Wedding planning is filled with lots of decisions that shape your special day. Selecting the right vendors is a pivotal step, with each professional contributing to the realization of your dream celebration. From venues to planners and caterers to florists, the process can be daunting. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of selecting wedding vendors to create a dream team that will help you achieve the goals for your wedding day. I’ve included a few of my favorite local vendors for Tacoma and Seattle, Washington-based weddings.
Setting the Foundation - Choose your Venue and Wedding Planner
Your wedding venue serves as the canvas for your celebration, influencing the overall atmosphere. Think about how it will photograph. Is it a barn with dark walls? Is it a greenhouse? A ballroom? Is there a beautiful outdoor space for golden hour photos? If you envision a bright and timeless look for your wedding, then the space you choose should reflect that. There are many other factors that go into choosing your venue. How many people will attend? What kind of food do you plan to serve?
Next, hire a wedding planner. A local wedding planner can provide valuable insight, ensuring your celebration aligns seamlessly with your vision. I made the mistake of not having a coordinator of any kind for my wedding (BIG yikes!). I was very organized in the pre-wedding process and did as many things as I could ahead of time so that I could relax on my wedding day. I also delegated tasks on the wedding day to friends and family that I knew could handle it. BUT, when it came to the timeline and day-of details, I would have been in trouble if one of my bridesmaids hadn’t taken it into her hands to make sure everything went smoothly. SO, don’t do what I did. Hire a planner if only just for the wedding day itself. There will be much less for you and your loved ones to worry about.
Venues: Brix on Main, Farm12, Terra Valley Farms, Trillium Nursery Farms, Rein Fire Ranch
Planning/Coordination: Colleen's Coordinating, Events with Jojo, Heartfelt Sentiment, Leszewski-Grove Events, Love Launch
Capturing the Moments - Photographer and Videographer
With the venue selected, your next focus should be capturing the once-in-a-lifetime moments of your wedding day. Book a photographer and videographer early to secure professionals whose style resonates with your vision. And remember, communication and collaboration is key to create a cohesive visual narrative that reflects the aesthetics you desire.
Photography: Victory Dawn Photography (Duh!)
Videography: Be Holy Weddings, By Captivate Films, Kanerifilms, Mountain and Maker Films
Savoring the Flavor - Caterer, Baker and Drinks
I’ll be honest, the food is something I look forward to for every wedding I attend. However, It can look significantly different for each wedding celebration. Just make sure that what you envision for food matches with your venue requirements. Does it include a buffet, charcuterie boards, steak, tacos, food trucks? Selecting a caterer who can craft a menu tailored to your taste and your budget is so important.
Wedding cakes are a classic but there are plenty of other desert options if you aren’t a cake person. Think about instead having a donut wall, candy bar, ice cream truck or even pie!
Catering: Bayleaf Catering, Coney's Culinary Creations and Events
Sweets: Bliss Icecream, Cheesecake Sammys, Florida Peach Sweets, Spilled Butter Desserts
Drinks: Aifiya Lounge, Bartender For Hire, Mustache Milk Tea, Tost Beverages
Setting the Mood - Florist and Entertainment
Carefully selected florals and entertainment really elevate the ambiance. Trust your florist to design arrangements that complement your color palette and include the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Many florists prefer to use local flowers that are in season for only a certain period of time, so the season of your wedding may impact what florals are available.
Simultaneously, choose entertainment options such as a live band or DJ to set the mood and keep the celebration lively.
Floral: Budding Romance Floral, Loveleigh Blooms, Moonflower Design Co, Twisted Bramble
DJ: Wes Jamieson, Orion Entertainment
Completing the Look - Bridal Attire and Hair/Makeup
As the details come together, focus on bridal and groom attire. Select a bridal boutique for your gown or suit, ensuring it aligns with your own aesthetic. Coordinate with a hair and makeup artist to perfect your look for the big day. And do a trial run! That way, you can make any changes you would like so that you feel like the most beautiful person on the planet on your wedding day.
Bridal Attire: Brides for a Cause, Weddings With Joy
Hair/Makeup: Blessfull Beauty Skin, Salon 790, K and Hart Beauty Collective
The Final Touch - Stationery and Officiant
Complete the wedding experience with carefully crafted stationery and signage that sets the tone for your celebration. Whether or not you have a family member, friend or pastor to officiate, be sure to hire an officiant who resonates with your values and can personalize the ceremony to reflect your unique love story.
Stationery: Honest Calligraphy
Officiant: Another One Ties the Knot
Following this step-by-step guide to selecting wedding vendors local to the Tacoma and Seattle Washington area ensures that you build a dream team who understands and embodies your story. Happy planning!