointed if they can’t be your vendor, that’s a sign to hire them. Especially if your partner agrees and they are within your budget.

THOUGHTS ON HOW TO FIND THE BEST WEDDING VENDORS

Friends, there are many ways to find the best wedding vendors for your wedding. The key here is to start early, take your time, and talk to other people. Be sure to research and look at social media pages and websites. When you’re unsure, talk to the vendors you’ve already hired. When in doubt, go with your gut. You’ve got this. Happy wedding planning!

More On Wedding Vendors From Hummingbird Wedding Advice

The Right Order In Which To Book Your Wedding Vendors

Four Myths About Tipping Wedding Vendors

13 Tips For Hiring An Awesome Wedding Photographer

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