Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. It’s a day that you will want to remember forever. However, planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to finding the right wedding suppliers. Your wedding suppliers are the people who will make your day run smoothly, look sensational and ensure you’re getting the day you’ve always dreamt of, so it’s important to find the right ones. In this blog, the experts from Guides for Brides will discuss every step to finding the perfect wedding suppliers for your big day.
1. Start by setting a budget
Before you start looking for wedding suppliers, you need to set a budget. Your budget will determine what you can afford, and it will help you narrow down your options. You don’t want to fall in love with a supplier that is totally over your budget, so it’s important to have a clear idea of what you can afford. If you are unsure of where to start with organising your budget, Guides for Brides have put together a Wedding Budget Breakdown to help you through the process.
2. Do your research
Once you have set a budget, you can start researching wedding suppliers. Look online, ask friends and family for recommendations, attend wedding fairs and The National Wedding Show to get an idea of what’s available. You may even find suppliers that you didn’t know you wanted or needed during this process which will make your day even more memorable. Make a list of potential suppliers and check out their websites, social media pages, view previous work, explore their listings on wedding directories and read reviews.
3. Read reviews
One of the best ways to determine the quality of a wedding supplier is by reading reviews from previous clients. This can provide you with valuable insights into the supplier’s work. By hearing what past clients have to say, you can get a better idea of what it’s like to work with the supplier and what you can expect from their services.
Reading reviews from previous clients is an important step in narrowing down your options. Look for reviews on the supplier’s website, social media pages, and wedding directories, like Guides for Brides. Pay attention to as many reviews as you can to try to get a sense of the overall experience that previous clients have had with the supplier.
4. Contact your potential suppliers
Once you have a list of suppliers you like, it’s time to start sending enquiries. Ask them about their availability, pricing, and any other questions you may have. This is also a good time to get a feel for their personality and communication style to ensure that you will work well with them for this memorable journey. You want to work with suppliers who are easy to communicate with and who understand your vision.
5. Meet your potential suppliers
Just as you would have a wedding venue viewing, it’s important to meet your suppliers before you book them. Meeting with potential wedding suppliers in person or over Zoom is an opportunity to see their work up close and to get a better sense of their expertise. For example, if you’re considering a wedding photographer, meeting with them allows you to review their portfolio and see examples of their work. You can also discuss your vision for your wedding photos and get a sense of the photographer’s style and approach to their work.
Beyond assessing their work, meetings like this also allow you to get a sense of the personality and professionalism of the supplier. You want to work with suppliers who you feel comfortable with and who understand your vision for your wedding day. Meeting with them in person allows you to gauge their communication skills, responsiveness, and overall demeanor. This can help you determine whether they’re the right fit for you.
Top tip: You can always find a wedding fair or show that your supplier is exhibiting at and meet them there!
6. Sign a contract
The final step! Once you have found the right wedding suppliers, it’s time to sign on the dotted line. Make sure you read the contract carefully and that it outlines all the details, including pricing, what’s included, and any deadlines. This will protect both you and the supplier and will ensure that there are no surprises on your big day.
Bonus tip: Once you start booking your venue and suppliers, you should consider protecting your investment with wedding insurance.
To sum up, although it requires time and dedication to choose the perfect wedding suppliers for your special day, it is worth the effort as they can make your celebration even more enchanting.