How to choose your wedding suppliers

Choosing your wedding suppliers is one of the most fun, but time consuming parts of wedding planning. It can be a little overwhelming as well, there are so many suppliers out there, but which ones should you choose for your day?! This blog and the North Devon Wedding Network as a whole are here to help you choose trusted suppliers and to take the stress out of your wedding planning. 

Don't Rush

To begin with take your time with your wedding planning, whilst you can plan a wedding in 6 months and under. Giving yourself 18 months - 2 years to plan your wedding. Means that you don't need to rush the process and can take the time to research & select the suppliers you want, and not have the worry that they will be booked up. 

Petal & Posie

Do Me A Favour

How to find suppliers

Its unlikely that you have had to plan a wedding before, so you might not know what wedding suppliers are available. Or if you are not getting married locally, knowing suppliers near your venue, can be difficult. So the best way to find suppliers is to, have recommendations from friends or family. Attend wedding fayres in the area of your venue or virtual wedding fayres via social media platforms. Internet searches, on social media or the use of online wedding directories, like this network or Bridebook. Finally by checking out wedding blogs & magazines. 

I know that seems like a lot of options to choose from. You know why I mentioned wedding planning was time consuming. However doing the research at the beginning will help you in the long run, making sure you get your dream day! 

Dawson & Co

The Little Red Bus

Before you start researching your suppliers make sure that you have considered the style of your wedding.

• Do you want an elegant or rustic, casual or formal, intimate or lavish affair?
• Your budget, its easy to get carried away planning your Pinterest wedding but you don't want to spend more than you can afford. 
• Location - North Devon is a beautiful place to get married! 

Tawstock Court

Hey Jules!

The main supplier to get first is your venue! We have a range of different wedding venues on the network. Once you choose your dream wedding venue, book your date that suits you. 
Next make a short list of suppliers, that you both like. I recommend about 3 from each category, but no more than 5. That you like the look of their work & have checked out their reviews. You will need to send them an enquiry. 
Make sure you include the following details in your enquiry. 

• Your Names
• Contact Email 
• Wedding Date
• Your Venue
• If they offer multiple services, the particular service you are interested in. 
• If helpful to a particular supplier, a quick overview of your day

You will want to be asking them the following questions. 

• Their availability 
• Price, packages & optional extras
• Booking fee & payment terms
• Terms & conditions
• Their booking procedure

Tarka Pottery

Ian Harris Horse Powered Services

Once you have sent your enquiries based on the responses you get you can start to narrow down your short list. Look at which suppliers best fit your wedding, your budget & most importantly that you click with. Most suppliers offer a consultation where possible you could meet with possible suppliers, or perhaps arrange a zoom consultation. When it comes to the cake and catering you will want to try the food or cake before you commit. 

Always & Forever Bridal

Gatehouse Trailer Bar

Continue to research your shortlist, check out their website & blog if they have one. Follow them on social media and interact with their accounts if they are posting regularly. This will give you a much better idea of what kind of person or company they are like to work with. Make sure the customer reviews or testimonials are up to date & positive.  

Book your suppliers!

Jax's Cakes 'N' Bakes

Costal Images

Once you have done all or some of the above, trust your gut and make the decision & book your favourite suppliers! Make sure you contact all the suppliers even the ones you haven't chosen, they will appreciate you letting them know. Make sure you read all your chosen suppliers contracts & terms & conditions. Any questions, now is the time to ask. Once you are happy everything you want is included, pay any booking fees required & secure your booking. 

Style Sister

By Jacqueline J

I hope this has helped you start your wedding planning. Check back regularly for more blogs on our brilliant suppliers. Remember to sign up for our virtual wedding fayre. Check out our Pinterest, Instagram & Facebook pages for more information.