When Junebug member and photographer Dan Sauer approached Junebug wanting to collaborate on a styled shoot in the heart of Tuscany, we were over the moon. After putting together mood boards for an engagement session, wedding, elopement, and editorial shoot, we let the wedding vendors take over, and magic was created. This is what Dan had to say about the day:
“When we embarked on this project, our primary objective was to meticulously showcase the craftsmanship of the Italian territory in a vintage and “Dolce Vita” atmosphere through careful planning and attention to detail, aiming to create a genuinely high-value experience for all vendors involved.”
With countless talented vendors coming together, it’s no wonder this Villa Lena wedding inspiration shoot has us craving a trip to Italy. So make yourself an Aperol spritz and get to scrolling because you’re not going to want to miss this styled shoot that proves that Italy really is the Bel Paese
Thank you so much to Junebug member Dan Sauer for organizing and shooting this beautiful Villa Lena wedding shoot! We’re so lucky to have such talented wedding photographers as part of our network of wedding vendors. If you’re looking to make your own Italian wedding dreams come true, check out this guide with everything you need to know about planning an Italian destination wedding–from top cities to legal requirements to incorporating Italian culture into your day.
Opi, a wedding planner, and Joy Zamora, a wedding photographer, have both played key roles in bringing many mind-blowing celebrations to life. When it came to their time to tie the knot, it’s no surprise that the results were nothing short of magical. And to truly plan a celebration authentic to their love, this couple had no choice but to stretch their one-day wedding into a full weekend affair.
To kick off the weekend the right way, this audacious couple was joined by their guests for an outdoor Indian pre-wedding party at Tambor de Llano. The following day, the same space was transformed into a dreamy venue with cascading orange flowers by Andaluflor and distressed area rugs. The couple added personality with the addition of an arch backdrop they designed together and had hand carved in Morocco. Framing the rolling mountains in the distance, the archway resembled a doorway opening into a new shared experience.
After sealing the deal with a shot of mezcal, the real party began. The reception space was complete with one long banquet-style table that became the focal point. With pops-of-blue dinnerware, dainty floral centerpieces, and rattan pendant lights, the decor beautifully complimented the rural Spanish countryside. From the fashion to the reception tablescape, photographer The Kitcheners captured every detail nature-loving couples have been searching for.
Over the years, Joy has surprised me countless times with little unexpected gifts. I absolutely love receiving them, but I am not a big gift-giver myself. So for the wedding, I wanted to do something big for him, not only to repay him for all the thoughtful gifts but because he has always pushed me to become the person I dream of being and have the life I dream of having. So I arranged for a Motorbike to be delivered to our wedding venue, and on the morning of our wedding, I blindfolded him and led him to his surprise. He was shocked and so happy. It felt so good to start our day this way.
Loved Ones Showed Up From All Over The World For Their Tambor de Llano Wedding
I have been planning, designing, and coordinating weddings since 2015, and both Joy and I have been part of many love stories and mind-blowing celebrations, but you never quite imagine how your own wedding is going to be. We invited friends and family from all over the world– there were many small groups and clusters, and some guests even came alone. But after a few hours of meeting, it felt like one connected family. We are so proud of how our friends and family showed up for us and gave us all they had. It was beautiful, and we feel very fortunate to have such an incredible tribe.
Advice From The Bride: Everything Happens As It’s Meant To
The whole weekend was memorable, but the one moment that really stood out for us was our entrance into our Indian welcome party. A few hours before the celebrations were due to start, Joy fell quite ill, and a thunderstorm teased the summer sky (the whole event was outdoors). This wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. Now I believe it was. That everything happens as it’s meant to. During the tearful moments walking up the hill to our guests, the dhol drummed through the mountains, and the sky opened up. We were greeted with cheers and an immense amount of joy, something more powerful than we’d ever felt. It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. Being enveloped in kisses and hugs from the most amazing humans. It was the first time we had experienced the power of energy–all the love literally gave Joy his health back.
This Nature-Loving Couple Showed Off Their Love For Nature With Hand-Carved Ceremony Decor
Our ceremony was one of the big highlights for us; emotional, fun, and dreamy. We stood in front of a beautiful archway we designed together and had hand carved in Morocco. The arch was placed in front of the most breathtaking backdrop of mountains. We had water with jasmine flowers at our feet and a fire pit (we couldn’t light it because of being in a natural area in the height of summer). The four elements are an important part of our lives, and we wanted them to be a part of our vows.
Sealing The Deal With A Shot Of Mezcal
Our friend Ana Hinojosa, also an incredible wedding photographer, officiated our ceremony in both English and Spanish. After we said our vows, Ana surprised us with a shot of Mezcal, and when we turned to Salud our guests, we saw they all had a shot too. It was an epic moment. A sealing of some sort, and we all got to do it together. It was magic.
Hiring A Trusted Team Of Vendors Was Priority For Their Tambor de Llano Wedding
Hire a team you love and connect with because nothing can go wrong when you have people who have your back. Our videographer, Monika Frias, and photographer, The Kitcheners, created a special moment for us during our first dance. They had all of our guests put their phone lights on, so when we danced to ‘No Stars’ by Rebekah Del Rio, all we could see were stars around us. Thanks to our vendors, it was a magical moment we’ll remember forever.
Congratulations to Opi and Joy on their Tambor de Llano wedding. And big thanks to photographer The Kitcheners for capturing the full weekend of festivities, planned with intention and a whole lot of love. This celebration will have couples re-evaluating their priorities and breaking free of those traditional wedding boundaries.
If Opi and Joy’s wedding has you feeling inspired to extend your special day into a multi-day wedding weekend, we’ve got the logistics covered. Check out our how-to guide for planning a weekend wedding itinerary packed with Junebug-approved tips and even a sample itinerary.
From Atlanta to London and beyond, Black wedding vendors are producing some of the most stunning weddings on the planet. To help you celebrate your day as beautifully and as true to you as possible, we’ve rounded up over 200 Black wedding vendors to follow on Instagram. These professionals–many of whom have won awards and have features in publications like Junebug Weddings and Vogue–include photographers and videographers, planners and florists, hair and makeup artists, food and drink vendors, DJs, and celebrants, stationery designers, and more. Whether you’re looking for a talented professional to hire in your area or you want to add a little extra beauty to your Instagram feed, we hope this list of amazing Black wedding vendors is a useful starting point.
P.S. In case you missed it, here is our promise to you, our readers, to show up now and always for Black couples and artists.
Update: Due to page load time and the variety of vendor types included in our list, we’re not able to include an image to represent every artist’s work. If you are reading this and want to find professionals who inspire you, we recommend starting by checking out the accounts for vendors located in your area.
If you’re looking for even more Black wedding vendors, check out the Black Experience Expo, a showcase of artistry and sophistication by Black vendors. And if you’re a Black wedding professional who wants to join our vendor directory, learn more and apply here!
Have you noticed the infinite amount of wedding planning information on the internet? Yeah, us too—it’s kind of our thing. The Junebug team made a commitment to equip our couples with real, honest advice. So, when we read articles about negotiating with wedding vendors—specifically how to “ask for discounts like a boss” and “friendly haggle”—we wanted to set the record straight.
If you don’t read any further—though we hope you do—here’s a simple summary: You really shouldn’t negotiate with wedding vendors.
Stay with us here. You can and should discuss your budget with them. In fact, you can definitely ask vendors—especially wedding planners—about their best wedding budgeting tips. Some vendors may even be willing to help you brainstorm ways to adjust your budget. However, we never recommend you ask them to devalue the cost of their services.
We Feature Vendors
You should also know Junebug proudly features a carefully selected bunch of photographers, planners, florists, DJs, and more. We work with them to curate helpful advice we can provide to our readers (you!) at no cost. Whether you stumbled upon this blog post wondering if it’s ever okay to negotiate with the team responsible for creating your day, or you’re simply interested in our two cents, we hope you’ll find the—seriously—unbiased answers you’re looking for.
A Few Tips to Consider Before Meeting With Vendors:
Research the market. There’s a vendor for every budget, style, and experience you’re looking for—it just takes time to find them. Not sure where to start? Visit our vendor directory for a carefully curated list of wedding industry pros.
Determine your must-haves. Make a list of your priorities. Vendors will help you know where to allocate the majority of your budget and where you can cut back.
Make a budget. When making your budget, keep in mind must-haves and market research. Know what you can afford before making any calls.
Professional Vendors Will Enhance Your Wedding Experience
We know you care about working with the best-of-the-best wedding vendors. Keep in mind, these vendors are small business owners. Your payment keeps their business running, feeds their family, and allows them to serve you with the professionalism and attentive care that inherently comes from working with a small business.
We understand it can be difficult to think of a vendor—especially a solo person—as a business, so here are a few scenarios to help frame your thinking:
It’s the end of the month. Your boss asks if they can keep a portion of your paycheck because they can’t afford to give you the full amount this month. Your boss really loves the work you do for them and hopes you’ll continue to work for their company regardless of how much you’re paid.
There’s a local restaurant in town everyone’s been raving about. The chef has even won awards for some of the restaurant’s specialties. Would you call beforehand to ask for a discount because you want to try their food but can’t afford the price?
If you’ve found a wedding vendor whose business would make your dreams come true prepare to pay the price for the expertise, time, and value they bring to your wedding experience.
The fastest way to make sure you’re starting off right is also the most simple. Kick off your client-vendor relationship on the right foot by showing you respect the price of their invaluable services.
Surely you don’t intend to, but when you ask for a discount or try to negotiate with wedding vendors, the message you often inadvertently send is: “the value of your service or the work you will do for me is less than what you think it is.” Ouch.
Being Upfront About Your Budget is Okay
If you love a particular vendor’s work, you can reach out to them and be upfront about your budget. It’s pretty difficult to offend someone by telling them you admire their work! Keep your message short and sweet by letting them know you’d love to work with them and what your budget is. If they aren’t able to meet your budget, they might be able to recommend another vendor with a similar style.
Don’t Negotiate with Wedding Vendors, Balance Your Budget
Remember earlier when you prioritized the services that are most important to you? Let’s revisit that list. We are confident you’ll find wedding professionals who match your dreams, needs, and budget. It might just take a little rearranging in your budget plan.
For example, if lush, enormous floral arrangements overflowing with the world’s most stunning blooms have been something you dreamed of since you were 12—we want you to have those super stunning floral creations. However, the right florist for the job might fall outside of your original budget.
Now is the time to look through the list and see if there’s another area of the wedding that you can cut back. Maybe those top-notch ceremony chairs (a detail you and most guests won’t notice on the big day) are worth sacrificing to make your floral dreams come true. Don’t be afraid to get creative and check out the advice from our real weddings to see what couples remember most about their wedding day.
We hope this advice has been helpful to you. Navigating wedding etiquette is stressful but it doesn’t have to be—that’s why we’re here. Our dream is that you hire a wedding team who will be a perfect fit for you and your budget. Wondering whether or not you should tip the vendors you hire? Work those tips into your budget ahead of time. We cover all of your questions in this post about tipping your wedding vendors here.
Imagine this: It’s the end of your wedding night. You’ve just exited the venue and said “goodbye” to all of your guests. A getaway car whisks you away—hopefully headed to a cozy hotel or maybe out to a bar with the closest members of your crew. You did it! Whew!
Back at the venue, your photographer and videographer are packing up their things, the florist scurries around to gather leftover arrangements before everyone has to get out (your vendors will refer to this as the strike time). There’s still a buzz of excitement in their hearts—and, realistically, a bit of relief and exhaustion from the diligent work they’ve done to make your wedding dreams come true. In the middle of the hustle and bustle, your planner hands them an envelope.
What’s in the envelope? A tip. Or, maybe a handwritten note. We’ll get into those details in just a minute.
We Feature Vendors
Before we continue, we wanted to make it clear that Junebug proudly features a carefully selected bunch of the world’s best photographers, planners, florists, DJs, and more. We even talked to a few of them for the purposes of writing this article. So, whether you stumbled upon this blog post wondering about the etiquette of tipping the team responsible for your beautiful day, or you’re genuinely interested in our two cents, we hope you’ll find the—seriously—unbiased answers you’re looking for.
In this article we cover the following questions about tipping your wedding vendors:
Should I tip my wedding vendors at all?
Which vendors should we tip?
How much do we tip each vendor?
What are some alternatives to cash tips?
You should leave this article feeling confident about tipping—or not tipping—your wedding vendors.
photo by Los Ébano; see more from this real wedding here.
Tipping Wedding Vendors Internationally
When we sat down to write this all-encompassing totally helpful article for you babes, we got to thinking about our international couples and jetsetters who tie the knot abroad. Since Junebug is based in America—Austin, Texas to be precise—we took to our trusted planners around the world to provide their two-cents on tipping. As expected, tipping varies quite a bit by country.
Wherever you choose to get married (have we mentioned we love destination weddings?), make sure to familiarize yourself with the country’s tipping practices. Ask your planner, venue, or other vendors about gratuity expectations. If you’ve chosen your team responsibly, we’re sure they will provide you with all the information you need—without taking advantage of you.
Here’s What Some of Our International Planners Had to Say:
Henny, The Wedding Mood — Bali, Indonesia The wedding and event industry in Bali doesn’t get tipped at all. As an independent planner, we can’t rely on tips, and since the entire wedding is fully paid off before the event even starts, neither the guests nor the couple carry cash with them.
“Cash and carry” beverage bars on private, high-end events are an almost unheard of thing. The guests of a destination wedding pay so much for their flights and accommodation to celebrate with the couple that it’s an unspoken rule that guests would never be expected to pay for their drinks at the bar, for instance. I could imagine that a guest or couple would tip maybe the wedding singer, DJ or other performers if they were absolutely over-the-top amazing, but again, if it’s an expat I don’t think they would do that.
Mango Weddings — Riviera Maya, Mexico Tipping is an ambiguous topic here in Mexico. While everyone of course is happy to get tips anytime, it’s not a common practice by local customers. What we tell our international clients usually is that they are welcome to tip anyone they feel provided exceptional service.
Transportation drivers do rely on tips to survive. Tip depends on the distance, but anywhere from $5 to $10 USD per trip is considered generous.
Marie Alsleben Wedding Planning & Design—Düsseldorf, Germany Well here in Germany, it’s very relaxed. It’s common that you tip the service in the venue. Normally, in Germany it is 10% in a restaurant, but as we are talking of thousands of Euros, it’s common that the couples give about 3-4€ per guest. So, if they have 100 guests, they would tip the service with 300/400€.
A lot of couples invite the photographer, DJ, and wedding planner for the dinner, so that can be seen as a kind of a tip. Also, a lot of couples write a short letter to the vendors and give them a little present.
If you’ve ever gone to a restaurant or enjoyed a drink at a bar, you probably didn’t think twice about tipping your server or bartender. The same should apply for those services at your wedding. Some companies will include gratuity in their bill—be sure to thoroughly read all contracts!
Vendors who expect a tip:
Hair & Make Up Artist (15-25% per person)
Officiant (donation up to $300 to their organization or a tip of $50 to $100)
Caterer (usually tip is included as part of the service fee but if it’s not, 20% of the bill—before tax)
Wait Staff (15-20% of the total bill)
Bartenders (10-15% of the pre-tax bill)
Transportation (15-20% of the bill)
Band ($25-50 per band member)
DJ ($50-150)
Some Vendors Aren’t Listed Above
There may be some wedding vendors who don’t require a tip, but would be honored to receive one. Here’s the thing when it comes to tipping your wedding vendors: a tip, or kind gesture of appreciation, is always appreciated.
Photographer and Videographers
When thinking about whether or not you should tip wedding vendors, you likely thought about the vendors who are with you the entire day—the ones who you likely spend the most time getting to know. Depending on the size of your wedding, they might have hired staff to shoot the wedding with them. They put in effort to be physically present on your big day and then do more work after to ensure the images they captured reflect the beauty of it. Their work is reflected in their invoices, but tips or other gestures are always appreciated.
Wedding Planner
Your wedding planner and team are also likely to be your saving grace throughout the entire wedding planning process. They are there to make your lives easier, and we hope they exceed your expectations with flying colors. Again, they would greatly appreciate a tip or kind gesture of appreciation of their hard work—especially if you feel they went above and beyond to make your day special.
Florist
If you’ve invested in florals, especially large floral installations, your floral team will be hard at work to make sure they look picture-perfect for your day. In some areas, it’s expected to tip the installation crew (the people who load everything in and out). However, your florist likely covered that in your bill. A tip would surely be appreciated, as would a “thank you” letter or small gift.
For other vendors, sometimes a cash tip just isn’t in the budget. That’s okay! We get it, and so do they. After years of talking to thousands of wedding vendors, we can confidently say there are things that can mean even more than a tip. For example, a handwritten thank you note.
You’d be surprised how many wedding vendors—especially those who own their own small business—will hang on to these notes and revisit them often. Expressing gratitude and appreciation truly does go a long way.
If you’re trying to think of a few other ideas, here are ways to show appreciation for your wedding team:
Prepare your tips in advance! Trust us, you don’t want to be scrambling around for cash at the end of your wedding night. Grab a few envelopes—we really love these compostable options—and label them according to each vendor. You could choose to include a note with the money or simply stash the cash and seal the envelope! Some vendors might also have an option to tip on your final invoice (if they use a system like Honeybook), however, it’s not required to add the tip there. Feel free to wait until the night-of to hand them a cash tip.
While we like to assume every boss is a responsible one, we have heard stories of tips not making it to the appropriate person. If you’d prefer to tip your vendors at the end of the night, we recommend having someone you highly trust hand the envelopes to each vendor. This could be a parent or your wedding planner—just make sure you trust them with delivering the tips accordingly and simply remembering to do so.
Junebug Reader Questions about Tipping Wedding Vendors
Question: Do I need to tip my wedding vendors who offer small specialty services (bar rental, coffee car, photo booth)? Answer: For services such as bar rentals or coffee cars, we recommend you tip as you would if you were a patreon of their establishment. So, yes.
It’s also important to inform your guests if there will be a cash bar and tip jar. If you don’t want your family and friends to worry about tipping for their beverages, make sure you take care of the vendors directly. For photo booths and other small, specialty vendors, use your discretion. If they totally knocked your socks off and provide an exceptional service, a tip or kind gesture is going to be appreciated.
Question: Do the bridesmaids tip the makeup/hair people or is that the bride’s job? Answer: This depends on who’s paying for the services. Have you asked your bridesmaids to pay for their own hair and makeup? If so, they’re responsible for tipping. It might be nice to remind them that’s common practice—especially if they haven’t been a part of a wedding before!
Question: Should independent vendors be tipped differently than those who work for an owner of a company? Answer: Follow the guidelines based on the vendor category for this one. For example, if the vendors are working for a large catering company, it’s likely more appropriate to tip each member of the wait/catering staff versus the owner of the company. Use this same rule-of-thumb for the other vendor categories, keeping in mind the size of the business. Small businesses may have employees working for them, but the owner of the company likely contributes just as much to the day as their staff.
We hope you’re feeling confident about tipping your wedding vendors appropriately. As always, feel free to reach out to us on social media with more questions, and be sure to stay tuned for our weekly wedding advice posts!
If you’re currently in the process of hiring your wedding vendors, we’re here to help. From costs to expect and red flags to look out for, here’s everything you need to know about hiring your wedding vendors with as little stress as possible.
Wedding Vendor Costs
Before searching the internet for your dream wedding vendors, it’s crucial to finalize your wedding day budget. Sit down with your significant other and figure out a number that’s comfortable for you both. With that number in mind you can better understand how much money you should set aside for each wedding day element. If vendors are a top priority for you—hint: they should be—you’ll want to allocate more money to that area.
Junebug Tip:
You should discuss your budget with any potential wedding vendors but don’t try to negotiate pricing with them. If you’ve found an industry pro you want to work with, be prepared to pay for their time, expertise, and the value they bring to your wedding.
When Should You Start Looking For Wedding Vendors?
After finalizing your wedding budget, selecting a date, and booking a venue it’s time to start assembling your dream team. Every wedding planning timeline is different from person to person. But, a good rule of thumb is to kickstart your vendor search ten to thirteen months before your wedding. We think you deserve the best and the best book up quickly.
Getting an early head start in your vendor search is also a great way to reduce your wedding planning stress and avoid having to make any rash decisions.
How Do You Find Trusted Wedding Vendors?
If you’re searching for top-notch wedding vendors, congratulations you’ve made it to the right place. Junebug Weddings is your first stop along your vendor search. Whether you’re looking for a photographer you just click with, a planner fit to bring your vision to life, or a videographer that’ll turn moments into memories—we take pride in connecting you with trusted professionals in our vendor directory.
On top of our vendor directory, we recommend sourcing vendors on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. All of the images you save for inspiration didn’t come out of thin air. A group of talented vendors worked together to bring every element—the table setting, bouquets, wedding cake, and ceremony backdrop—together. When you find details you appreciate, take the time to visit the professional’s websites.
What To Look For In Vendors
When starting your vendor search, you might be surprised by the amount of options you have. With endless choices this wedding planning task can quickly become overwhelming. On top of trusting your gut instinct, here are a few things to look out for when sifting through wedding vendors.
The first thing is, do they have a website? If the professional doesn’t have a website they may lack experience or professionalism. Once you’re on that website, there are a couple of important pages you should browse—their portfolio and About Me page. Their portfolio gives you an idea of the types of weddings they capture, as well as a feel for their overall style. You may notice a consistency in their work, and if it resonates with you keep them on your list.
Once you’ve officially narrowed down your list to just a few top vendor prospects the next step is reaching out for an interview. While you don’t need a sit down with every one of your wedding vendors, meeting the key players you’ve chosen to prioritize—like your photographer, planner, or videographer—is crucial.
Meeting face to face will give you a space to clearly communicate expectations and figure out logistics. But, it’s also a great way to gauge your comfort levels with the person behind the business. Much like any interview, the vibe you get from the person is just as important as the questions you ask. Hiring vendors you trust and feel comfortable with is the best way to eliminate wedding day stress.
When meeting with potential wedding vendors, “winging it” simply won’t do. Come prepared with a list of questions you and your significant other want to ask. In addition to questions, it’s also a great idea to bring along a mood board complete with details you want to incorporate on your day. This leaves no room for miscommunication—and during your wedding planning process that’s exactly what you want!
You’ve hunted down, interviewed, and hired your wedding vendors—congrats! Now that you’ve assembled your dream team, it’s time to think ahead to your big day. From tipping your vendors to providing a catered meal, there’s still a lot of behind-the-scenes details that have to be prepped. Lucky for you, we’ve created a guide filled with the wedding vendor etiquette you need to know.
Wedding planning should be as fun and stress-free as possible! One important way to reduce anxiety from the start is to only hire professionals you trust. Sounds obvious, but some couples end up regretting their vendor choices for things like mediocre customer service before the big day, or worse, an unsatisfactory performance on the big day or even after all is said and done. To avoid one of those horror stories of your own, we recommend keeping an eye out for these red flags when hiring your wedding vendors.
Before you read on, here’s a quick roundup of red flags to keep an eye out for when hiring your wedding vendors:
During the planning process, you should always feel that your wedding vendors are treating you as a top priority. It is especially important to be on the lookout for red flags for poor communication during the inquiry period because it can be a sign of underwhelming customer service to come. If your vendors are taking weeks to email you back or are flaky about setting up Skype meetings, you may want to go another direction. Do keep in mind that the vendors you’re talking to are running businesses and may not be able to always respond within just a few hours, but if you’re following up with them before they follow up with you in a week’s time, that’s not a great sign!
No reviews to be found across the entire Internet is a major red flag, but it’s equally unsettling if a vendor only has reviews available on their own site. It’s awesome if a vendor wants to highlight the great experiences of some of their past clients on their personal website; however, it is very important that you can read reviews on an unbiased platform. It usually isn’t as malicious as this sounds, but what are they hiding as a professional if they don’t allow public reviews?
Professionals should be keeping their website up-to-date for many reasons. First, a seriously out-of-date website can be a sign that a vendor is no longer providing services, which isn’t great news for you! Second, it’s important that you are seeing the latest work from the professional as their style may have slightly changed since they last updated their site. A professional’s website helps you set a certain level of expectations about them and their work, so the hope is that these expectations are based on what is current and not what used to be.
When it comes to hiring your wedding photographer, be sure to request full galleries to get an idea of how they capture the entire wedding day. Just because a professional produces beautiful work on Instagram doesn’t necessarily mean they have consistent coverage throughout a wedding. You should know that you are hiring someone who will provide the same attention to detail on candid photos of Grandma from your reception as the images they post on Instagram.
While non-photographers may not have full galleries of their work to show, it’s still important to have access to a more in-depth look at their work than what social posts can provide. For instance, for a florist, what does their full wedding design look like versus weddings where they only designed the bridal bouquet? Remember, you aren’t asking too much of vendors to see more of their work before making your decision!
Above all else, you have to trust that feeling in your gut if you sense something is off. That’s the biggest red flag of all! Does something about the professional’s work turn you off? Did they make you feel unimportant or like you weren’t “cool” enough during your Skype call? Would you not be friends with this person in real life? You may not end up being best buds with every one of your vendors after the I do’s are done, but there is something to be said for feeling comfortable around a person and being a good fit personality-wise.
It’s official! Video meetings with your wedding vendors is the next big thing. Well, at least until we’re all able to leave our homes again. We’ve been quite impressed with how quickly wedding vendors of all kinds—from florists to planners and even catering teams—have adapted to keep their couples’ afloat during this crazy time. If you’re new to video meetings, or just unsure where to start, we’ve come up with eight helpful tips to have you rocking video meetings with your wedding vendors!
Here are our eight tips for video meetings with your wedding vendors:
Create a vision board
Write down a list of questions, and send it beforehand
Test your video conference system
Ask for samples
Determine an appropriate time limit
Speak up about concerns or ask for more images after the call
Set post-isolation meeting goals
Trust your team
Be sure to scroll all the way through for explanations and additional advice!
Create a vision board.
We love vision boards! If you’ve been dreaming of all the little details for your day, now is the time to head over to Pinterest or Instagram and start grabbing all the inspo. Having a mood board will help you articulate your desires to your team and gives them something to “take away” after the call.
Write down a list of questions, and send it beforehand.
Take the time to write down questions you have for each of your vendors so you can stay on track. As a courtesy to them, it’s a great idea to send over your questions via email beforehand so they can prepare accordingly. If you don’t know what questions to ask, that’s OK! Most vendors will know the general things to go over with the two of you during the call. And, if nothing else, just get to know them and see if it’s a personality fit.
Here are a few common questions to ask that are related to COVID-19:
Have you updated your contract to cover future pandemics or situations similar to COVID-19?
How are you currently handing rescheduled wedding dates?
Can we put a soft-hold on our date until more certainty comes surrounding recent events?
Test your video conference system.
Whether you’re using Zoom, FaceTime, or any other video conferencing system, it’s helpful to test it out beforehand so you can work out any kinks to the system! Make sure you’re in a room without too much background noise so you can hear each other clearly. Bonus tip: If you’re video chatting during the day time, face toward a window (so that the light is shining on your face versus behind it). That way, they can see your beautiful faces most clearly!
Ask for samples!
When it comes to vendors like catering, cake, and cocktails. Ask if your preferred vendors have any offerings for delivery. Then, set up a date-night table and get ready to video conference your tasting! Keep in mind that vendors may require a fee for this, but it’s a great way to support your wedding industry team (and get a totally amazing date night meal).
It’s safe to say we’re all grasping for human contact these days, and it is easy to chat wedding planning for hours! To respect everyone’s boundaries, determine a time limit you all are comfortable with before the call. That will help you stick to the most important information and, hopefully, still leave a little time for some extra conversation!
Speak up about concerns or ask for more images after the call.
When it comes to meetings with your design teams (planner, rentals, florist, venue, etc.) make sure you speak up if you’re having a hard time viewing something on the video call. It’s totally OK to ask for more images of the examples when you’re finished with the video call.
Set post-isolation meeting goals.
Start planning on tentative in-person meetings with all of your vendors so that you can get things moving once stay-at-home orders are lifted. This will also help you have something to look forward to and know the big decisions you’ll need to make as soon as you can.
At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. Your wedding vendors are in this industry because they love to see your day become everything you dreamed of. When it comes to video meetings with your wedding vendors or any decisions that may follow, trust your gut and trust your team!
We hope you’re feeling confident as ever for video meetings with your wedding vendors! Looking for more COVID-19 related content? We’ve got you covered:
When Bridget and Joseph announced that they were planning a no-fuss city hall wedding, Bridget’s friend who operates an event company offered a unique experience for the couple to try instead of the courthouse. Enter: The Campfire Experience, an event company that specializes in crafting adventurous luxury campground experiences! The Campfire Experience curated a talented vendor list to take charge of the couple’s wedding decor, and we can’t believe how beautiful the results were! Between the fully furnished bell tents, mid-century modern decor, incredibly vibrant florals from Bear Roots Floral, and fabulously moody photography from Addison Jones, Bridget and Joseph’s Ohio wedding was a true collective effort in which each vendor’s talents shined.
We had a very nontraditional wedding of sorts. Originally my husband and I were going to elope or get married at the court house as I had no desire for a large wedding or wedding planning. My closest friend since childhood started an amazing company called The Campfire Experience. They create these enchanting outdoor events with furnished bell tents and when she heard we were going to elope, she offered to put everything together for us to create a small wedding instead, so we could avoid the stressful parts of wedding planning but enjoy celebrating the our close family.
I had no involvement in planning other than picking my wedding dress and food to be served (wood fired pizza from a local pizza restaurant, GoreMade, with a traveling pizza oven).
On the day of the wedding, I arrived at the location for the first time (a family farm with a huge field and finished barn), met the photographer (Addison Jones Photography), florist (Bear Roots Floral), and makeup artist (La Prima Beauty). Each person created what they thought would be best for the day, allowing for their creativity to come through. It turned out more beautiful than I could have ever designed.
Our wedding vibe was all about not choosing and letting everyone else create their most beautiful product. From the boho vibe of the tents, to the flowers and gorgeous photographs, everyone designed what they wanted to bring to the table which created a casual unique wedding that felt so perfectly us.
Our wedding planning advice: The small details don’t matter. Allowing others to be creative and not boxing them into your vision can allow something more unique and beautiful to occur.
Our wedding day meal fit the wedding vibe perfectly: casual, local, unique, and delicious. A local pizza restaurant, GoreMade, catered the wedding with their traveling wood fire pizza oven. Each person could request what they wanted on their pizza then the pizza was layed out as it came out of the oven for everyone to enjoy. The GoreMade team was opening their first restaurant the next day and still stayed late just to make us the last pizza once everyone had left and brought me flowers hand picked from their garden. Their restaurant is located down the street from us and we still go there once every couple of weeks because it’s just that good.
At the end of night my husband and best friend who planned the wedding sat around the bonfire drinking hot whiskey and bourbon and staring at the stars. No one makes me laugh harder and it was such a relaxing and beautiful way to end the night. My new husband and I camped that night in one of the furnished tents surrounded by outdoor candles.
Kat and Sam had a clear vision for their wedding: they wanted warmth, relaxation, and a vibe that everyone could connect with. Steering away from tradition, they opted for a cozy and informal affair. Choosing a venue tucked away in the countryside, enveloped by ancient woodland, they set the stage for their Marshwood Manor wedding. Overflowing with dreamy flowers, charming decor, and a romantic color palette, their day was nothing short of enchanting. Despite the rain catching them off guard–with the help of wedding planner Katie Avis–their plans fell into place effortlessly.
Underneath a canopy of woodland boughs, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by their nearest and dearest. As raindrops fell gently around them, it felt like a scene from a romantic movie. Following their rainy “I dos,” they moved on to a reception filled with rustic charm. The venue was adorned with lush greenery and elegant pampas installations gracing the charming tablescapes. String lights overhead tied everything together, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Even with a bit of rain, they didn’t let it dampen their spirits. Thanks to Laura Dean’s expertly captured photos, you can witness how the rain added an extra layer of sweetness to their wedding memories.
Our ceremony was set in a woodland bower with a stream and logs for seating, so it was very unique and picturesque. We had a violinist who created a lovely atmosphere as guests arrived and throughout the ceremony. However, being a British wedding, even in July, you cannot guarantee a sunny day. Ten minutes before the ceremony started, the rain began to fall, and the whole ceremony was conducted in the rain. This made the moment memorable and even more special, with our first kiss being in the rain, something like out of a movie.
The Importance of Booking Suppliers Early
Start planning as early as possible! Book vendors as early as you can. If they are good, they will likely get booked up very quickly. Create a wedding timeline with key deadlines and to-do lists for when payments are due, etc. Get creative and make it your own day. Do it however you want, and don’t feel obliged to follow a stereotypical wedding.
How They Added Personality to Their Marshwood Manor Wedding With Small Playful Details
We spent so much time planning the wedding and added many little details that we loved. We had temporary tattoos for guests to show their support for us on our big day. All the guests, young and old, got involved, and it was a great conversation starter. My second outfit included personalized gloves embroidered with “Till Death Do Us Part – The Freemans.” We also added elements that were only noticeable for us but made it extra special, such as the band learning a lesser-known song that was special to us and Sam’s speech subtly including quotes from my favorite movie. Even the inflatable props for the dance floor just added to the experience and got everyone involved.
How DIY Touches Made Their Marshwood Manor Wedding Day Extra Special
We created our own wedding newspaper, “The Daily Veil,” and handed it out to all our guests on arrival. It included a timeline of the day, menu, and some fun facts about the bridal party. This was a really unique keepsake for all of our guests. One of the bridesmaids kindly arranged the bridal flowers on the day. We also created our table plan and place cards and provided our own centerpiece vases, which we thrifted and painted.
Making the Most Out of Their Wedding Budget
Our budget was £25,000 – £30,000. We were strict about the number of guests and DIYed some items to save on supplier costs. Guests staying on-site paid a small amount for accommodation. We opted for a dessert buffet rather than a cake, as a wedding cake is costly and wasn’t a big deal for us. We didn’t provide wedding favors to all guests, only the bridal party. Sam wanted to be able to wear his suit again, so he opted for a high-street brand.
Investing in Their Dream Wedding Venue
Our most significant spend was on the venue itself, which was the most important. The bridesmaid dresses were also a signficiant spend, as I wanted a range of colors to be in keeping with the style of the day. It was an exclusive-use venue, which you could utilize from Friday to Sunday, and accommodated half of our wedding party in the cottages on site. We always wanted the wedding to be stretched over an entire weekend. The venue was also perfect for having multiple areas where we could have different parts of the day, so guests had new experiences throughout the day in different parts of the grounds. My previous role in the wedding industry meant I had experienced many weddings in our local area. This venue was a little further away and new to me, but it was close enough that it wasn’t too far for our local family.
Congratulations to Kat and Sam on their unforgettable Marshwood Manor wedding, rain and all! A massive thank you goes out to the incredibly talented Laura Dean for beautifully capturing every magical moment of their special day.
Even the most meticulously planned weddings may encounter a hiccup or two. Sometimes, Mother Nature decides to join in on the festivities. However, with a positive mindset, a willingness to adapt, a team of reliable experts, and perhaps even a sprinkle of rain on the big day, the experience can transform into something truly enchanting and unforgettable.
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