Hey there, lovely couples-to-be!
I'm Latham Stevens, owner of Latham Stevens Events. As a destination wedding planner, I'm no stranger to the thrill (and occasional overwhelm) of orchestrating celebrations in new and exciting locations. One of my favorite parts of the journey? Navigating the maze of out-of-town vendor research.
Whether you’re from a town with limited options or have a specific vision in mind, finding the perfect out-of-town vendors for your wedding can be an adventure, but fear not! With the magic of technology and a little research, you'll be well on your way to assembling your dream team.
Get social
Dive into Instagram and TikTok to get a feel for vendors' styles and vibes. While their feeds showcase their best work, peeking into tagged posts gives you a glimpse of their collaborations and connections.
2. Explore Tagged Posts
Start with photographers—they're like the hub of the vendor wheel, tagging everyone involved in their events. Notice any recurring names? Those are the ones to check out. Browse through planners, venues, florists, videographers, and rentals to see who resonates with your vision.
3. Check Websites and Reviews
This might sound obvious, but take a virtual stroll through vendors' websites to learn more about what they offer and see if it aligns with your vision. And don't forget to read reviews! They're like little love notes from past couples, giving you insight into what it's like to work with them.
4. reach out!
After exploring their online presence, don't be shy—send a friendly message expressing your interest and explaining your out-of-town status. Most vendors are thrilled to chat and offer guidance. Let them know you're open to hopping on a call to chat further.
5. Schedule Calls
Set up phone or video calls with your top picks. It's like a first date but for vendors! This is your chance to see if your personalities click, if they truly get your vision (the most important!), and how their process works to have them come to your location.
6. Show Gratitude and Decide
After your chats, be sure to thank each vendor for their time and insights. And when you've made your decision (regardless of whether or not you’re hiring them), let them know—transparency is key!
By following these steps with a sprinkle of warmth and openness, you'll not only find the perfect out-of-town vendors but also make some new friends along the way. The wedding world is small, but the traveling vendor crowd is even tighter so you’re always in good circle for referrals. Be sure to follow me on social @lathamstevensevents and say hi!
Happy planning!
Latham Stevens, Author
Latham runs Latham Stevens Events with her amazing sister, Alex. She’s a Memphis native, but currently living in Alaska with her husband and 3 kids, and loves meeting couples wherever they’re at in the world!
