OK, the question was popped, the date selected and your reception venue booked, now you need the dress, caterer, wedding cake, photographer, videographer, entertainment (DJ or band), hair & makeup, flowers, transportation, lodging, tux, invitations, wedding party gifts, wedding favors, rehearsal dinner and possibly a few "extras" for your reception such as photobooth, uplighting, candy bar, etc.
After recently filming our 100'th wedding, I can safely say I have seen a lot at weddings and would like to share a few words of advice and encouragement. Trendy weddings are nice, but this is YOUR big day and should be planned accordingly. It's not a competition, it's about the memories. One of my favorite receptions was an outdoor wedding (under a large tent) with near-record rain fall. Sound like a disaster? Not at all, everyone stayed, rolled up their pant legs and danced till the very end. Was the weather ideal? Of course not, but when I spoke with the bride weeks later, she did not regret a thing!
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After working with many brides and experiencing their resulting weddings and stories, I always suggest researching and of course meeting with, local vendors. We were recently contacted by a large "bridal company" to shoot wedding video for them.
After an hour on the phone I was amazed at how disappointing this could be for a bride & groom and politely declined. There was no way for the bride/groom to meet with, speak to, or conveniently see the videographers portfolio!
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I highly recommend you meet each and every one of your vendors personally as chemistry has a lot to do with your vendor relationships and to be sure that the person you are meeting is not only a good "match", but will also be the person who will be at your wedding and not sending someone else.
Finding your vendors should not be a painful task, but a fun one. Ask your friends who they had and if they would recommend them. Websites like weddingwire.com are a great resource as they offer local vendor listings and real reviews from previous brides. Even Craigslist can be a great resource for finding vendors.
Many vendor meetings will take place at a vendors retail location or a mutually located coffee shop, I like to host our meetings at my home. A good vendor will also have a resourceful website with samples, pricing information and contact information.
Be wary of a vendor who will not share too much information, such as no website, contact information and pricing. Another great resource for new vendors is current vendors. For example; If you already have a photographer, ask him/her if he/she recommends a videographer as often times they have great working relationships. Remember to check any potential vendor on weddingwire.com to check for reviews as most quality vendors are listed.
Brides: Relax, do your homework, meet your vendors and ask your questions.
Grooms: If you need to miss the big game for a vendor meeting, do it with a smile :)
Darryn Carroll