Your Oregon Wedding Dream Team: How to Choose the Perfect vendors.
Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you’ve said “yes,” it’s time to assemble your dream team of wedding vendors to bring your Oregon wedding vision to life. Choosing Oregon wedding vendors that are right for you is crucial for a seamless and memorable day. Here are some practical tips to help you find the perfect wedding vendors for your Oregon wedding:
1. Start with a Vision:
Before diving into the world of wedding vendors, take some time to envision your dream wedding. Consider your style, theme, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. This will serve as your guide when choosing vendors who align with your vision.
2. Research, Research, Research:
Use online platforms like google and instagram to research potential vendors in Oregon. A lot of regions have their own lists and guides as well when using search engines. Look for those who have experience with Oregon weddings and have positive reviews from couples who’ve tied the knot. Hot take: be weary of generic wedding planning websites where vendors pay to be listed. Dress shops, venues, other vendors and friends that have gotten married probably have some great referrals too which brings me to the next point:
3. Tap into Your Network:
Word of mouth is by far the most reliable way of hiring vendors you know you’re going to love. Personal experiences can be incredibly valuable in finding reliable vendors. Dress shops, venues, photographers and wedding coordinators have worked with A LOT of people and can probably give you some great recommendations! Upon booking with me, I send you a whole list if you need it!
4. Consider Location:
We all know, Oregon is the best because of it’s complete variety of location options. Within three hours, you can be to the coast, the mountains, downtown and even in a whole different landscape. Choose vendors familiar with the specific location of your wedding to ensure they understand the logistics and can make the most of the surroundings. Searching venue posts and hashtags on instagram can often tell you if a vendor has worked in the area or at your particular venue before.
5. Meet and Greet:
Schedule meetings or virtual consultations with potential vendors. This is your chance to get to know them, ask questions, and gauge their personality and communication style. A friendly and approachable vendor can make the planning process much more stress free and fun!
6. Check Portfolios:
Review the portfolios of photographers, videographers, florists, and other vendors. Look for a consistent style that resonates with your vision. While websites are key, look at instagram too where you can see a lot of variety in one place quickly.
7. Ask About Experience:
Inquire about the vendor’s experience with Oregon weddings. Whether it’s navigating the unpredictable weather or coordinating with specific venue rules, experienced vendors can handle and (maybe have handled) your specific needs to your location. This can also be helpful for creating your timeline as familiar vendors probably know the best times of day for lighting at a particular location.
This goes for anything- don’t be afraid to ask questions! That’s why I do consultations before booking, you need to feel complete confidence in your vendor before forking over hard-earned money to them. There is no such thing as a stupid question- you most likely haven’t done this before, we get it!
8. Understand Contracts:
Carefully review contracts and make sure you understand all terms and conditions. Clarify payment schedules, cancellation policies, and any other details before signing with them. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings down the road. Also don’t be afraid of the legal language. It might sound scary but contracts are there to protect you and the vendor from mishaps that most likely will never happen.
9. Flexibility is Key:
Again, Oregon’s weather can be unpredictable! Choose vendors who are adaptable and have contingency plans. Discuss backup options for outdoor ceremonies and flexibility in case of unexpected changes. From a photographer’s perspective, we can make it beautiful, don’t be afraid of a little rain, just be prepared!
10. Trust Your Instincts:
Finally, trust your instincts. If a vendor makes you feel comfortable, understood, and excited about your wedding, they could be the perfect fit! When you wake up and grab your coffee on your big day, no part of you should question your team of vendors. You should feel complete confidence and excitement knowing you have an amazing group working towards making your day the best day ever.
If you need help choosing Oregon wedding vendors that are the perfect fit, I’m happy to help! Send me a message and we will get to it!
Happy planning!
