Wedding Vendor Checklist + Lethbridge Vendor Recommendations
Let’s be honest, the only people you NEED to make your wedding happen is you, your partner, and an officiant. Nothing crazy, just making things legal. But if you, like most soon-to-be-wed-people, dream of a fairytale day, there are a few important people you need there. Here is our recommendations of vendors that will make your day really sing plus some amazing local options.
1. Wedding Videographer
Shameless plug, but if you think about it, all you have left after your wedding day is your marriage and the memories. Maybe you keep your dress or preserve your florals, but they don’t tell the whole story of the day. Save your memories for years to come by hiring a videographer team to capture all your favourite moments. We promise, you won’t regret it. Too many people do regret not investing in wedding videography and it breaks our hearts. Don’t be them!
Lethbridge Wedding Videographers: Prairie Orchid Weddings (aka us!) - Contact us here.
2. Wedding Photographer
Photo and video goes together like PB & J. Both play such a vital role in preserving your memories and we highly advise not choosing one or the other. Take a peek at their work. Consider if you like their style and could envision yourself in their images. You’ll be spending a lot of time together so many couples also look for a photographer with a personality that suits theirs. Check out their social media and see what they’re like!
Lethbridge Wedding Photographers: Love & Be Loved | Jordan Faye Photography | Kayley D. Photography | Malorie Reiter | EWO Productions
3. Venue
While a venue isn’t technically a “vendor,” it’s an essential item to book for your big day. You kind of need a spot to say your I Do’s. Consider whether you’d like an outdoor or indoor venue. Some offer both which is a great hybrid option! There are so many beautiful wedding venues to choose from.
Lethbridge Wedding Venues: We put together a list of several in Southern Alberta. You can check them out here.
4. Dress
Also not a “vendor,” but a necessary piece to the wedding day. Gather your tribe and get shopping as soon as possible. Production times really vary so it’s best to get ahead of the curve. Some may be lucky enough to find the perfect fit right off the rack while others could be waiting 8+ months for their gown to arrive.
Lethbridge Wedding Dress Boutiques: Once Upon a Bride | Bells & Bows
5. Officiant
Like we mentioned, this person is truly the only must. The Alberta government has made officiating weddings an easy process for just about anyone. You can have a friend or family member host the ceremony and officiate the paperwork or you can hire a formal commissioner such as a pastor.
Lethbridge Wedding Officiants: Here is a link to apply to become a temporary marriage commissioner.
6. Florist
Faux or real, flowers are often a huge piece of the wedding decor. The main items often chosen for a wedding are the bride’s bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, groom and groomsmen boutonnieres, reception centrepieces, and other decorative accents. Take a peek at a few different florist portfolio’s to find one you love!
Lethbridge Florists: Bloomdiggity | New Hope YQL | Blooms
7. Catering
Dinner is arguably one of the best parts of the day. Right? Who doesn’t look forward to a gourmet meal after a long day. Each caterer offers a different culinary flair so find one that fits what you’re looking for. Or go non-traditional with a food truck or mass amounts of pizza. It’s your day so do it your way!
Lethbridge Wedding Caterers: LA Chefs | Country Kitchen
8. Desserts
Some catering companies include a cake or other desserts, but if you’re looking for something specialty, there are some amazing creators that produce incredible treats.
Lethbridge Wedding Cake & Desserts: Cakes A Lot | Brooklyn’s Little Bakery | Edible Elegance
9. DJ
Not only does a DJ keep the dance floor alive, but they are also masters at getting audio set up for your ceremony and reception. Whether indoor or outdoor, many of them can provide the equipment necessary to run speeches and music.
Lethbridge DJs: HiWay Productions
10. Transportation
How are your people getting from one location to another? This is a detail that can often get missed. It can be as simple as arranging family members to transport people, or for a bit more fun, rent a party bus or limo! The A/C is a lifesaver on hot days as well.
Lethbridge Wedding Transportation: California Dream Limousine
11. Hair & Makeup
You may opt to have a family member or friend complete your wedding day look, but to save some stress, we often recommend hiring a team of professionals. They are incredibly talented at perfecting all the little details and most offer trials prior to the big day. Pro tip: Book your hair and makeup trial for the same day to get the full effect!
Lethbridge Hairstylists: Hair By Riley | Union Salon | Hair By Melissa | Brio Salon
Lethbridge Makeup Artists: Bilana Beauty | Kristin Laurie | Savanna Beauty
12. Stationary
People need to know when and where! It makes such a difference (and relieves so much stress!) to hire a professional stationer to complete your wedding suite. Invites, save the dates, and even day-of details are their specialty.
Lethbridge Wedding Stationary: Two Fourteen Design | Kathlyn Jarvis
13. Planner
Let’s face it, wedding days are complex. It’s a huge win to be able to pass off the planning to a professional. Some may opt to handle everything themselves, but these pros bring a lot of knowledge and experience to the table. They are your go between for vendor communication, styling, day-of-coordination, and so much more!
Lethbridge Wedding Planners: Wilde Flower Wedding Co. | Prairie & Co. Weddings
That may look like a long list, but take it one at a time. Find the vendors you truly love to make your plans come to life.
If wedding videography is important to you (as it should be!), reach out to us. We would love to hear more about your plans and capture your wedding.