YOUR WEDDING VENDORS CREATE YOUR DREAM TEAM
Planning your wedding can be like producing a blockbuster movie. You’re the director, your wedding vendors are your crew, and each play a crucial role in bringing your vision to life. From florists to photographers, caterers to musicians, selecting the right team can make the difference between a box-office romance and a comedic flop. At Factory51, we understand the importance of assembling a dream team of wedding vendors. Here’s our guide to ensure your big day receives standing ovations.
Understand Your Vision
Before you scout for vendors, be clear on your wedding vision. Do you dream of a rustic industrial wedding or a sophisticated city affair? Your theme, colour scheme, and personal style will guide your choices. Create a moodboard with colours and images that inspire you. This will be a valuable tool in communicating your vision to potential vendors.
Set Your Budget
Your budget is the screenplay of your wedding production. It outlines what is possible. Be realistic and allocate funds according to your priorities. Maybe you’re a foodie who dreams of a gourmet dining experience, or perhaps photography is where you want to invest most. Knowing your budget boundaries will help you and your vendors find creative solutions without financial strain.
Start with Key Vendors
Your venue often sets the stage for the rest of your decisions. Venues like Factory51 offer not just a location but a canvas on which your dream wedding unfolds. Once your venue is booked, prioritise vendors who need to be locked in early, such as photographers, videographers, and celebrants. These vendors can book out far in advance, especially during peak wedding season.
Research and Recommendations
Dive into research with bridal websites, social media, and wedding planning apps. Personal recommendations are gold, so be sure to ask friends, family, and your venue for vendors they’ve loved working with. There are plenty of Facebook groups (such as ‘Brisbane & Gold Coast Wedding Brides’) that can be helpful in sourcing recommendations and reviews about specific vendors.
Tip: Keep reading to see the vendors that Factory51 recommend below.
Interview Your Potential Vendors
Once you’ve shortlisted vendors, arrange meetings. These interviews are like auditions. Are they excited about your vision? Do they offer creative ideas and solutions? Ensure their personality is a good fit as you’ll be working closely with them over the coming months. Ask to see portfolios and taste samples where applicable, and don’t forget to discuss their experience with weddings that are similar in size and style to yours.
Communication is Key
Your wedding vendors are part of your team, so clear communication is essential. Be upfront about your expectations, budget, and concerns. A good vendor will listen and provide solutions, or let you know early in the piece that they aren’t the right fit for you. Ensure you understand what is included in their services and what might be extra. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and added stress closer to your wedding day.
Read the Fine Print
Contracts protect both you and your vendors. Ensure everything discussed is outlined in the contract, including specifics about services provided, timelines, payment schedules, cancellation policies, and contingency plans. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before signing.
Trust Your A-Team
Once you’ve assembled your dream team, trust them. You’ve chosen them for their expertise and creativity. Allow them the freedom to work their magic. While it’s important to communicate your vision and preferences, micromanaging can stifle their ability to deliver their best work.
At Factory51, we pride ourselves on being more than just a venue. Our team is committed to making your wedding day as beautiful and seamless as possible. With our list of preferred vendors who share our dedication to excellence and familiarity with our unique venue, we can help guide you towards creating a team that will bring your wedding dreams to life.
The Wedding Journey
Remember, the journey to your big day should be as enjoyable as the event itself. Building a dream team of wedding vendors doesn’t happen overnight. It requires thought, research, and careful selection. But the payoff is immeasurable. By assembling a dream team of wedding vendors, you’re not just planning a wedding; you’re crafting an experience that you and your guests will cherish for a lifetime. Start with a clear vision, communicate openly, and trust in the professionals you’ve chosen. Let the experts do what they do best, so you can focus on what’s most important – celebrating your love story. At Factory51, we’re here to ensure your wedding day is everything you dreamed of and more.
Factory51 Recommended Vendors
DJ, Band, Acoustic
G&M EVENT GROUP | https://gmeventgroup.com.au/
BAKER BOYS | https://www.bakerboysband.com.au/
HAMILTON BAND | https://www.hamiltonband.com.au/
BASSLINE STUDIOS | https://www.basslinestudios.com.au/
RJ UNPLUGGED | https://www.rjunplugged.com.au
JOHANNA & JAYDEN | https://www.johannaandjaydenmusic.com
STEVE CARLYLE | https://www.stevecarlyle.com.au/
Celebrant
YOUR STORY CELEBRANT – Danielle Wildermuth | https://www.yourstorycelebrant.com.au/
LEANNE BROOKER CELEBRANT – Leanne Brooker | https://www.leannebookercelebrant.com/
ANGE B CEREMONIES – Ange Buttigieg | https://angebceremonies.com.au/
POPPY & THYME CELEBRANT – Rachel Williams | http://poppyandthyme.com.au/
I AM CELEBRANT SAM – Sam Capewell | https://www.iamcelebrantsam.com.au/
BRISBANE MARRIAGE CELEBRANT – Jamie Eastgate | https://brisbaneweddingdecorators.com.au/celebrant-brisbane/
Photographer
RACONTEUR PHOTOGRAPHY – Adam and Charlene | https://raconteurphotography.com.au/
TODD HUNTER MCGAW – Todd Hunter McGaw | https://www.toddhuntermcgaw.com.au/
JESS TOOK THIS – Jessica Guy | https://www.jesstookthis.com/
THE LANE CREATORS – Ryan and Danielle | https://thelanecreators.com.au/
WILLIDEA | https://willidea.net/
LIGHT SMITH IMAGES – Danielle Smith | https://www.lightsmithimages.com.au/
Styling
NEXT EVENTS | https://nextevent.com.au/
AV IDEAS | http://www.avideas.com.au/
BORROWED EVENT HIRE – Gemma Burrows | https://www.borrowedeventhire.com/
MOMENTS MADE EASY – Jess Foley | https://momentsmadeeasy.com.au/
BRISBANE WEDDING DECORATORS – Cara Hodge| https://brisbaneweddingdecorators.com.au/
FAME-EVENTS – April Booij | https://fame-events.com.au/
AUTUMN GROVE EVENTS | https://www.autumngroveevents.com.au/
Florist
KATES DAWES FLOWER DESIGN | https://www.katedawesflowerdesign.com.au/
GARDEN GRAFFITI | https://www.gardengraffiti.com.au/
THE LITTLE FLOWER MARKET | https://www.thelittleflowermarket.net.au/
BLOOMS BY BRIDIE | https://bloomsbybridie.com.au
Lighting
BIG LIGHT LETTERS | https://www.biglightletters.com.au
LIGHT OF THE PARTY | https://lightoftheparty.com.au
BRISBANE FAIRY LIGHTS | https://www.brisbanefairylights.com.au
Photobooth
IN THE BOOTH | https://www.inthebooth.com.au/
THE PHOTO BOOTH GUYS | https://photobooth.co
SNAPTURED | www.snaptured.com.au
Cake
VANILLA POD – Carla Burns | https://www.vanillapod.com.au/
SWEET SOCIETY CO – Diana Llanos | https://www.thesweetsocietyco.com.au/
PEACE OF CAKE – Katie Miller | https://www.peaceofcake.com.au/
PETAL AND PEACH BAKERY – Rebecca Brown | https://petalandpeachbespokecakery.com/
Images by Still Wild Love