Preferred Vendors – Why and How to Pick Them

Choosing the Right Vendors to Elevate Your Wedding 

There are a million wedding vendors out there, so how do you choose?  The BEST place to start is to look at your venue or planner’s preferred vendors.  Your venue and your planner have seen EVERYTHING happen, and would only share the names of vendors that they truly trust to give you the best day possible.  Here’s what you can expect from recommended vendors, and how to choose: 

Why Use Referrals to Pick Your Vendors

High-Quality Work

The main reason to hire preferred vendors is the level of quality they bring to the table. These vendors are passionate about their craft and strive to deliver top-notch results. Whether it’s a show-stopping cake, breathtaking floral arrangements, or flawless photography, these vendors ensure that every detail of your wedding is picture-perfect. 

  • Photography – Professional photographers know how to capture the best moments, from candid laughter to intimate vows, ensuring that your wedding album is something you’ll cherish forever. Check out this album from our preferred Photographer Cory Parris, which does just that. With 30 years of experience, Cory clearly knows where to be & when:

“I love observing life from a behind-the-scenes perspective and documenting events, large or small. With a background in journalism and photojournalism, the documentary aspect of my work and the feeling of capturing a piece of history are important to me.” 

  • DJ & Lighting –  Make sure they’ve been in business for 5+ years and have great reviews like our preferred DJ Jay Curry who has been DJing weddings for 12 years and has a passion for his work, saying:

“Weddings are this beautiful mix of culture, love, and celebration. No matter what’s going on in the world, people are still choosing each other. Still choosing to party. And I’m honored to play my part.”

Customization

Many preferred vendors are willing to personalize their services to fit your vision and preferences. They understand that every wedding is unique and will work with you to create custom packages, menus, designs, and experiences that reflect your style and personality.  At Imperia, this is one of our signature features that sets us apart from other venues: the vendors you need, with streamlined decision-making.

  • Caterers – Imperia provides in-house catering and bar services, which means no hidden fees for buffet setup, rented warming ovens, or tables & chairs.  An extensive menu at set pricing plus a robust on-site seasonal tasting for the couple are some of the perks of the venue.  Executive Chef Ian Hoyt prides himself in providing a robust menu of options to choose from that naturally accommodate many dietary needs (without compromising on flavor).
  • Florists –  Our in-house florist Cassie will take your vision for colors, themes, and styles and create bespoke floral arrangements that tie your entire wedding aesthetic together. With our seamless floral process, you can be sure her artistry will reflect the beauty you imagined. 
  • Planners –  JJ & Lisa at Imperia can help you design a wedding that speaks to your personal tastes, whether that’s a traditional affair or a modern, unconventional celebration. Our planning team is professional, creative, detailed, and a blast to work with, just check out their reviews!

Stress-Free Planning

When you work with professionals who have been featured for their excellence, you can trust that they’ll take care of the details. You don’t have to micromanage every aspect of the day because they have experience managing large events and ensuring everything goes according to plan.  The dream team of vendors will be a lifesaver on the big day, coordinating everything from the timeline to logistics, leaving you to focus on enjoying your celebration.

Established Relationships with Venues

Imperia’s featured vendors have an established relationship and years of experience working together with us as a team. This means they are familiar with the layout, timing, and policies of our space, which can help avoid logistical hiccups.  They also are trying to not only impress you, but maintain a positive relationship with us – which means they have added incentive to do a great job for you. 


How to Find the Best Vendors

So, how can you identify and connect with preferred vendors? Here are a few ways to start: 

Ask Your Venue for Recommendations

Many venues provide preferred vendor lists or have an in-house team of professionals they work with regularly. These vendors have a proven track record at the venue, making them an excellent choice for your wedding. At Imperia, we provide you with our preferred vendor lists at time of booking, so that you have the information that you need as early as possible.

Check Wedding Websites & Blogs

Websites like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Style Me Pretty regularly feature top vendors in the wedding industry. Many of these vendors have been chosen based on their experience, reputation, and portfolio. 

Attend Wedding Expos or Fairs

Wedding expos and fairs are a great place to meet the best vendors face-to-face. You’ll have the opportunity to see samples of their work, ask questions, and potentially even book them on the spot. 

Read Reviews

Take time to read reviews on vendor websites, social media pages, and other wedding forums. Preferred vendors usually have glowing reviews from past clients who can attest to their reliability, professionalism, and exceptional work. 


Ultimate Peace of Mind

Opting for preferred vendors is one of the best decisions you can make when planning your wedding. With their expertise, stellar reputation, and referral-backed dependability, the chances of your big day going off without a hitch increase exponentially.  And everyone can use a little peace of mind when planning a wedding.

Vendors Featured in this Post: