We’re playing the hardest game of “Would You Rather…” ever. Would you rather spend your wedding budget on a wedding cake or a photo booth? Good food or gorgeous decor? And the hardest questions of all… would you rather indulge in a wedding planner (Team Tessa) or a photographer (Team Joe)! Why do you even have to make these tough decisions? Honestly, it all depends on your budget. This is why creating a list of priorities is crucial before you start booking your wedding vendors.
In this episode, we’ll share our professional opinions on which vendors you should immediately book, and which ones are less important at the start of your wedding planning process. If your goal is to keep your wedding planning as stress-free and fun as possible, this episode is a must listen.
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The Perfect Order to Book Your Wedding Vendors
- Is there a right or wrong order to book vendors? Sort of. Depending on your wedding, there’s a better order to book them.
- Before managing the vendor order, we need to talk about budget and vision
- Your budget may dictate what you are able to book - can you afford both cake and a photo booth, or will you need to prioritize one over the other? How do you manage your budget and try to get everything you want?
- Top priority: venue or wedding planner. The venue will determine your date which is important when booking other vendors. Wedding planners would be equally as important if you need guidance when choosing your venue.
- It’s ok to book your wedding planner without having a date.
- Depending on the venue, rentals, food and beverage might be next. Hotels are more inclusive so a lot of rentals and F+B needs are included. Other venues don’t include anything other than the space. These are foundational pieces for your wedding. (Must haves)
- The “fun” vendors come next, like decor, florals, photography, etc. This is the part of the wedding planning that people enjoy - cake tasting, food tasting, floral design, checking out live bands. Whatever your priority is, book those vendors first to make sure you have the budget for them.
- Joe’s note: Within the category of “fun” vendors, some of them are one-of-a-kind, so book those first. For example, a bakery might be able to make multiple cakes, but a photographer might be able to only take one wedding a day. If you really want that specific person (photographer, musician, florist, etc), book that vendor first.
- OUR TIP: Find the vendors you connect with, and curate the talent and team for your wedding day.
- Tessa’s recommended order: Wedding planner, venue, rentals, catering, bar, photo/video, DJ/band, flowers, cake, hair and makeup, officiant, transportation, stationary, photo booth.
- Joe’s recommended order: Venue/wedding planner (TIE), photographer, bar, caterer, rentals, officiant, hair and makeup, florist, transportation, stationary, photo booth, specialty rentals, cake.
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Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email
Support the show
Find Us on Instagram:
Unveiling Paradise @unveilingparadise
Joe @josephesser
Tessa @fredandkateevents
Email us unveilingparadisepodcast@gmail.com
Web unveilingparadise.com
