Wedding Vendor Q&A

This past week, I was able to sit down and speak to some of our vendor friends and have them answer your most pressing questions. Since we know planning your big day is accompanied by a million different questions for all of your vendors, we decided to compile a list of some of our most asked questions. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more vendor Q&As and leave your questions in the comments!

Paper Goods - Lairsey Paper Company

What does the typical timeline look like for ordering paper goods for a wedding? 

The timeline process is going to look a little different for each wedding and the type of invitations you are looking to create. For completely custom wedding invitations, you want to book your designer 6-12 months in advance. Due to the creativity required, custom invitation designers typically take on fewer clients and therefore are typically booked out far in advance. For semi-custom wedding invitations, it's recommended to book at least 4-8 months in advance, but each designer has their own process. It's important to inquire with any designer you are interested in working with to find out their specific design and production process. 

At Lairsey Paper Co., we strive to have your invitations in-hand and ready to be delivered to your guests 12 weeks prior to your wedding. Working backwards from that date, we create a custom design and production timeline based on the specifics of your wedding. For example, we'll make adjustments if your wedding is at a destination or if you are expecting many guests from out-of-town. Because many of our clients opt for additional embellishments like calligraphy addressing and wax seals (both very time-intensive add-ons), we require a minimum of 4 weeks to produce & assemble the invitations once they are sent to print. 

Wedding invitations have several moving parts and are sometimes even sourced from different printers or paper providers! Working with a stationer gives you the comfort of knowing it is all being taken care of for you. 

What is something about your work that most people don’t know before booking you?

 Lairsey Paper Co. is a full-service stationery company, offering a range of wedding paper goods. We design everything from Save the Dates, Invitations, and Day-of Details (think programs, place cards + signage). When we work together on all three services, we can create an incredibly cohesive guest experience. Want to include a custom crest on your invitations? Let's add it to the wax seals for your save the dates - and include it on koozies, cocktail napkins, and welcome bags! These little touches make such a huge impact when done the right way. We use your wedding invitations and day-of details to share your story and make it feel so personal - creating an unforgettable experience for your guests. 

Hair and Makeup - Jolie

What does the booking process look like for your hair and makeup services?

At Jolie, we receive inquiries through various outlets such as Instagram, Facebook, vendor referrals, and word of mouth. We always direct our potential brides to go to our website at www.itmeanspretty.com and complete our inquiry form! This form will answer questions for us that will provide us with information to allow us to check availability and promptly put a quote together for them to review. Upon completing our inquiry form, potential brides will immediately receive a pricing and booking guide and a fun little questionnaire in their inbox! We want to make sure everyone is completely informed of how we work and what it takes to secure a date with us. Upon agreeing to her quote, the bride will then receive a contract with her specific information and invoice. Once the contract is signed and a retainer is received, they will officially be booked with our company!

What is your favorite part of getting brides ready for their wedding day?

Oh, what a loaded question! There are so many favorites, but to narrow it down, we are typically the first vendor of the bride and her bridal party on the big day. We like to create a calm, reassuring, friendly atmosphere that the bride and her favorite gals are being taken care of and pampered for the next few hours. We believe they should be surrounded by friends and not strangers. Our booking process and planning before the wedding day allows us to connect and get to know our brides before that morning comes. Our favorite part of getting brides ready is to see the look of confidence and excitement on our new friend's face when she is hair and makeup ready. It's priceless!

Florals - Stylish Stems

What trends have you noticed in wedding florals in the past few months?

We've been inspired by so many fun trends lately.   One of the trends we are really enjoying is the addition of dried elements within fresh floral arrangements.  Pampas grass, bleached foliage, and other dried textures add a modern twist to classic designs.  We love incorporating these pieces upon our client’s request!

What is one thing that always meakes setting up at a weddings go smoothly that most people don’t realize?

HAVING A GREAT PLANNER! There is so much coordination that needs to happen between the vendors and the venue in a small amount of time for the event setup.   Having an experienced planner to navigate the timeline between all the vendors and work out the kinks in any logistical issues makes our job as florists so much easier, and makes for an enjoyable planning experience for the bride!

Photography - Dash Photography

What makes the day run smoothly on wedding day for a photographer?

Definitely trust! This is huge for me. It's so important to let your vendors do their thing! You've hired professionals for a reason and as photographers, we do our best work when we're able to work freely and capture the day naturally. If you hand us a detailed shot list, the natural flow and unique parts of your day get lost. You are still totally welcome to send image ideas, but know that I create based on knowing you and your relationship as well as my artistic style. I will send you a questionnaire prior to your wedding day with our standard shot list + workflow as well as room for any special requests you might have. Otherwise, relax and enjoy the day, we got you!!

What would you like your potential clients to know about your services prior to booking you?

I'm more than just another vendor and my happiest moments are for my clients to feel loved and valued throughout the process! I love getting to know you guys beyond the wedding day details and timelines. A huge part of telling your story fully, creatively, and beautifully is knowing you guys! So, let's be friends and grab a cup of coffee or a yummy cocktail! 

Photography CREDIT | top to bottom

Dash Photography

Amanda Olivia Photography

A Creative Pear

Dash Photography