Vendors...

So, you’ve picked a venue. They next big step is finding all your vendors. Again this can be very overwhelming but once you have secured them, I promise things really do start to fall in place. You need to consider: Photography, videographer, DJ/Band, Flowers, Limos, Caterers (If you’re venue does not have on-site catering), and these are just the basics. Now you can go theknot.com and weddingwire.com, trust me I did but it can be EXTREMELY OVERWHELMING! Here is my recommendation #4, ask your friends. One of my best friends flat out told me NOT to use her photographer. Using other people’s suggestions really helps and gives you a place to start that won’t bring back 3,292 results. Also, use what you have personally seen. I went to a wedding were the DJ was terrible so I knew not to contact them. You have to actually go and MEET the vendors. Do not do it all online. Anyone can look good on paper. But actually going and meeting with them gives you more of a personal (or maybe not so personal) feeling. You will know really fast if you like someone or not. I ended up getting a female DJ. I never would have picked a female DJ but since I went and sat down and actually met her, I really liked what she portrayed and her personality. Also, these people are in the wedding business, once you have picked a vendor or 2, feel free to ask them for suggestions. Vendors have been around long enough to know who is worth calling and who isn’t. Most venues will even give you a list of their recommended vendors who have worked at the location before. I only found one vendor absolutely on my own. Everyone was suggestions from either friends or other vendors.
You also can’t be afraid to shop around for a price that works in your budget. I found a DJ for 4 hours at only $750. I have a friend you paid almost $2,000 for hers. Be honest about your budget and see if they will work with you. You don’t need to be paying absurd prices when there are so many people to choose from. Feel free to look at my recommended vendor list, there are some great suggestions there. 