Now this is a question that I get asked all the time, my first response, albeit a joking one, is to hire a planner and then they will do that for you, however, I know that with budgets this isn’t always possible. But, choosing the right wedding suppliers for your big day can be.
Firstly, does your chosen venue insist on using any specific suppliers? Usually this will be caterers or bar facilities but more recently I am seeing florists and entertainment being chosen suppliers at venues. Having a wedding supplier chosen for you can feel quite restrictive, but I suggest you look at it from another perspective, the venue, think highly enough of a supplier to make them the only one that is allowed to work on site. Use this to your advantage.
What works really well at your venue when it come to food service or a drinks reception? Ask the chosen suppliers what they think, then ask them what could be done better. Maybe they feel that a 2hour drinks service is too long, but if you combined it with an earlier speech then that works nicely.
If the team are the only ones allowed on site, their overheads should be marginally lower and therefore better value for money. Also, they are usually more well equipped, always ask them what they can do that might not be on a package you have seen. Most wedding suppliers are incredibly creative and would relish the opportunity to do something different for you on a site they work closely with.
Top Tips When Choosing Your Wedding Suppliers
If you have free reign in choosing your suppliers, then I suggest you decide on the big three first:
- Venue
- Catering
- Beverages
In choosing these three, there are a few things that I suggest you look for:
- Flexibility
- Knowledge
- Enthusiasm
- Organisation
They might sound a bit ‘out there’ but these three things will set you up for a great big day. You don’t want to work with a team that are churning out weddings like Cadburys turns out buttons or one that doesn’t know about how to run a wedding. Any supplier with these three traits will stand you well.
Wedding Photography
I personally think that choosing your wedding photographer or videographer can be one of the most daunting suppliers to pick. Not only do you have to absolutely love their work, but you actually have to like them. And I don’t just mean you could tolerate them like you might do an opinionated Uncle at Christmas, you have to be able to go to the pub with them and have things to talk about for hours on end.
This person will be in your personal space on one of the most emotional and important days of your life. They will need to catch every moment and do it well. I cannot stress enough that if they do not make you feel 100% comfortable in their presence, it doesn’t matter how good their photos are, you won’t love them as they won’t portray you in your best state.
Other Wedding Suppliers
With your other suppliers, like your photographer, anyone you will be spending time with on the big day you need to like and feel relaxed with, this also goes for hair and makeup. Take the time to look at their work, and make sure that they are styles that you like, don’t pick a bohemian hair style when usually you would wear a tight up-do.
Suppliers have strengths and you should play to them, don’t choose a make-up artist that works a lot with dramatic colours if you want a natural look.
For most of your additional suppliers just making sure that they come with good recommendations, are professional and enthusiastic when you speak to them will be enough, you don’t need to spend the day with your calligrapher, but you should love their work.
Also, use other people’s knowledge as well, ask your venue for their recommended suppliers list, and why they recommend them. Much like my work as a wedding planner, Every person on my list has got there because they are passionate about weddings, deliver outstanding work and continually go above and beyond for their couples and that makes one of the biggest days in your life even better.
Get in touch with Bayley to discuss your wedding plans, our suppliers and our exclusive wedding venue in Oxfordshire for an enchanting venue full of charm and style. Bayley also offer two places per year to plan and manage destination weddings abroad. 01865 818166 or email hello@beeventful.uk.
They say it takes a village to raise children, the same can be said for the suppliers on your wedding day.