From cake baker to candlestick provider, get to know the people (and services) who can help make your wedding dreams come true.
Even if you're the most Type-A, hands-on type of person, planning a wedding of any size will likely mean enlisting the expertise of one or two of the pros. Here's a guide to the many suppliers available and their role in orchestrating a successful event. In all cases, make sure you ask for references and check out their work before making a final decision.
The Baker
When to contact: Three to six months before your wedding day.
What they do: A baker can custom-design a wedding cake using your dress, bouquet or wedding colours as inspiration. It can be a real cake, in the flavour you want, or you can rent a Styrofoam cake and have individually wrapped pieces of real cake for guests to take away. Many bakers rent or sell cake ornaments and offer a large selection of bonbonnières. Most will deliver directly to your reception site.
What to do: Make an appointment to choose a cake. For a custom design, bring colour samples or anything you'd like it fashioned after, such as a fabric swatch or a copy of your invitation. Set the time you'd like it delivered, or make arrangements to have it picked up.
The Decorator
When to call: One to three months before your wedding.
What they do: Decorate your reception space, incorporating your colours and theme. Designs can include arches, sculptures (such as hearts or trees), wall decor and centrepieces.
What to do: Make an appointment to view photographs of past work. Bring colour samples, or fabric swatches. Find out how much time is needed to set up, and arrange for access to your reception space on your wedding day.
Bridal Boutique
When to contact: As early as possible: it can take six to nine months to fill a dress order.
What they do: A boutique’s fashion consultants can help you find the right style of dress for your body type. The salon will place a special order and, once it's arrived, have a seamstress make alterations. Most will also offer bridesmaids' dresses and accessories, including headpieces and veils.
What to do: For the best service, schedule an appointment. On your first visit, bring pictures of dresses you are interested in. Most will suggest you try several styles before deciding. Appointments can be arranged for attendants' gowns and fittings.
The Caterer
When to contact: Four to six months before your wedding day; some may be able to take jobs on shorter notice. Many reception halls (hotels in particular) offer in-house catering or will ask that you choose from a list of preferred caterers.
What they do: Most offer a choice of wedding menus or packages, or can create a custom menu. The caterer provides all food, serving staff, bartenders, and sometimes all associated rentals (such as tableware and linens) for your reception. They may help design table settings and layout of the tables. If you are renting tables and chairs from elsewhere, the caterer may set them up, and take them down after the reception. Some companies offer extensive special event services such as: finding a reception site; supplying wedding cakes, flowers, limousine service and photographer; getting liquor at cost; or providing music.
What to do: Make an appointment. Provide the approximate number of guests when you first meet; a final number must be given about two weeks before the date. A liquor permit may be necessary if your reception is in an unlicensed location. Arrange access to the reception site for plenty of time to set up.
The Disc Jockey
When to contact: Six months to a year before your wedding.
What they do: A professional DJ provides all the music and equipment, and can help you source and select special songs. If special songs are required for the ceremony, a DJ could operate sound equipment during the service. They may also provide microphones for speeches and toasts.
What to do: Inform the DJ on the size and location of your reception space and any special requests you have. Outline a music program, listing start and end times for each period of music and include the timing of other events such as your first dance, speeches, specialty dances and so on. Make arrangements for the DJ to set up before guests arrive.
The Florist
When to contact: Three to six months before your wedding if you want fresh flowers; less notice required for silk or dried flowers. More notice may be required for a large wedding.
What they do: Provide all the flowers – fresh, silk, or dried – for the bride, groom, wedding party, and ceremony and reception sites. Arrangements and bouquets can be custom-designed to suit your taste and colours. Delivery can be arranged to the ceremony and reception sites on your wedding day, or made available for pick-up.
What to do: Make an appointment to view photos of floral designs. Bring swatches of fabric and sketches of your gown and attendants' gowns. For fresh flowers, find out if any of your attendants have pollen allergies; you don't want sneezing fits at the altar! Provide details for delivery.
Gift Registry Service
When to contact: Six months to a year before your wedding day.
What they do: A registry service helps avoid duplicate gifts, and lets guests know exactly what you want. A consultant can advise on choosing a range of items to suit different budgets. Registry services are available for housewares and accessories, artwork, honeymoon packages, or home furnishings. As a convenient option, many retailers can make your registry available to your guests via a website.
What to do: Prepare a basic list of what you want to register for to discuss with a consultant. Bring colour samples if you want to match things to your home decor.
Limousine Service
When to contact: Three to six months before your wedding. For specialty or vintage cars, bookings may be required a year or more in advance. Specialists may be available in your area for alternative transportation, such as horse-drawn carriages or yachts.
What they do: Provide transportation and driver(s) for as long as you wish; the average is four or five hours. Some may have vintage or imported cars.