Wedding Vendor Checklist – The Complete List

Band / DJ

Music brings people together, especially at a wedding. It doesn’t matter if you choose a band or a DJ, the music will set the mood throughout the night from celebration to the first dance as a married couple. A good band or DJ can also Emcee as necessary to guide wedding guests from one moment to another.

• Band – Bands provide a unique experience to all weddings and can customize their music based on the moment and the individuals in the wedding.
• DJ – DJs provide high energy to keep your guests moving.You can provide them with a playlist and a wide variety of music.

Bar Service

You will need a vendor to handle the bartending needs of your wedding whether you decide to have an open bar or a cash bar. Some catering companies or venues offer bartending services, otherwise; you can hire a bartender to manage the drinks for your wedding day.

Cake & Dessert Designer

Everyone who attends your wedding will remember the picture perfect moment when the bride and groom cut the wedding cake and they fed it to each other. Having a wedding cake that looks perfect and tastes delicious plays an important role in your wedding and that’s why it’s so important to find a professional. Some cake designers also provide a dessert spread for guests interested in other pastries and pies.

Calligrapher

Calligraphers provide hand made custom detailed fonts to reflect your personal style on your stationary. You may bring on a calligrapher to address your wedding envelopes for a personal touch.

Caterer

The food you serve is another opportunity to personalize your wedding. You can choose a menu that furthers the theme of your wedding, your religion, and/or culture. Many venues provide onsite catering. You will need to hire a separate catering service if the venue does not provide these services. Ensure the caterer can provide adequate servers and staff for the event. Understand the menu and the services the caterer will provide before signing a contract.

Emcee

How will guests at your wedding move from one moment to another? This flow will not occur naturally and an emcee is needed to keep the wedding moving along. Some bands or DJs can provide this service, however; you may want to consider booking a professional to be the master of ceremonies for the night.

Entertainment

Consider hiring specialty entertainment beyond a band or DJ. Specialty entertainment includes magicians, face painters, and all other types of performers. This may provide your wedding with a playful and charming atmosphere.

Equipment Rental Company

Rental companies can provide you with all of your wedding needs including drapes, furniture, tents, linens, decorations, light fixtures, wedding arches, dance floors, silverware, plates, chairs, tables, and everything else you may need for your wedding that your venue cannot provide.

Floral Designer

A floral designer is an artist. They create art with flowers and your wedding is their canvas. These artists will bring your vision to life when you communicate your theme and the flowers you would like to see. Choose a floral designer who has an eye for details and get an understanding of how they blend the colors with your venue.

Hair Stylist

Professional hair stylists can complement your wedding dress and theme and make you shine on your wedding day. Look through their portfolios to choose the perfect style for your wedding day. Schedule trials before you make your final choice.

Hotel / Accommodations

Do you have guests coming in from out of town? Are you throwing a destination wedding? You can secure a block of rooms at a hotel nearby for the days of your wedding. Include the hotel information on your wedding website.

Insurance

Wedding insurance provides peace of mind for all mishaps such as damages or accidents and may be required by some venues especially if alcohol will be served. Your wedding is also a financial investment. You can consider protecting it from unforeseen mishaps such as extreme weather, injury, or sudden cancellations.

Jeweler

Your wedding rings will be a significant purchase because it will be with you forever. It’s important to choose high quality and durable rings such as tungsten wedding bands because they are a symbol of lasting for an eternity like your relationship. Choose from a wide arrangement of styles and be sure you find the perfect rings. Contact us if you are looking for wedding rings and you have any questions.

Lighting Designer

The perfect lighting makes a big difference on how well your wedding pictures come out. A lighting professional can ensure there are no hidden shadows and reveal all of the details in the celebration.

Makeup Artist

Makeup artists bring out your natural beauty so you look and feel your best on your wedding day. These professionals have worked with faces of all different shapes, sizes, and skin tones.

Officiant

The officiant is the most important vendor because you need someone to conduct the ceremony and you can’t get married without them. There are many types of officiants such as civil, religious, professional, or even a close friend or family member can officiate your wedding. Choose an officiant that you are comfortable with because you will be working closely with them to develop your ceremony that’s reflective of your story and values.

Photographer

Your photos will represent how you will remember your wedding so you will want a photographer that is good at their job. Research and find a photographer that impresses you with their portfolio. Meet with potential candidates and make sure you get along with them on a personal level. You will want to be comfortable around them so they can capture you when you are more natural and authentic.

Specialty Vendors

Specialty vendors provide a break from the wedding and entertainment for your guests. These include photo booths, dance choreographers, childcare, and more. Make a list if there are specialty vendors you would like to have at your wedding.

Transportation Provider

Getting your guests to and from your wedding safely should be a priority. This becomes more important if your venue is at a remote location, there is limited parking, and / or you will be serving alcoholic beverages. Check with the hotel if they offer shuttle services to your venue if your guests are staying at one place. Book a transportation vendor for the safety of your wedding guests and include a getaway car for you and your spouse at the end of the night.

Venue

Many popular wedding venues may be booked from 12 – 18 months in advance so be sure to book the venue early. You will want to make sure the venue is available on your preferred wedding date and will want a tour before you can start any planning. You may want to choose a venue that hosts both your ceremony and reception. There is also the option to have two separate areas for the ceremony and reception. Be sure to read our previous How to choose a wedding venue blog to properly find the perfect wedding venue.

Videographer

The video captures your wedding day much differently than photography. It plays the sounds and imagery back to help you relive the entire moment. Obtain an understanding of how your videographer finds their shots and ask them how they will work with the photographer to tell your story during your wedding day.

Wedding Attire

What will you and your entire wedding party be wearing? Make sure you have everything from your wedding dress, tuxedos, and bridesmaids gowns. Purchase the attire through reputable vendors. Here are a few additional vendors to be mindful of when you are searching for your wedding attire:

• Wedding Dress Designer – Choose a designer that matches your style and budget whether you are getting a dress off the rack or custom designed.
• Dress Salon – You will most likely be working with a salon to help you find the wedding dress you need. The vendor is usually not the designer.
• Tailor – Your wedding attire will not fit everyone perfectly. Find a tailor who can hem tuxedo cuffs, alter the bridesmaids gowns, and make the wedding dress fit perfectly.

Wedding Planner

There are a lot of details that need to be taken care of on your wedding day and the wedding planner is there for you. They will be with you from start to finish and ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch. Find a wedding planner that understands your vision and how they will get what you need accomplished.