Your time has come to finally start wedding planning. And while planning a wedding is an exciting experience, it is one filled with many decisions. A major part of those decisions deals with selecting the vendors for your day. From photographers to florist, and everything else in between, your wedding vendors will be the team that makes your dreams a reality–but how do you find ones that you love, trust, and that fit your budget? Dive into our 10 tips below to help you find and select the best vendors for your Michigan wedding.

Tip #1 — Set Your Budget

First things first–set. that. budget. Determining how much you are willing to spend on your wedding will help you decide how much you should be allocating to each vendor. Knowing your budget will help you to make informed decisions and avoid overspending. Plus, it makes the research process a lot easier!

Some venues or wedding planners might include a software that has a budgeting tool. At our venue (Collins at the Clocktower) we use Aisle Planner, which provides our couples with spend estimates for each vendor, based off of their budget.

Tip #2 — Start Early and Prioritize

The early bird gets the worm, and that statement holds true in wedding planning too! You want to begin your vendor search as soon as possible, to have better chances at securing your top vendor picks, especially if you plan on getting married during peak wedding season in Michigan. The first vendor you’ll want to select is your venue, as so many other vendors will need to know where your wedding will be. After that, prioritize vendor selection based off of your budget and the vendors that are most important to you.

Additionally, a number of wedding venues will provide you with a “preferred vendors list” for vendors that have worked within their venue who they, and their couples, love. Use this list!

Tip #3 — Decide on Your Wedding Aesthetic

Before you begin reaching out to potential vendors, be sure to take the time to sit down with your fiancé and decide the aesthetic of your wedding. Do you envision an rustic outdoor celebration or an elegant ballroom setup? Do you want something timeless or trendy? Moody photo captures or light and bright? Knowing your aesthetic will help you narrow down your choices to vendors who specialize in creating weddings that align with your vision.

Tip #4 — Research, Research, Research

Researching your vendors is such a pivotal part in the selection process. Take advantage of the plethora of online resources available to you! Search wedding directories like the Knot, Wedding Wire, Zola, and others. Check out vendors social profiles to get a real feel, scan their website for their portfolios, and be sure to read their reviews! Pay close attention to those with 5-star reviews and who have experience working in the area, or at your selected venue. Experienced vendors who have years in the industry, and have worked across Michigan, are often better equipped to handle the unique challenges that may arise on your wedding day.

Tip #5 — Network!

Don’t be shy–get involved! Some of the best, real-life information will come firsthand from past couples, or others in the booking process just like you! Join Facebook groups relevant to your location to hear their experiences. Some of our favorites here in Michigan are:

• Bride to Bride Southeast Michigan
• Bride to Bride Metro Detroit
• Michigan Weddings – Bride to Bride

Bridal shows are another good way to network with other couples and talk to vendors. They allow you to see the work of an abundance of different vendors firsthand, while also being able to take advantage of exclusive deals and discounts. Just be sure to go in with a plan, and that budget you made.

Tip #6 — Schedule Consultations

You’ve done your research, now it’s time to schedule a consultation with your preferred vendors. Depending on the vendor, consultations can either be done virtually or in person. Come with a list of questions specific to that vendor and their role in the wedding. Use this meeting to discuss your vision for your day, and to get a feel for their personality and communication style. Don’t forget to take notes and discuss afterwards!

Tip #7 — Communicate Your Expectations Clearly

Your wedding day is all about you, and to make sure it’s everything you’ve ever wanted, you have to be transparent about your expectations for your day and leading up to it. When discussing your wedding with vendors, be as detailed as possible–show inspiration photos, provide examples, and ask them questions. They can’t meet, or even exceed, your expectations if you don’t give them any.

Tip #8 — Ask About “Backup Plans”

In Michigan, weather can be unpredictable, as we all know. Ask your vendors, especially if you are considering an outdoor wedding, what their “backup plans” are. In the case of bad weather, power outages, or other inconveniences, you want to be sure that your vendors have a plan in place, so in the event something unexpected does happen on your day, you know that it is taken care of and there is no need to stress! By having a backup plan, your vendors expertise and professionalism will show.

Tip #9 — Trust Your Gut

A big tip that is often overlooked is to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. While it is important to consider factors like pricing and experiences when selecting vendors, don’t underestimate the importance of your instincts. You only get your big day once, so be sure to stick with those vendors that make you feel comfortable, confident, and excited about your big day!

Tip #10 — Book!

You’ve done it! You finally decided on your dream team for your wedding day. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure to review your contracts carefully and make notes of payment schedules, policies, and any additional terms or conditions.

I hope these tips were able to give you guidance as you start searching for the best vendors for your Michigan wedding. Just remember, finding and picking your vendors is a crucial factor to ensuring you have the wedding of your dreams. By starting early, diving into research, and trusting your gut, you are sure to find the wedding vendors to match your vision (and budget). Next up–your best day ever.

Sending wedding wishes your way!

callie 🫶