Getting married in Rhode Island can be challenging since it is a wedding hotspot with a long list of vendors. Narrow your options and choose local vendors who are familiar with your selected venue and setting, who can also see your vision and transform it into a day you won’t ever forget. Ease your stress and reduce your worry with the right wedding vendor insights.
Planning a wedding can leave couples feeling overwhelmed by the endless list of decisions that need to be made, especially when it comes to choosing vendors. You understand the importance of hiring local partners who know the venue and have connections in the Rhode Island area. But that means searching through so many listings in hopes of finding the one that will match your vision and vibe.
The last thing an engaged couple wants is to choose a vendor with whom they have creative differences or one who doesn’t follow through with their promises. So, how do you keep this from happening? Know how to find trusted wedding vendors that can reduce your stress and elevate your excitement for the big day.
This article explores vendor insights that will help you navigate the entire experience of getting married in Rhode Island.
Why is Rhode Island So Popular For Weddings?
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but it is one of the busiest for weddings. And the abundance of vendors reflects that. Choosing local means having experienced professionals who are familiar with the landscape and everything that comes with it. For instance, local wedding planners know the hidden gems and areas that will bring your vision to life, including the permits that are required. Local photographers understand the best angles when dealing with the coastal light, and caterers can curate a delicious and fresh local feast.
Rhode Island is the full package. Here are some insights to help you make your dreams come true.
Wedding Vendor Insights: The Wedding Planner
Wedding planners are essential when trying to put together your celebration. Regardless of whether you live locally or not, having a local planner can make everything flow together much easier. Plus, they will have local insights and networks that will narrow down the exhaustive vendor list.
Keep in mind that wedding planners do not just handle the big details of your wedding, but also address the weather, traffic flow patterns, and so much more. Their goal is to handle everything so you don’t have to.
Below are a few key things to ask when vetting these individuals:
- How familiar are you with Rhode Island’s vendor-licensing process?
- Do you have vendor recommendations throughout the state, such as Providence, Westerly, and Newport?
- Do you have experience at different venues?
Wedding planners should have a portfolio so that you can get an idea of their skills and creative ability. Don’t forget to ask about it!
Wedding Vendor Insights: The Venue
There is a wide variety of venues available for weddings, each with its own set of characteristics. Rustic-chic barns, elegant coastal estates, and historical mansions all provide charm that you just can’t find anywhere else.
You should consider your chosen venue when selecting your vendors. Here’s why.
Waterfront estates require vendors who are experienced in outdoor ceremonies, whereas historic homes need vendors who know how to respect and preserve the historical building while still decorating to meet your expectations. When it comes to barns and industrial urban venues, you will want to select vendors who know how to adapt to the many different themes that can be used.
When interviewing vendors, ask if they have worked at the venue before and if they are familiar with all the restrictions and issues that may arise at that location.
Wedding Vendor Insights: The Photographers & Videographers
Photographers and videographers spend your special day with you, but in the background. As you are living in the moment, they are capturing it—all of it. This is someone you want at your wedding. Hiring a photographer and videographer who work together can give you the best batch of memories, as their work will be consistent.
Here are a few insights before making your decision:
- Choosing someone locally can help ensure you yield the best results. Your photographer should know how to work with the elements and be able to anticipate shots as the light begins to fade. The same holds for videographers.
- Photographers should be able to match their style to the venue to capture the best images.
- Videographers should offer multiple types of footage, such as drone footage, highlight reels, and multi-camera setups. This way you won’t miss a beat.
Wedding Vendor Insights: The Florists & Stylists
You hire florists and decor stylists to transform the venue to match your vision. It doesn’t matter whether it is indoors or outdoors; much attention to detail can elevate the celebration. Greenery and flowers can be found throughout, as well as perfectly draped tables, bold centerpieces, and unique design ideas that set your wedding apart.
Here are a few tips:
- Choose a florist who is familiar with Rhode Island’s climate to ensure your bouquets and decor will hold up for the duration of the event.
- Look for stylists who have a portfolio that reflects diversity based on the venue.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for ideas to see just how well they align with yours.
Wedding Vendor Insights: The Entertainment
DJs, bands, and other forms of entertainment are necessary for the wedding celebration, especially the reception. They keep the mood light and fun while also providing a background noise. They may even help with the transition between each part of the day.
Hiring local vendors will ensure that they are familiar with local sound ordinances. This is always something you should ask about. As you are searching for the best fit, here are a few additional things to consider:
- Find someone who has experience at the venue or one similar.
- Ensure they can meet the demand indoors and outdoors, handling the equipment in the space allowed.
Discuss with your potential vendor their willingness to work closely with your wedding planner to create a cohesive plan for the timeline and flow of the event.
Wedding Vendor Insights: The Caterers & Cake Artists
Food and dessert are a big part of weddings and receptions. You want guests to remember how beautiful and amazing your big day was, from all aspects. What you don’t want is for them to say how beautiful the centerpieces were, but how awful the food tasted. Choose your caterer and cake artist carefully. And, since you are in Rhode Island, local vendors can help provide the best New England eats.
What to know about making your selection?
- Discuss local favorites or specialties they offer.
- Think outside the box, listening to the professional’s ideas rather than strictly sticking to your own.
- Talk to the baker about your venue and ideas to determine the best type of cake.
Wedding Vendor Insights: Budgeting
Budgeting for vendors is crucial when it comes to planning your wedding. But this can be tough to do when you aren’t sure what to expect, and the costs vary from location to location, even within the state of Rhode Island.
Many of these things depend on your venue, the size of your guest list, the time required, and so forth. On average, you should expect to spend 12% to 15% of your budget on the photographer/videographer, 8% to 12% on catering, 5% to 10% on florists, and 10% to 15% on a wedding planner.
Note that this is just a general idea of expectation. Where you choose to host your wedding in Rhode Island will play a significant role in the final cost.
Wedding Vendor Insights: Vetting
When you begin hiring vendors for your wedding, you are bringing several people together to create one magical event. Because you want to ensure that nothing goes wrong, it is important that you take your time vetting them.
A few questions you should seek answers to include:
- Have you worked at a wedding at my chosen venue?
- Do you know how to support my style or theme?
- Do you have backup plans in case of an emergency or weather concerns?
- Are your rates flat or hourly?
- Do you have a cancellation policy?
- Are you licensed to do business in Rhode Island?
The more you get to know your vendors, the better chance you have of securing someone who will be a positive influence on your event.
Find Trusted Vendors at REEL Vendor Network
Are you getting married in Rhode Island? REEL Vendor Network is a platform that puts you in touch with pre-vetted, local professionals who can take away the stress and guesswork. Photographers, videographers. DJs, planners, florists, caterers, and so much more have proven that they deliver nothing short of excellence. And they are right at your fingertips.
When you know you can trust your wedding vendors, you can rest easy and know that your special day is going to flow together beautifully. Consider it planning made simple. Learn more today!
Rhode Island didn’t become a popular destination for weddings without having everything it takes to make them unforgettable for all the right reasons. With these insights and tips, you will know what to look for as you seek out your trusted wedding vendors.