Wedding Vendors: Use Local or Bring Own?

In many ways, planning a destination wedding can be easier and less stressful than a local wedding. One of the main reasons is because many decisions are out of the couple's control, or if there is a decision, there are often very few choices. Wedding vendors tend to fall into the "few choices" category, which may lead to brides and grooms scouring their home town for local wedding vendors that can come along. Stop searching! For most vendors, it is best to trust the island's resources and keep it local.

Use a Local Wedding Vendor
The majority of the time, it is best to use local florists, musicians, caterers and bakeries. Flowers and food do not travel well and may not be allowed through customs. Also, local florists and caterers will know what flowers and food are in season, creating the best bouquets and delicious dinners. Local bands can usually play traditional wedding songs, as well as bring a local touch to the music and atmosphere. For example, in the islands the band may bring along steel drums adding a unique touch to the wedding. If a DJ is preferred, a playlist can be provided in the same manner it could at home.

When using local wedding vendors, it is still a good idea to research what they can provide, how much it will cost and what others have said about them in the past. A good wedding coordinator can usually offer recommendations as well as referrals from past events. Although it takes a lot of trust in picking vendors from afar, it can save money, time and stress by choosing local vendors.

Wedding Coordinator
Many resorts provide a wedding coordinator with their wedding packages. It is best to make sure the coordinator has plenty of experience in planning weddings at the location, as well as good relationships with local wedding vendors. Even if the resort does not provide an experienced wedding coordinator on-site, the resort should be able to recommend a few local companies.

When researching local wedding coordinators at your destination, it is a good idea to ask for references, read reviews, ask about their experience and relationship with other wedding vendors and see if they offer a package (or customized plan) that fits your budget and needs. The wedding planner is the most important local vendor because they are your main contact and source of information for all other vendors on the island. Having a coordinator the bride and groom trust and are comfortable with will lend itself to stress-free wedding planning.

It is recommended that the wedding coordinator be local to the destination because they can be the on-location contact for all vendors and the venue, making the bride and groom's life much easier knowing someone is at their wedding destination working on their special day.

Photographer
Although many destinations have wonderful local photographers, this is one wedding vendor that might be worth bringing with you. When the wedding day is over, the photos are the memory keepers for the rest of your life, so you want them to be wonderful. If there is a great local photographer that you know will do a fabulous job, than by all means, please use them. But, if you are taking a chance with an unknown photographer, it might be worth taking the time to interview, meet, and really get a feel for a few home town photographers' style and work.

Many photographers love the idea of having destination wedding photos to show future clients, as well as being able to get away for a mini vacation. Due to this, it is not always as expensive as it may seem to bring a photographer to the destination. Most will require that airfare and hotel expenses are paid for, but will discount the photo package price to help compensate for the added expense. Ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for a discount.

Another benefit to bringing a photographer from home is finalizing the photos and photo albums after the wedding. It is much easier to make phone calls and visit the photographer's studio when making adjustments to the wedding album if they live in your home town.

Caution! It is important to make sure the resort and destination (island/country) will allow outside vendors. Additionally, check to see if a fee will be incurred if an outside vendor is used.

With all your wedding vendors, whether local to the destination or brought from home, make sure you are comfortable and happy with your choice. If you like the people you are working with, the entire day will be more fun!

What do you think? Which vendors are best to bring with you and which ones are better to find local?