How to find the right vendors?

Hi everyone,

Today, I wanted to talk to you about wedding vendors. Why do they matter? How do you find them? How do you choose the right ones?

It can feel a little overwhelming, especially since it’s one of the first things people will pressure you to book. “Choose your venue before the dates are no longer available!” or “Book your photographer soon before the good ones are taken!” While it’s important to plan ahead to secure the best options, it doesn’t mean you should book the first vendor you find.

Why Finding the Right Vendors Matters

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable and cherished moments of your life. Every detail, from the flowers to the music, contributes to creating the perfect atmosphere for celebrating your love. That’s where your wedding vendors come in. They’re the professionals who bring your vision to life.

Choosing the right vendors is more than just a matter of finding someone available on your date. It’s about finding partners who align with your style, understand your priorities, and can deliver on their promises. The right team ensures your day runs smoothly, allowing you to relax and truly enjoy every moment.

On the flip side, choosing the wrong vendor can lead to unnecessary stress, last-minute surprises, or even disappointment. This is why investing time and effort into finding the perfect match for your needs is one of the smartest decisions you can make during your wedding planning journey.

How to Find Them?

Finding the right wedding vendors can feel like a big task, but with a clear plan, it becomes much more manageable. Here are some tips to help you start your search:

1) Start with recommendations :

Begin by asking your friends, family, or recently married acquaintances if they have any vendors they loved working with. Personal recommendations can provide insight into how reliable and professional a vendor is. Plus, knowing someone who has already had a positive experience with them can be incredibly reassuring.

If you feel like you don’t know anyone who could recommend a vendor or haven’t attended any recent weddings, think outside the box! Reflect on events you’ve been to recently. Was there a corporate event where you loved the music? A birthday party with an incredible cake? Or maybe a restaurant that you and your partner adore?

A wedding is essentially an event with a special purpose, so many vendors overlap with those who cater to other types of celebrations. DJs, bakers, caterers, and florists often work across various event types, so don’t hesitate to reach out to someone whose work left an impression on you.

2) Leverage Social media

Social media platforms are powerful tools for finding talented and reliable vendors. Start by browsing Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest with hashtags related to weddings in Montreal or Quebec. For example, try searching #MariageQuebec or #WeddingVendorsMontreal. These hashtags often lead to profiles of vendors who specialize in your region.

Instagram is especially helpful because it allows you to see their work visually. Look for wedding photographers, florists, or decorators whose style matches your vision. Pay attention to comments and reviews on their posts; these can give you a sense of how they interact with clients.

Facebook groups dedicated to weddings in Quebec can also be a goldmine. Groups like “Mariages au Québec” or “Brides of Montreal” are filled with couples sharing their experiences, vendor recommendations, and even referrals for trusted professionals. You can post questions, ask for advice, or even browse previous discussions for vendor suggestions.

Social media not only helps you find vendors but also allows you to gauge their reliability and professionalism based on how they present themselves and engage with their audience. It's like having a mini-portfolio at your fingertips!

3) Look at Venue Recommendations

Once you’ve chosen your venue, don’t hesitate to ask them for a list of recommended vendors. Many wedding venues have preferred vendor lists, which often include professionals who are familiar with the space and know how to make the most of it. These vendors understand the venue’s layout, rules, and quirks, which can save you time and ensure a smoother experience on your wedding day.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the type of venue you choose might influence the type of vendors they recommend. For instance, if you book a high-end venue, their list may lean toward established, premium vendors who might charge higher rates. While these vendors are often reliable and experienced, they might not align with your budget or vision.

In my own experience, I chose a more upscale venue but was looking for vendors with a more down-to-earth, personal touch for photography and entertainment. Ultimately, it’s all about what works best for you. Even if you don’t end up booking someone from the venue’s list, it’s still a fantastic starting point for your search.

4) Attend Wedding Expos

Local bridal shows and expos are fantastic opportunities to meet multiple vendors in one convenient location. You’ll get to compare styles, see examples of their work, and ask questions on the spot. Plus, it’s an excellent chance to interact with vendors face-to-face and get a feel for their personality and approach.

One of the biggest perks of attending expos is that many vendors offer exclusive discounts or promotions for couples who book during the event. You might also discover unique services or products you hadn’t considered before, giving you fresh inspiration for your big day.

In Montreal, there’s the Salon de la mariée, organized by the Grands Salons Marions-Nous group, which takes place approximately every six months. This event features a variety of vendors showcasing everything from wedding dresses to cakes and decor. There’s even a fashion show highlighting bridal gowns and suits! While there’s a small entry fee, it’s absolutely worth attending if you’re looking for inspiration or hoping to find the perfect vendors for your wedding.

How to chose the right vendors for you?

Okay, now you have this long list of options for each service and want to chose the right one. Everyone seems nice and offering different packages that make sense. Some of them make you hesitate between the vision that you had before and a new one more fancy and loaded with new features.

1) Define what's really important to you

Before diving into vendor research, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you as a couple. Which elements will add the most value to your day and make it unforgettable?

For example, imagine arriving at your ceremony and being greeted by a grand floral arch. Would that fill you with joy and make you feel like you're stepping into the wedding of your dreams, or would it just feel like a nice extra? Would walking down the aisle to a live pianist make the moment magical for you, or does it feel like something you're “supposed” to do because it’s traditional?

In today’s world, there’s a lot of pressure to go bigger and do more. But it’s essential to stay true to yourselves. Are you a couple who loves glitz and glamour, or do you prefer a simpler, more intimate atmosphere? Focus on what genuinely matters to you and will make a meaningful difference on your wedding day. This will also help you avoid overspending on details that don’t align with your vision.

Once you’ve identified what’s most important, you can approach vendor selection with clarity. Are you looking for someone with a specific style? A stellar reputation and years of experience? The best deal within your budget? Or is finding a vendor whose personality clicks with yours the top priority? Knowing your priorities will make choosing the right vendors so much easier.

2) Review portfolios and samples

Once you’ve identified your priorities, the next step is to review vendors’ portfolios and samples. These are your best tools for understanding their style, quality, and whether their work aligns with your vision.

A vendor’s portfolio showcases their expertise and gives you a glimpse of what they can deliver. For photographers, this might mean browsing through galleries of past weddings to see if their editing style matches what you envision. For florists, you might look for their ability to create the kind of arrangements you love, whether they’re grand centerpieces or understated bouquets.

Don’t stop at just their website or social media. Ask for full galleries, videos, or examples of past projects that are similar to what you’re looking for. This will help you get a clearer idea of their consistency and ability to adapt to different venues or themes.

Pay attention to the details in their samples. Do their designs feel thoughtful and polished? Are their photos well-composed and edited? These little things can make a big difference in how your wedding day is captured or styled.

3) Schedule interviews and meetings

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential vendors, the next step is to book meetings or consultations to get to know them better and learn more about their style, services, and experience. Nearly every wedding vendor offers a free initial consultation, so take advantage of this opportunity to connect with them.

Here are some tips to make the most of these meetings:

• Prepare Questions: Focus on what matters most to you, like specific services or inclusions.

• Discuss Your Vision: Share your ideas and priorities to see how they respond. A great vendor will listen and offer helpful suggestions.

• Review Samples: If you haven’t already, ask to see portfolios, videos, or photos of their work.

• Understand Their Process: Learn how they handle bookings, communication, and the wedding day itself.

• Clarify Pricing: Request a breakdown of pricing, packages, and any extra fees to avoid surprises.

• Take Notes: Keep track of key points to compare vendors later.

Remember, these meetings are not just about you finding the right vendor—it’s also an opportunity for them to determine if they’re the right fit for your wedding. Building a strong partnership starts with open communication and mutual trust.

4) Trust your instincts

While experience, portfolios, and reviews are essential, your instincts play a key role in choosing the right vendors. When you meet or talk with a potential vendor, pay attention to how you feel during the interaction.

• Do they seem genuinely interested in your vision? A great vendor listens to your ideas, understands your priorities, and engages with enthusiasm.

• Do you feel comfortable asking questions? If you feel rushed, dismissed, or uneasy, it might not be the best fit.

• Do their communication and professionalism give you confidence? Clear communication, responsiveness, and a respectful attitude are essential signs of a reliable partner.

Remember, you’ll be working closely with your vendors, especially in the weeks leading up to the big day. Choosing someone who aligns with your energy and approach can make the entire process more enjoyable and stress-free.

While it’s important to consider facts and details, don’t ignore your gut feeling. If something feels “off” about a vendor—even if their portfolio is stunning—it’s okay to keep looking until you find someone who feels right for you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding vendors is a crucial part of creating the wedding day you’ve always dreamed of. By defining what’s important to you, carefully reviewing portfolios, asking the right questions during interviews, and trusting your instincts, you’ll set yourself up for a seamless and memorable celebration.

Remember, managing multiple vendors, contracts, and timelines can quickly become overwhelming, especially as the big day approaches. If you’re looking for extra support, a wedding coordinator can step in to ensure everything runs smoothly. They’ll work closely with your chosen vendors, handle any last-minute hiccups, and allow you to fully enjoy your day without worry.

With the right team in place, you can relax and focus on what matters most—celebrating your love story with those you cherish most.

Don't hesitate to contact us https://www.lusaevents.com/contact

With love

Lusiné