Quick answer
Book the venue first, then ask it which vendors it trusts, add recommendations from recent couples, and shortlist three per category. Judge each by full weddings they have done, recent reviews and how they answer your questions.
Start with the venue
Your venue decides your date, capacity and often your caterer, so book it before anyone else. Then ask the venue coordinator which vendors work well there. They see every vendor up close and know who arrives on time.
Ask couples who just married
Recommendations from couples married in the last year or two are gold: they remember the details and the vendors are likely still working the same way. Ask what they would book again and what they would change.
Look at full weddings, not highlights
Every vendor's best five photos look great. Ask to see a full wedding gallery, a complete playlist, or photos of a full table setting. Consistency across a whole day is what you are paying for.
Read recent reviews for patterns
Read the most recent reviews, and look for patterns rather than single comments. Repeated mentions of slow replies, surprise fees or late arrivals matter more than one glowing or angry review.
Shortlist three per category
Contact three vendors per category with the same questions and your date. Compare what each includes and how they reply. How a vendor handles your first email is a good preview of how they will handle your wedding.
Book in the right order
Book the vendors who fill up earliest first. Our planning checklist starts with the venue, then photographer, music, and florist.
Frequently asked questions
Where do we find good wedding vendors?
Ask your venue which vendors it trusts, ask couples who married recently, and browse vendors with real reviews and full portfolios. Shortlist three per category.
Which wedding vendor should we book first?
The venue, because it decides the date and capacity. Then the vendors who fill up earliest, such as the photographer, music and florist.
How do we know if a wedding vendor is reliable?
Look for consistency across full weddings, patterns in recent reviews, and how clearly and quickly they answer your first questions.