Having a complete wedding vendors list can be extremely helpful as you plan your big day. Your to-do list is already a mile long, and you don’t want to forget anything! We’ve put together the most important players to help you make your dream wedding come to life.
There’s a lot to juggle between choosing the perfect wedding venue, finding a caterer with options that every guest will love, and booking a photographer who captures all the special moments. Every decision feels monumental because you want your big day to be absolutely perfect, right? It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed, but just remember that you’ve got this. Soon enough, you’ll be surrounded by the best team of vendors who will help bring your vision to reality. Breathe, have fun with the process, and know that every detail will come together beautifully.
Wedding Vendor Checklist: 15 Types Of Wedding Vendors
Planning a wedding involves pulling together a team of vendors who will make your special day memorable and minimize stress. Below is a comprehensive list of wedding vendors to help you understand the options available – but know that these aren’t completely necessary for getting married! (Except for the officiant, of course). This wedding vendor checklist is here for you to start considering what you want your wedding to look and feel like, which things (if any) you’ll DIY, and what you will definitely leave to the professionals.
Wedding Planner
A wedding planner ensures that every detail is meticulously planned and executed. Their experience allows them to handle logistics efficiently and provide valuable insights into the best vendors and practices. A wedding planner significantly alleviates stress by taking care of the complex and time-consuming details so that you can enjoy the lead-up to your big day! When searching for the perfect wedding planner, ask them these 20 questions before booking.
Venue
Your wedding venue is one of the most essential items on the list of wedding vendors – it sets the tone for your entire event! When choosing a venue, consider its location for accessibility, capacity to comfortably accommodate your guest list, and available amenities. The Heritage Center has many wedding locations on the property, so you can choose one that perfectly aligns with your vision. We also have on-site catering, decor options, and coordinators to help execute every detail.
Determine how much space your event needs with our Space Calculator.
Caterer
A great caterer will supply delicious food (and plenty of it), keep the drinks flowing, and provide exceptional service to each guest. When choosing a caterer, consider menu options that reflect your tastes, their ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, and availability for tasting sessions before booking. Some wedding venues, like the Heritage Center, have convenient on-site catering options you can customize.
Use these time-saving tips when choosing a wedding venue.
Photographer
Hiring a skilled photographer to capture the precious moments of your wedding day gives you beautiful, lasting pictures to look back on for a lifetime. When selecting a photographer, review their portfolios to assess their style and quality, check references for reliability and professionalism, and discuss your preferred photography styles to ensure they can execute your vision.
Videographer
A videographer creates a cinematic record of your wedding day. When selecting a videographer, look for specific experience in shooting weddings, a video style that resonates with your vision, and the ability to capture both candid moments and planned activities. Reviewing their past work and discussing your specific preferences can help ensure they document your special day in a way that you’ll love even decades from now.
Florist
Finding a florist with a creative vision that matches your own can make your wedding feel alive, elegant, romantic, and even a touch dramatic. When looking for the perfect florist, review their work for clients and ask about personal projects, too. Some creative professionals may have a unique style that customers don’t typically ask for – this could be a great way to find an interesting wedding bouquet alternative or arrangements unlike anything your guests have seen before at a wedding!
Learn which flowers are most popular during each season.
Wedding Officiant
Next on our list of wedding vendors is the officiant – the one who kicks off your first moments as a married couple! First, decide whether you’d prefer a religious or secular ceremony. Then, meet with a few people who align with your beliefs and choose someone you feel a genuine connection with. You can also ask a dear friend or family member if they would be willing to go through the process of becoming ordained. Whoever you choose, the most important thing is that they can legally perform the ceremony in your location!
DJ/Band
A DJ or live band will set the mood and keep guests entertained throughout the wedding. There are many options to consider here – you can hire a single musician or quartet to play while you walk down the aisle, while a DJ or full band gets the party going at the reception. You can also hire the same DJ to provide ambiance for the cocktail hour, ceremony, and reception. Or a live band for the whole thing! Whatever you choose, consider attending some of their other performances to assess quality and discuss their ability to accommodate specific song and genre requests.
Baker (Wedding Cake Designer)
A talented baker will create a wedding cake that serves as a stunning centerpiece – and delicious conclusion – for your celebration. Schedule tastings to ensure the flavor options meet your expectations, review their past designs to gauge their style and quality, and discuss customization options to tailor the cake to your theme and preferences. It’s also worth noting that some venues, including the Heritage Center, offer dessert options as part of their catering packages, giving you one less thing to worry about!
Learn the difference between a wedding reception and ceremony.
Hair And Makeup Artist
A professional makeup artist will ensure the bride and bridal party look their best on the big day! Plus, it feels completely luxurious to be pampered. Schedule trials with potential artists to test different looks and discuss desired styles. Confirm that they can travel to your location and work within the wedding timeline so everyone is ready when they need to be.
Stationer (Invitations And Save-The-Dates)
Having a stationer on your wedding vendor checklist brings that promise of beautiful invitations, save-the-dates, and other paper goods (like table toppers, event programs, and thank-you cards). When looking around for the right artist, review their samples and previous works, discuss your ideas and preferences, and share the general theme of your wedding – this will help your stationer create designs that are cohesive with the rest of your event aesthetic.
Transportation Service
Reliable transportation services ensure the wedding party arrives on time and in style, adding an element of extravagance to the day. Consider vehicle options that match your theme and accommodate your group size comfortably – do you want one large limousine or several smaller, stylish cars? Schedule transportation with ample buffer time to account for potential delays. You may also consider hiring a day-of wedding coordinator to communicate with the drivers and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Use this wedding timeline guide to plan your day down to the minute.
Rental Company (Tents, Tables, And Chairs)
High-quality tents, tables, chairs, and other necessary equipment for the wedding day will give your guests a comfortable and visually appealing place to relax, eat, and celebrate your love. When browsing for a rental company, inspect their inventory to ensure it meets your standards for quality and style. Discuss setup and breakdown services to alleviate logistical concerns. And thoroughly read rental agreements before signing to avoid any surprises. If you see anything in the contract that doesn’t sit well with you, try to negotiate the terms or move on to the next option on your list of wedding vendors.
Lighting Designer
Lighting can create a romantic atmosphere or make it seem like you and your love are the only two people in the room! When choosing a lighting designer for a memorable wedding, review their portfolio and discuss your vision. Also, coordinate with your venue to ensure they can accommodate the technical aspects of lighting installation. You may want to discuss lighting preferences with your photographer, too, to make sure they can capture moments the way you envision.
Wedding Dress And Suit Attire
You want to look flawless on your wedding day, and your choices for gowns and suits play a major role in that! Brides should gather inspiration and schedule fittings well in advance to allow time for shopping around and getting alterations. Grooms should do the same, focusing on fit, fabric, and accessories. Consider personal style and comfort and how the final looks will coordinate with one another, as well as the groom and bridal parties.
Have Your Minnesota Wedding Ceremony and Reception At The Heritage Center Of Brooklyn Center
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What vendors do you need for a wedding?” it’s time to start planning! Contact the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center for a stress-free experience with our approved list of reliable vendors.