5 tips to curate the perfect wedding vendor team

Selecting a stellar team of wedding vendors to help create your dream day can feel like a momentous task, but it's not so daunting once you break it all down into manageable tasks and get researching. Our Fine Art Curation is a great place to begin! So what should you think about when choosing your vendor team? We're sharing some top tips from California wedding planner Lea Stafford, an expert in curating amazing teams for her wedding clients.

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Establish your investment

Select a number that feels comfortable for you and determine where the funds will come from. Will the special day be self-funded, or will family contribute? Once a nice range is set, use this as your Northstar but do allow for some cushion and be prepared to spend an additional 10-15%. This will help with supply chain increases; the custom linen napkin you didn’t expect to fall in love with, or perhaps your band offers an additional service you just can’t pass up.

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Identify your priorities

Think about what’s most important to you and your partner, and try to ignore pressure to follow traditions that don't feel right for you. Would you like to place emphasis on experience? Is food and beverage very important to you? Or perhaps entertainment is a category that has to bring a special X factor. Consider where to direct budget and where to cut back.

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Vet your vendors

Now it’s time to lean on your planning team to vet the best suited options based on the information you have gained in the former steps, as well as your location and date. By working with a wedding planner such as Lea Stafford Events, you can expect a short list of talented vendors in each category for your consideration. Each will be a master in their skill, offering a level of creativity that underscores your story and overall wedding style. We like to make sure we stand clear of vendors who get comfortable presenting the same concepts for every event.

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Look for diversity

Aim to create a list of partners that is diverse and reflective of the world we live in. Seeking a diverse line up supports depth in creativity, as creativity is typically inspired by experience, background and exploration. Diversity doesn’t only focus on race, it also covers the spectrum of years in the industry, sexual orientation, as well as personality! Keep in mind, the goal is to select the best suited vendors for the event without prejudice or judgment.

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Confirm your favourites

From here you will make your final decision on all of your vendor partners. Ask for testimonials, meet face-to-face or over Zoom if possible, and overall, follow your gut feeling and choose vendors who are excited by your event and bring good energy. Now begins the fun of planning all of your details with each and every one.

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