What are the best ways to search for wedding vendors in my area?

Question

I've looked in the yellow pages already, but I know there's got to be more out there. I just don't know how to go about finding the right people.

Answer 1

Talk to other women who have been married recently or are going to be married soon. They are easy to identify - they have the rings that still shine (lol). Also, some areas have wedding shows, go to one of these, it is well worth the money because you will meet a lot of wedding vendors who are showing off their wares (so to speak) and you can get cards from all of them. Have fun with this. Think outside the box also.

Answer 2

Yellow pages does work for some of them. Also check out The Knot:

http://www.theknot.com

Anyone in your area who has signed up to advertise there will have a listing. Also, go to a wedding show - that brings the largest amount of them to one place. They tend to be in the fall and in the new year so make sure to check them out.

Answer 3

I actually found my cater in the Newspaper! So don't forget to check the Sunday paper for ads... Also if you go to places like David's Bridal, Macy's basically any type of store that services brides or bridal registries- they will give you free samples and packs of information. Also look on theknot.com- they are OK but they are always on the high end. Also if you have booked anything yet- ask them... most wedding people are connected and will recommend someone. Like if you have your florist- she might be able to tell you what caters she likes. We found our cater first and now are using her references for everything else.
EBay is also a great resource for favors and cake toppers- any small stuff you might want to order....
If your looking for less expensive or trying to get a deal, don't get frustrated... it takes more time. The most expensive people are always the most advertised! It takes a little longer to find the "little guys"!

Answer 4

i am having my wedding next month. there were three ways that i found my vendors.

1.) go to a bridal expo. (check theknot.com)

2.) visit theknot.com! there are tons of vendors that advertise through them.

3.) craigslist.org. There is a wedding forum where you can meet other like-minded invidividuals preparing for a wedding and get some first hand info on vendors!

good luck!

Answer 5

There are tons of internet resources. Talking to others who have had recent weddings, or other large parties in a banquet hall are good ideas as well. Try restaurants that have banquet facility capabilites.
Buy a wedding planning book, as well. You can find them at walmart.com, amazon.com, and in craft stores (that is where I got mine). They give you question sheets to help you pick the best place, such as price, availability, what'c included, things like that. Good luck and congrats!

Answer 6

Register on www.theknot.com.

Go to your local message board (there are multiple boards for most states on the Knot) and ask the locals.

They will help you find good vendors, and steer away from the bad ones.

Hope that helps!

Answer 7

I got married 1 month ago. I used weddingchannel.com.
You can manage your guest list, find vendors, order supplies, the whole nine yards! I thought it was a great tool.

Good luck, and Congrats!!

Answer 8

Go to the Association of Bridal Consultants web site and fill out their contact form. You'll be contacted by a planner in your area, with no obligation to use them.

http://www.bridalassn.com

You might not choose to hire a coordinator, but this is an easy way to chat with one and get some ideas -- and you might end up liking them!

Answer 9

I know this sounds pricey but really, I think it saves a lot of headache and is worth the money --a wedding planner could help you figure out the best ones --they know what's out there.

Answer 10

bridal shop employees can be a good source of information. they usually carry business cards of vendors.