Organizing a wedding requires coordinating with various vendors, each contributing specific services or products for the event.
Here's a list of typical vendors you might need for a wedding:
Venue Provider: For the ceremony, reception, or both.
Caterer: They provide the food and, in some cases, beverages. Some venues might have in-house catering, while others will require you to hire externally.
Bartending Services: If your caterer doesn't provide this and you plan to serve alcohol.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: For overall planning or just day-of coordination.
Photographer: To capture the day in photos.
Videographer: For video coverage of the ceremony, reception, and possibly other moments.
Florist: For bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and other floral decor.
Bakery or Cake Designer: For the wedding cake and possibly other desserts.
DJ or Band: For musical entertainment during the reception.
Officiant: To conduct the ceremony.
Dress and Attire Vendors: This includes bridal boutiques for the wedding gown, stores for bridesmaids' dresses, suit or tuxedo rentals or purchases, and possibly tailoring services.
Hair and Makeup Artists: To style the bride, bridesmaids, and sometimes other members of the wedding party.
Stationer: For save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, menus, seating charts, and thank you cards.
Rental Companies: For items like chairs, tables, linens, tents, lighting, and decor, unless provided by the venue.
Transportation Providers: Limo, classic car, shuttle, or other transport services for the couple and sometimes guests.
Jewelers: For wedding bands and any other special jewelry for the day.
Dance Instructor: If you're planning on taking dance lessons for your first dance.
Entertainment: This can include photo booths, caricature artists, magicians, or any other entertainment you want at the reception.
Accommodations: Hotels or lodgings for out-of-town guests.
Favors/Gifts Vendor: If you plan to provide gifts for guests, bridesmaids, groomsmen, or parents.
Sound and Lighting Technicians: Especially important if your venue doesn't provide this and you have specific lighting or sound needs.
Rehearsal Dinner Venue/Caterer: If you're holding a separate event the night before the wedding.
Remember that not every wedding will require all of these vendors, and some might need vendors not listed here, depending on the couple's unique preferences and cultural/traditional requirements. It's essential to prioritize based on the type of wedding you're envisioning and your budget.