How to choose the perfect wedding suppliers for you

There is a LOT that comes with wedding planning and that often means a never-ending to-do-list. And one of the most important elements to tick off that checklist, is your wedding suppliers. Choosing your wedding suppliers is without a doubt, super exciting, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed and out of your depth. Spoiler alert – you are not alone. The wedding industry is graced with so many incredibly talented and inspiring suppliers but… where to start?! Before you begin, it’s important you take the time to understand your wedding priorities as a couple and define a clear vision to make your planning journey just that little bit easier. To help get you started and to ensure a seamless process picking the perfect wedding suppliers, we’ve whipped up some helpful tips that you can take note of. So, pop on the kettle, grab a cuppa and get scrolling…

Book Early

When everyone says, ‘book your suppliers early’, they really do mean it. Wedding suppliers often get booked up several years in advance (especially post-pandemic) so you don’t want to be left disappointed, especially if you have your heart set on working with a particular business. So, without feeling rushed, we recommend that you start doing your research as soon as you set the date. This way, you’ll have the best chance to secure your favourite suppliers.

‍‍Consider your Wedding Style

Think about how you want your wedding to look and feel. Do you fancy a formal event in a grand country house? Or maybe an intimate outside summer garden wedding hosted in the grounds of your family home? Either way, understanding what your style is will help you to shortlist your suppliers. Side note – one of the great things about hiring a wedding planner is being able to rely on their expertise of local wedding suppliers. Here at Hyland Weddings & Events, we’ve worked with a wonderful selection of suppliers over the years, all with different styles, budgets and services.

Set your Budget

We know it’s not everyone’s favourite topic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Before you start searching for your wedding suppliers, you need to be aware of your budget and how much money you want to allocate to each area of your wedding day. There is no point enquiring with a supplier if you know they’ll be well out of your budget. So, if you haven’t already, it’s time to crack out the spreadsheet and get budgeting. Tip – doing this over a glass of wine will certainly help!

The Perfect Match

Before you book your suppliers, you want to make sure you’re the perfect fit for one another. A consultation is a great way to get to know each other and to see if they can bring your visions to life. You’ll be able to chat about your priorities, find out more about their services and tell them all about your wedding day dreams. This will also allow you to see how well they communicate with you; you want your journey to be enjoyable and having trusted suppliers isa must.

Researching Suppliers

There are so many ways to source your suppliers now – from handy platforms, gorgeousInstagram pages and of course, those all-important recommendations. As a wedding planner, we have an esteemed selection of suppliers that we can recommend to our couples, whom we’ve worked with numerous times before. You can also browse the internet for suppliers, look at blogs and have a nosey at real weddings to gain some inspiration for your own special day. Plus, you’ll find that wedding venues often have a list of recommended suppliers, so it’s always worth checking with them to see if you can bring in external suppliers as well.

Hyland Top tips

• Don’t forget to request availability, prices, T&Cs and the booking process from your shortlisted suppliers.
• Double-check that your suppliers are willing to travel to your chosen venue – some ask for additional fees if they have to travel further than their local area.
• Take the time to fully explore your supplier list – check out their reviews, get to know their socials and ensure you fully trust their expertise before you sign the dotted line.

Whoever you choose to be a part of your celebration, your wedding planning should be one of the most exciting experiences! If you’re looking for a helping hand picking your wedding suppliers, get in touch with Natalie at Hyland Weddings & Events and we can chat more about your special day. In the meantime, follow our gorgeous love stories over on the ‘gram!