Why You Don’t Always Have to Choose a Venue’s Recommended Suppliers
Choosing your wedding suppliers is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. Many venues offer a list of recommended suppliers, including photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainment. While this can be a great resource, it’s important to know that you’re not always obligated to choose from their list. As a professional wedding photographer at Just James Weddings, I believe that every couple deserves the freedom to create their perfect day, and that includes selecting the right suppliers for them.
Understanding Venue Recommended Suppliers
Many wedding venues provide a list of trusted suppliers they have worked with before. This list is often curated based on experience, reliability, and the supplier’s familiarity with the venue. While this can seem like an easy and safe option, it’s not always the best choice for every couple.
Pros of Using Venue Recommended Suppliers
Familiarity with the venue – Recommended suppliers have likely worked at the venue before, meaning they know the best spots for photos, lighting conditions, and setup requirements. This experience can help streamline the process on your wedding day.
Proven reliability – Since these suppliers have worked with the venue before, they have an established reputation for being dependable and professional.
Streamlined coordination – The venue and the suppliers already have a good working relationship, which can make communication and logistics more efficient.
Potential cost savings – Some venues offer package deals or discounts when booking their preferred suppliers, which could help you stay within budget.
Cons of Using Venue Recommended Suppliers
Limited choices – A venue’s recommended supplier list may not include your dream photographer, florist, or caterer, restricting your options.
Possible commission-based recommendations – Some venues receive commissions from suppliers for recommending them. This means the list may not always be based on quality or value but rather on financial arrangements.
Lack of personal connection – Just because a supplier works well with the venue doesn’t mean they align with your vision, style, or personality. It’s essential to choose vendors who truly understand and match your aesthetic.
Higher costs in some cases – While some venue suppliers may offer discounts, others may charge more because of their affiliation with the venue, making it more expensive than sourcing your own.
Making the Right Choice for Your Wedding
When selecting suppliers, think about what matters most to you. If a recommended supplier aligns with your vision and offers great service, then they could be a great option. However, if you have a particular photographer, florist, or caterer in mind, don’t be afraid to ask the venue if you can bring in your own team.
Questions to Ask Your Venue:
Are we allowed to use external suppliers?
Are there any additional fees for bringing our own suppliers?
What are the requirements for external vendors?
Have you worked with external suppliers before?
If your venue is flexible, you can build your dream team of suppliers who align perfectly with your style, budget, and personality.
Conclusion
While venue-recommended suppliers can offer convenience and reliability, they may not always be the best fit for your wedding. As a couple, you should feel empowered to make choices that reflect your unique love story. Whether you opt for a recommended supplier or bring in your own, what matters most is that you have a team who understands and shares your vision.
At Just James Weddings, I encourage couples to explore all their options to ensure their wedding day is as personal and special as possible. Happy planning!
