How to Choose Your Wedding Vendors (& actually enjoy the process)
You just got engaged! How exciting - a moment you have been waiting for!! But - now what?
Engagement season is here, which means tons of newly engaged couples like you are jumping into wedding planning and asking themselves a ton of questions. One of them being - “Where do we even start with choosing wedding vendors?”
It can feel overwhelming, but the process doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach (and the right vendor team), planning your wedding can actually feel fun, intentional, and surprisingly enjoyable. Here’s your simple guide to choosing the best wedding vendors — without the chaos.
Start with Your Vision (Before You Search “Wedding Vendors Near Me”)
Before you dive into vendor directories or Google searches, get clear on the overall vibe of your wedding.
Ask yourselves:
What aesthetic are we drawn to?
What do we want guests to feel?
Do we want a timeless, coastal, modern, or bold look?
Having a vision helps you attract wedding vendors who specialize in your style, making the entire decision-making process easier.
Prioritize Vendors Who Make the Process Stress-Free
The right vendors don’t just show up on the wedding day — they guide you through the planning.
During your consultations, pay attention to how vendors communicate. Newly engaged couples often search for “stress-free wedding planning” for a reason — the easiest weddings have vendor teams who:
listen carefully
communicate clearly
offer direction when needed
take tasks off your plate
If you feel at ease, that’s a good sign you’ve found the right fit.
Look for Consistency in Their Portfolio
Whether you’re booking a photographer, florist, calligrapher, planner, or HMUA, consistency matters.
Couples often search phrases like “best wedding vendors,” “top wedding calligrapher,” or “wedding vendor reviews” because they want proof of experience. When reviewing a vendor’s work, look for:
a recognizable style
clean execution
a track record of real weddings
positive, recent testimonials
A consistent portfolio equals confidence that they can bring your vision to life.
Choose Vendors Who Understand Your “Why”
Every strong vendor has a reason behind their craft — storytelling, creating seamless experiences, designing meaningful details, etc.
When you connect with their purpose, you’re not just hiring a service… you’re choosing someone who’s genuinely invested in your day.
This makes the planning process feel more collaborative and joyful.
Ask About Their Wedding Planning Process
A clear workflow is everything. One of the top engagement-season searches is “What to expect when booking wedding vendors,” and it’s an important question.
Great vendors have an organized system that lays out:
timeline expectations
how communication works
what’s required from you
how they keep things running smoothly
