What makes a great vendor and why I recommend who I do! – Charlottesville Wedding Photographer

Wedding

Mar 6, 2017

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As wedding professionals, we are all in this together…and I am blessed to work with so many folks who really want to serve their couples. So I have REALLY appreciated over the years the professionals in other areas of expertise who have helped me by offering advice, tips, ways I can improve and good feedback. So today I would love to do the same…so here are some things from a photographer’s perspective that I think really do go above and beyond to help couples as well as other wedding professionals. And FYI – all of my booked couples receive my full list of recommended vendors and they tend to go with many of my recommendations. Please note that I recommend several vendors in each category to my couples, representing different styles, price points and levels of experience.

1. DJs

So I am gonna just say that a DJ really sets the tone for the reception…haha, pun intended. A great DJ works with the photographer and videographer to make sure everything is covered and that everyone is on the same page. And prior to saying this, I also want to note that I try to contact the DJ in advance, especially if I don’t know them…which helps a lot!

Example A: I was at an out of state wedding and never met the DJ before and he came up to me as soon as he saw me, introduced himself and said that he would make sure that nothing happened at that reception, no event, no first dance…NOTHING unless he had given me a head’s up it was coming and that I was ready. He expressed his excitement about working with me and he worked hard the whole night to follow the cues of the couple and any last minute changes. What a difference that made in the photos!

And here is Nate Clancey is setting the tone for the night…helping everyone have a great time.

2. Caterers

I highly recommend caterers with food that is delish, excellent cooking and serving staff, fun folks to work with and who provide a nourishing hot meal for myself and second shooter. I know several incredible caterers who do all of this so very well every time.

It is actually a part of my contract that myself and second shooter need a hot meal. Why? Because we want to serve you to the best of our abilities and a hot meal really helps! The other HUGE advantage to the caterer…if I don’t get to taste your wedding day food, I can’t honestly recommend it (because I have no idea what it tastes like) and my brides book my recommended caterers 30-50% of the time! So if you do the math, providing us a great meal will usually equal great business in the future too.

How about these amazing spreads from Roadside Chive?!

3. Florists

I always recommend that my brides don’t skimp on their bouquet. It’s amazing what one incredibly gorgeous, big beautiful bouquet can do for your photos! And it can be used for your sweetheart table centerpiece too since it needs to go back in water for a while and you won’t be holding it during dinner. All of my recommended florists come a little early, have extra flowers for me to use when styling your detail shots and have hearty, gorgeous blooms that usually last beyond the wedding day (if treated well!). Florists, if I don’t get those bouquets on time for detail shots, then they may not happen.

What a bouquet from Good Earth Flowers!

4. Hair and Make Up Artists

OK…so here is an area of personal concern to me. My friend’s sister did an amazing job on my wedding day hair. But I did my own make up. I didn’t think I needed a professional since I honestly didn’t wear much make up. But what happened was that I bought way too much expensive make up, only to end up a shade too light. I could have put that money toward an excellent professional who could make me look great, while feeling pampered. And yes, you get what you pay for…a great hair and make up artist with experience, excellent hygienic standards, and PROMPTNESS is a must.

Look at these gorgeous locks and beautiful make up by Bobbypins and Blush!

5. Videographers

There are several videographers I love to recommend with varying styles. Even with their varying styles, there is one consistency that remains the main reason why I refer to these folks…they way they serve! Great videographers want to work WITH the photographer and the other vendors to provide exactly what the bride and groom are hoping for on their big day. They aren’t trying to run the show, but they know how to give direction. They somehow have all their gear around you without making you feel like the paparazzi is after you. They know the couples’ priorities for the day and they work based on those priorities without trying to make their own priorities #1. They are talented, experienced and educated in their field of service. They take care to edit to a distinct style and they know what you want to remember!

6. Planners and Day-Of Coordinators

Did you know that I actually give a discount to couples who book one of my preferred planners? Why, you ask? Because if you have a professional planner, my workload lessens by about 10-20 hours overall and I don’t need to be playing the role of make shift coordinator on your wedding day, which can happen without a professional, thereby leaving me time to do what you’ve hired me for. A professional planner has lots of experience and knows things that non-pros don’t. A friend who has been to lots of weddings does not compare to a professional who knows how to work with other vendors and contact folks way in advance, respond well to unexpected emergencies, remind the bridal party to look up and smile when coming down the aisle, and make sure your day is free of stress and full of life! Did you know that Jess Brose of Main Street Weddings was once at a wedding in which an unexpected weather phenomenon caused the outdoor tenting to fly up, ruining the desserts, the DJ’s equipment and the possibility of continuing the wedding outdoors? Jess knew of a venue in the same town who was just opening and called them and yes…they transferred the wedding there. Her assistant ran to get new cupcakes and Jess called another DJ who came and let the other DJ borrow his equipment. Only a pro can do that, friends.

And this wedding ceremony below at Brandy Hill Farm was a joyous day and the sun came out after the rain. Jess Brose and her team were furiously wiping down rained-on chairs and making sure that the outdoor ceremony could happen without a problem!

7. Invitations and Stationery Design & Calligraphers

Well, since watercolor was a concentration of mine in college and bookbinding/paper arts in grad school, you can imagine how much I love a unique stationery suite! I have worked with some amazing artists in this area and am always impressed. Your guests get a glimpse into your day in advance with a custom designed set. Some of my couples can’t afford for every invitation and every envelope to be done by hand so most of my preferred vendors can create a master set that can be reprinted (depending on the style) and some even provide their own printing services. So don’t discount being able to afford something made especially for you.

How about this incredible suite from Farmstead Design Studios?

8. Wedding Dress Designers and Boutiques

The Dress! It’s a focal point of the day and it makes you feel even more beautiful and ready to marry your man! I know designers, boutiques and even bargain shopping locations (brick and mortar and online) to fit every budget from $200 on up. Hometown boutiques are one of my favorites because the great ones treat their customers so very well, only pull dresses within your budget and give you incredible service.

Fabulous Frocks Alexandria has hundreds of sample dresses on sale for a fraction of the original price. And they carry some lovely blush dresses…like this one!!

9. Cakes and Confectionaries

Let them eat cake! The beauty of a custom designed cake is something special. Not everyone can afford custom designs for their cakes, but I know several cake artists who also offer simple but tasty cakes made from scratch who will then decorate it with flowers from your florist! Now that’s service, folks!

And how about these treats from Gateau?

10. Linens

This is an interesting category. Couples often weigh the costs of linen rentals when they aren’t provided by the caterer or the venue….or when they want something a little more special than what’s provided. The costs of buying linens, cleaning and pressing them is so high. So I always recommend renting…and renting from someone who will deliver, clean pressed linens ready to use and whose fee includes the cleaning and repressing as well. That’s stress-free service!

I could go on and on about what makes a great vendor but I will stop at ten for now! Cheers and happy planning!

Michelle Lieb with Lieb Photographic is a Charlottesville Wedding Photographer, Culpeper Wedding Photographer, Fredericksburg Wedding Photographer, Alexandria Wedding Photographer, Washington DC Wedding Photographer, Williamsburg Wedding Photographer, High Country Wedding Photographer and a wedding photographer in the surrounding areas.

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