You’ve set your budget, drafted a preliminary guest list, and secured your wedding venue. Now comes one of the most important parts of planning your big day — finding the right wedding vendors. Once you start meeting different wedding professionals, your wedding vision truly begins to come to life.
But here’s the challenge: finding the right fit for you. There are so many talented vendors out there — all with different styles, prices, and levels of experience.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to find your ideal wedding vendors, where to start, what to ask, and how to communicate effectively with them.
Define Your Wedding Vision
At this stage of your planning, it’s important to have at least a general idea of your wedding style. Do you envision a boho celebration, a vintage affair, something modern and elegant, or maybe bold and colorful?
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that it reflects your personality and makes you feel comfortable.
Gather inspiration on Pinterest (www.pinterest.deby creating boards with ideas and visuals that resonate with you. Wedding magazines and blogs like www.brautmagazin.de or www.friedatheres.comare also great resources. If you see something and think “Yes, I want that at my wedding”, note it down or save the photo — these visuals are key when searching for your dream team of vendors.
If you don’t have a clear vision yet, don’t worry! Having one helps, but it’s not essential. Your vendors can help refine your ideas — but they can’t decide for you. After all, it’s your wedding. The clearer you are about what you like (and what you don’t), the easier it will be to find the right professionals.
Here are two examples from real life!
Last year, I worked with a couple who had a truly wonderful wedding vision: "I want an enchanted forest with pink mist and vibrant colors. I want everyone to eat and drink and dance all night." And here's an example of a rather poor vision: "I especially like the color pink. I chose my venue because it was the first one I saw and it looked okay."
You can see how different visions can be. One vision gets the creative juices flowing, while the other is associated with many question marks.
How to Find the Right Wedding Vendors for Your Perfect Day
Now that you have a sense of your vision, it’s time to start reaching out. Most couples immediately think of florists and decorators, but it’s best to start with what I call “the one-per-day vendors.”
These are the people who can only work one wedding per day, such as:
- Venue
- Wedding planner
- Registrar / officiant / celebrant
- Band or DJ
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Transportation (if you want something special, like a vintage car)
Other vendors, like caterers, florists, stationery designers, and hotels, can typically handle multiple events at once.
Because this list is quite long, focus on your top priorities first. If photography matters most to you, start there. If music is your priority, begin with your DJ or band.
Where to Look
Beyond Google, there are many useful wedding directories. In Germany, popular platforms include Wir-sagen-ja and Hochzeitsportalas well as local resources like Hochzeitsportal Stuttgart.
Most platforms allow you to filter vendors by price range, style, and location.ike when searching for a house or a car, focus on those that fit your budget. Don’t be discouraged if you see “starting from…” or “contact us for pricing” — many professionals prefer to discuss your needs before providing a quote.
On the websites, you'll also have the opportunity to view the aesthetics and style of each service provider. Have they already photographed a wedding similar to yours? Do you like the photographer's style? Another great way to get a feel for a vendor's style is through social media (especially Facebook and Instagram). We all update our online presence in this order – Instagram, Facebook, and then the website.
And don’t forget to read reviews. Wedding vendors rely heavily on testimonials, and these give you a real sense of their professionalism and reliability.
I recommend reaching out to two or three vendors per category. That’s enough to compare styles, personalities, and price ranges — without getting overwhelmed by too much information.
When you reach out, include key details right away:
- Wedding date (or approximate season)
- Venue (if known)
- Budget range for their services
- A short description of what you’re looking for
Trust me — vendors love couples who are organized and clear!
What to Expect from a Vendor
Once you’ve sent your inquiry, pay attention to how and when vendors respond — it already says a lot about their professionalism.
In general, you should hear back within 24–48 hours. But keep in mind:
- Friday to Monday: Most wedding professionals are busy working at weddings on weekends and take Mondays off.
- Peak season (July–September): They may need extra time to reply, as many work 100+ hours a week.
- Holidays: Expect slower responses around Christmas, Easter, or other major holidays.
When they reply, vendors often send an information package with details about their services and pricing. Review these carefully and compare the included options.
For example, photographers usually offer packages based on hours (6, 8, 10, or full day) and may include engagement sessions or albums.
Ask questions, clarify details, and don’t assume anything. Remember: vendors are evaluating you just as much as you’re evaluating them.
Once you feel comfortable, arrange a call or meeting. Chemistry matters — you’ll be spending one of the most important days of your life with them. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away.
Contracts & Agreements
You’ve found your match — now it’s time to make it official. Always ask for a written contract and read it carefully before signing.
Look for details such as:Meal requirements for vendorsEquipment needs (e.g., tables for DJ or lighting setup)Overnight accommodations if requiredTime limits or overtime feesHow many planning meetings are includedAdditional service charges or taxes
Everything in the contract is intentional — and binding. If something’s unclear, ask for clarification. The better prepared you are, the less stress you’ll face in the weeks before your wedding.
A Word of Caution
During your search, you might encounter a few red flags — trust your instincts!
If a vendor doesn’t provide a contract, you have no legal protection. If they respond slowly or inconsistently, that’s likely how communication will continue. And if a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
You truly get what you pay for in the wedding world. Lower prices often mean less experience. Check reviews, compare value, and remember: experienced professionals are worth every cent.
Finding the right wedding vendors is about more than price or aesthetics — it’s about finding people who understand your vision and care about bringing it to life.Take your time, do your research, and trust your gut. The right team will make your wedding day seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable.
With love, Christin 💖
Eternal Love (https://stuttgarter-hochzeitsplaner.de/kontakt/)
