Hiring wedding vendors can be super intimidating. Even if you're just beginning planning your wedding, by now you know how much pressure goes into choosing the perfect vendors. With so many options at our fingertips, it's easy get overwhelmed quickly thinking about who might work best. Let us break down the basics. We put together this guide to help couples focus on finding the perfect vendors to bring their wedding day vision to life.

Know what you’re looking for

You wouldn’t reach out to a BBQ caterer to provide a plated salmon meal. So, don’t ask a vendor to do something that isn’t in their wheelhouse. There are multiple specialties within each vendor category, (i.e. industrial venues, outdoor venues, intimate venues, etc.). Knowing what kind of photography or food or entertainment you want is the first step in identifying prospective vendors.

Have a clear budget in place

Before you start running around town asking for quotes, get your budget together and figure out about how much each vendor will cost. Budgeting is definitely one of the not-so-fun aspects of wedding planning, but it’s essential to avoid overspending. Research the average cost of each vendor or service in your area and get an idea of what you need to spend on each one. This is also a good way to determine what vendors are most important to you and what items you may be able to do on your own or with the help of friends or family members.

Personality

Meet vendors in person and get a feel for their personalities. You should feel comfortable with them and trust their abilities. That feeling of connection can go a long way toward making your day exactly what you want it to be. If you get a slimy vibe or find yourself questioning a vendor’s knowledge or ability, that’s your gut instinct. Listen to it.

Professionalism

A lot goes into this category. This is all about whether the vendor has an established and successful business and reputation.

• Do they have printed promotional materials, a live website (not just social media), and a current portfolio?

• Do they have references or testimonials to provide?

• Are they priced appropriately for their industry? Be wary of a bargain.

• Do they have a legal contract to review? If not, run! If so, compare that to the points made in this recent QC Wed Me blog post on vendor contracts.

Do your own research

It’s a good idea to talk with people you know for their vendor recommendations, but it's important not to just take the recommendation without doing any research. It is always best when getting advice from friends about vendors on weddings (or anything really) to do some research before settling down and deciding which ones are the best fit. Search online for reviews and testimonials — including sites like The Knot®, Wedding Wire®, Google®, and Yelp!®.

Talk to other wedding vendors

Trying to decide which dj to hire? Ask your photographer or venue coordinator which one he/ she prefers. Vendors in the industry have seen or worked with most other area vendors. They know who can keep the party going till midnight, who makes the best wedding cake, and who makes the most luscious floral arrangements.

Don’t delay on your absolute favs

If there’s a photographer or caterer you absolutely love, talk to them as soon as possible and book them for your wedding day. Even if you have months or even over a year before your wedding, the sooner you can book, the better. You don’t want to regret not booking that vendor you’ve been dreaming of since you said yes.

Remember, a wedding is an event that will last for years to come and will forever be one of the most memorable days in your life. Choose vendors who you feel comfortable with so they can make your day what YOU want it to be!

 We’re excited to be the Quad Cities region’s FIRST all-inclusive wedding blog and vendor directory! We are celebrating all things love in the QCA and helping couples plan their happily ever after!

Dream it. Plan it. Love it.