Wedding Vendors
Here are some resources to help you hire a winning wedding vendor team.
Start with our Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Vendors, then check out our Wedding Checklists, download our free wedding printables, and be sure to check out our "Questions to Ask…" series for guidance on vendor consultations.
![The Difference Between Venue Coordinators and Wedding Planners](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingPlannerOrCoordinator01-RunAwayWithMe_2023-10-05-140837_zyoi.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=bf7d0e2bc031394a5fc97a2aed48c227 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingPlannerOrCoordinator01-RunAwayWithMe_2023-10-05-140837_zyoi.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=6525ff30b145a1459eed1092fd88c339 190w)
The Difference Between Venue Coordinators and Wedding Planners
What's the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator? Both are invaluable allies to have in your wedding-day corner–and while there are definitely similarities and overlap in the roles, there are some major differences, too. We break it down.
![Wedding Vendor Checklist | Printable PDF](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingVendorChecklist01-MagnoliaVenue_2023-10-05-140736_nzxs.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=4fa791dc2304174794c1c05c1f075647 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingVendorChecklist01-MagnoliaVenue_2023-10-05-140736_nzxs.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=891f7dc561f426aed7978e02a55aa403 190w)
Wedding Vendor Checklist | Printable PDF
Want to put together a winning wedding-day roster? Here is a list of wedding vendors that can help your dream wedding go off without a hitch, along with a free printable PDF Wedding Vendor Checklist for your planning binder.
![The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Vendors](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ChoosingWeddingVendors01-TheWeddingCoach.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=6dbb1c16a0ec4dbf0a7332534fd824f9 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/ChoosingWeddingVendors01-TheWeddingCoach.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=b033d3e86f4c67c765d1f856b100a7d1 190w)
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Vendors
We've created The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Vendors to help you navigate the vendor selection process. Whether you're searching for a talented photographer who can swiftly capture candid moments or a skilled floral designer who can transform your venue into a peony-filled paradise, we've got you covered with the best tips.
![Get a FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit from Minted!](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationSampleKit-Minted.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=2edc3da2c79be30bf5a216e245671b76 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationSampleKit-Minted.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=f5a1e41cafd0bf150bc17dae6c3922c5 190w)
Get a FREE Wedding Invitation Sample Kit from Minted!
Finding the perfect invitations just got easier! Minted will send a Wedding Invitation Sample Kit straight to your door with your favorite designs, color swatches, paper types, and so much more. At NO cost to you. Snag one for yourself!
![Fun Food Truck Wedding Ideas](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FoodTruckWeddingIdeas1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=a2cf5641dfa80d6a93f1ebd0a4208be0 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/FoodTruckWeddingIdeas1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=e3332a1c02aa17fb1bcdb7dc1340d4c5 190w)
Fun Food Truck Wedding Ideas
Food trucks are always a good idea...but in the midst of a global pandemic, they can be a lifesaver! Food trucks offer an outdoor dining option that's equal parts fun, flavorful, and festive. What to serve? The possibilities are endless! See these creative food truck ideas to inspire your own deliciously distinct wedding reception experience.
![Who Pays for Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BridesmaidHairMakeup-VanessaLeonPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=f5871fd8e52455e3529acf9984c2d5e4 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/BridesmaidHairMakeup-VanessaLeonPhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=3b835ce3f6775b7ccaaa3c9b1e9dc35d 190w)
Who Pays for Bridesmaid Hair and Makeup?
One of the highlights of the wedding day is getting glammed up the morning-of with your 'maids, free-flowing mimosas in hand. But the question is, who pays for the bridal party's hair and makeup? We've got answers!
![Questions to Ask a DJ or Live Entertainment](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QAWeddingDJ_StitelyEntertainment.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=f00475134fde3fada5bf206ee00489e2 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QAWeddingDJ_StitelyEntertainment.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=a2aee74c99a3098bc6a1cbcff1c70f3c 190w)
Questions to Ask a DJ or Live Entertainment
Too often choosing the entertainment is left to the end of your overwhelming "Wedding To Do List"—but it shouldn’t be! Not only does music set the appropriate mood, but a skilled Master or Mistress of Ceremonies will gracefully guide your guests from one spotlight moment to another. To get you started, we've put together this list of questions that will help you evaluate a DJ, band, or other entertainer.
![How To Tip Your Wedding Vendors](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/TippingWeddingVendors-IngridBonnePhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=aaa8dc02ee899e025f65cf2dffa01337 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/TippingWeddingVendors-IngridBonnePhotography.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=258da51d5bfac236b86e009b6c1a65f7 190w)
How To Tip Your Wedding Vendors
You've itemized your wedding budget down to the last cent. But with all the numbers tallied up you might be forgetting a costly, but necessary, expense: Tips! We've put together the ultimate guide on tipping your wedding vendors—from who, to when, to how much?!
![39 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingPhotographer-ApolloFotografie.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=3a720e2c420de7365e048659dd89734b 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingPhotographer-ApolloFotografie.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ee1f2c9938a3e58386b30a7b021a7487 190w)
39 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer
You've put so much time and effort into planning your wedding you'll want every special moment captured in photos. But how do you know which photographer is right for you? Bottom line, you need to do your homework. Here are the questions you should ask those photographers who've made your shortlist.
![The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBudgetChecklist01-SaguaroScottsdale.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=42b8458bed373da1e0962dc8d96917e9 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBudgetChecklist01-SaguaroScottsdale.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=9dd55ad123c359882888f4ef2ed03a66 190w)
The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist
Here it is: The Ultimate Wedding Budget Checklist with a full breakdown of potential wedding expenses. This comprehensive list includes the items most weddings entail, as well as the "typical" percentage of your budget you may want to reserve for each one. Yes, we're slightly Type-A.
![Wedding Beauty Timeline](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBeautyChecklist-TripleTwist.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=53872cebb5b41e81cb731a80520d9edc 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBeautyChecklist-TripleTwist.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=75bb7327cd91ea18401e7da2dda2eb70 190w)
Wedding Beauty Timeline
Beauty may be an afterthought when you're knee-deep in wedding planning. You know you need to make time for some beauty prep, but when and where do you start? To make sure you look and feel amazing on your big day, we've created a Wedding Beauty Timeline to help you achieve that blushing bride (or groom!) glow.
![Wedding Photography Style Glossary](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/AllysonMagdaPhotography-14.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=35d16452e2befa36ad4e58a413b1b83c 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/AllysonMagdaPhotography-14.jpeg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=91a7a012e27383e180ee872bb617a27d 190w)
Wedding Photography Style Glossary
Though there are no standard “dictionary definitions” of photographic styles, it’s still a good idea to have an understanding of the different approaches before you interview wedding photographers. Our Wedding Photography Style Glossary will help you pinpoint the type of wedding photos you’re jonesing for.
![Real Wedding Disaster Stories: 5 Expensive Ways A Wedding Could Go Wrong](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDisasterStories-StephanieSecrest.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=51d3254cd4b2f74d59830920802c645c 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingDisasterStories-StephanieSecrest.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=3543c35297028eff036d155fdb1858ff 190w)
Real Wedding Disaster Stories: 5 Expensive Ways A Wedding Could Go Wrong
It's Murphy's Law: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. And when something goes wrong at a wedding, it can be frightening how quickly costs add up. This is pretty much why wedding insurance exists—to help couples recover from any financial consequences resulting from unanticipated (and expensive!) wedding mishaps.
![Brides Want To Know: Do I Need Wedding Insurance?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DoINeedWeddingInsurance-WilsonLeeWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=8cab3e4ae5afc93cfb230cb8ef2e7239 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/DoINeedWeddingInsurance-WilsonLeeWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=c493e350b09aa8c50313998934d2ddf5 190w)
Brides Want To Know: Do I Need Wedding Insurance?
Let's face it: Anything can happen on your wedding day, so don't be lulled into thinking that your event is immune from disaster. Wouldn't it be nice to have some protection and peace of mind in case something happened to your venue, gown, or vendors? Wedding insurance can financially protect you against a variety of unexpected problems that could tarnish your special day—and bank account. Read more…
![Protect Your Wedding: Get it in Writing](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingContracts-GetItInWriting.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=1803bd55e4eb37b121029b0f90026068 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingContracts-GetItInWriting.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=241badc32d3be30690edc150767c8435 190w)
Protect Your Wedding: Get it in Writing
We don’t have to tell you that planning a wedding is never simple. There are so many grey areas to navigate: Ecru or bright white wedding dress? Buttercream or fondant on the cake? DJ or live band for entertainment? We could go on…That said, there is one aspect of your wedding that should be as clear as black & white: the contracts you sign.
![Hiring Wedding Professionals Pays Off](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HiringWeddingProfessionalsPaysOff-WillmusWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=e26956103529c1df1024910dfcc79ed5 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/HiringWeddingProfessionalsPaysOff-WillmusWeddings.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=4f890289e42860cd1f54e5755fc03981 190w)
Hiring Wedding Professionals Pays Off
Yes, you will save money by hiring the cheapest vendors you can find or doing things yourself. But the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” really comes into play here. Skimp on services and you could end up paying a big price anyway. We give you all the reasons hiring seasoned wedding professionals pays off, plus tips for finding the right vendors for your wedding.
![Wedding Budget: Venue Fees and Other Costs](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingVenueFees-ColettesCateringAndEvents.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=51c045d0383124b79476e557de5a6566 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingVenueFees-ColettesCateringAndEvents.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=1c7d3b1d74a84bacc294c0974515e25b 190w)
Wedding Budget: Venue Fees and Other Costs
You’d think that working from a budget would be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people, especially brides and grooms, are unrealistic about what they can afford. Part of the problem is that most people aren’t very experienced with event budgeting and don’t know how to estimate what locations, products and services will ultimately cost.
![Brides Want to Know: Wedding Band or DJ?](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBandOrDJ-StillMusic.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=5448bf2d66b0152aaf2c9736e8bda14d 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingBandOrDJ-StillMusic.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=ce6654894b09bc2f39d0c93c5f44ccb0 190w)
Brides Want to Know: Wedding Band or DJ?
My fiancé and I have most of our wedding plans set, except the music for our reception. We can’t decide between live entertainment and a disc jockey. The reception will be indoors with about 150 guests. We have to keep an eye on cost, too. Are bands always more expensive? What do you recommend?
![Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingPlanner-KateWhelanEvents.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=cf5d4bab47de98f04adfa6608e19bbd0 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/QuestionsToAskWeddingPlanner-KateWhelanEvents.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=7c4e6844a7c3d8fed3fc4741f920d6cf 190w)
Questions to Ask a Wedding Planner
In the first flush of joy after your engagement, you probably began browsing wedding websites, social media sites like Pinterest, and magazines. If you soon felt buried by a blizzard of checklists and a daunting array of decisions, you and your fiancé might want to think about hiring a professional wedding planner.
![Wedding Invitations Glossary](https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationsGlossary-Cordially.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&dpr=3&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&w=400&s=954a4a7df8e631df236366f1e02458a2 400w, https://hctg-images.imgix.net/images/articles/WeddingInvitationsGlossary-Cordially.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fm=jpg&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=143&w=190&s=4f388639ce232c4115f74319650c16c1 190w)
Wedding Invitations Glossary
A glossary of common printing terms you may encounter as you research wedding invitation options. The more you know, the easier it will be to pick the perfect wedding invitation suite for you!
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Some clients may have paid to be placed in our editorial and some of these links may be affiliate; however, we never include a venue, vendor, or product unless they have a proper place here. This is part of our Core Values. We create our website first and foremost to be good for the couples using it to plan their Big Day. We won't stray from that for a few advertising dollars. #scoutshonor