Planning your wedding on your own, especially a destination wedding abroad, can feel exciting, emotional and sometimes a little overwhelming. With so many amazing vendors out there, it can be difficult to know who truly meets your style, your vision and your expectations.
As a wedding planner, I work behind the scenes with wedding professionals every single day and know exactly what makes the difference between a good vendor and the perfect one for your wedding day.
This little guide is meant to give you some insider knowledge and help you to avoid common mistakes when searching for your wedding team. Wether you are looking for a wedding photographer, florist, DJ, bridal stylist or any other wedding vendor – these tips will help you make confident decisions and create a wedding experience you will truly enjoy.
1. Ask for trusted recommendations
Reach out to your venue or already booked vendors. Great professionals usually know other great professionals – and recommendations are priceless.
2. Review their online presence
Take a close look at their website, Instagram, and overall style. Does their work match your vision? Do you like what you see?
3. Read reviews
Check Google and other platforms. What do other couples say about reliability, communication, and quality?
4. Request multiple offers
Contact your preferred vendor, but always ask for at least one alternative. Compare services, not just prices.
5. Make sure there is a contract
A professional vendor will always provide a contract and business terms. In the end, only what’s written down truly counts.
6. Clarify travel costs
How far is the vendor from your venue? Travel and accommodation costs can add up if not discussed early.
7. Check the personal connection
Especially for photographers, stylists, planners or celebrants – chemistry matters. These people will be very close to you on your wedding day.
8. Ask for references or real-life examples
If you’re unsure, ask for past client contacts or see their work live (e.g. DJ performance, floral setup, test shoot).
9. Pay attention to communication & responsiveness
Fast, clear, and professional communication is a strong indicator of how things will run leading up to your wedding!
10. Experience!
Experience is incredibly valueable on a wedding day. Experienced vendors know how to handle unexpected situations and keep everything running smoothly. Of course, supporting new talents is wonderful – but for such an important once-in-a-lifetime event, experience can make all the difference.
✨ And here’s the good news:
As a wedding planner, I take care of all of this for you. More then 20 years experience built a strong network of even very experienced vendors – so you can truly relax and enjoy the process.
