Wedding Vendor Wish List – Making Dreams Come True
When young women dream about a perfect wedding, their dreams often include finding the perfect groom, the perfect dress, and the perfect location – all of which are integral to making a perfect wedding dream come true. When the day comes that these women find Mr. Right and become engaged, their perfect wedding dreams become one step closer to reality. However, as many engaged couples quickly learn, it’s easier to choose each other than to choose wedding vendors that fit their style and budget from the many vendor options available.
According to recent statistics, the average Florida wedding costs between $25k-$35k, which includes the higher costs of the venue and catering—which can total $20k alone—and four additional “core” vendor costs for planners, photographers, videographers, and DJs. Wedding industry experts suggest that for couples looking to lower their total wedding costs they should: choose smaller venues, choose to wed on a weekday instead of a weekend, skip the wedding planner, and keep the menu and food service simple. For couples that choose to take this financial advice, they often find their established budget still has funds to accommodate entertainment for the wedding guests, as well as create memorable photography that will last for years to come.
In Indian River County (IRC), wedding vendors are plentiful, with no shortage of options that can accommodate any budget. From the smallest wedding ceremony held on the beach followed by an in-home reception, to the grandest ceremony held at hotel with catered elegance, there are many local vendors that can help every couple achieve the wedding of their dreams.
For couples planning to get married in IRC, wedding professionals are quick to point out that vendor choices are very important and can ultimately make or break a dream wedding. As such, experts advise couples to outline the established wedding budget, preferred location, and essential wedding-day needs before hiring any vendors. Once the wedding budget is determined, couples can decide on how much of that budget will be allocated for each vendor, which will be helpful when choosing vendors that are willing to work with amounts earmarked for each vendor the couple hires for the wedding and reception. In addition, couples should consider hiring vendors who not only cater to what they want, but who can also expand and improve upon their wedding day ideas, themes, and décor.
When considering how many wedding vendors to hire, research shows the average couple hires 14 vendors for their big day, with preparations, arrangements, reservations, and confirmations often made up to a year before the wedding. However, for couples who have less time, less need, and less money for that many vendors, a more budget-friendly number of vendors is six: the venue, the caterer, the music, the baker, the florist, and the photographer. Should there still be funds available after these six vendors are chosen, couples can look to hire vendors for transportation, hair and makeup, and videography to round out their special day.
For many soon-to-be married couples in Indian River County, planning a wedding can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience at times. As wedding experts would agree, one of the most crucial aspects of a successful wedding is assembling the perfect team of wedding vendors. It’s these talented industry professionals who play a pivotal role in bringing a dream wedding to life. With this in mind, couples should not let the suggested number of vendors needed or the number of vendors available cause unnecessary stress as they begin their wedding plans. Ultimately, the only things really needed for a perfect wedding do not come from a vendor, but rather, they come from within: the love of the couple, the patience of the couple, and the happiness of the couple on their wedding day that they share with friends and family.
Photo courtesy of McKenzi Taylor Photography
Photo courtesy of The Wedding Spot
Photo courtesy of Tropical Elegance
