Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll ever take. It’s also one of the most detailed, with dozens of decisions to make and suppliers to choose from. From photographers and florists to musicians and celebrants, your chosen suppliers will bring your vision to life. Get it right, and your day will run seamlessly, filled with personal touches and unforgettable memories.
But with so many options, where do you start? In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose the right wedding suppliers, what questions to ask, and what to look for when comparing professionals. We’ll also show you how live music – including the bespoke performances offered by JAM Duo (cello and piano) – can elevate your wedding atmosphere from start to finish.
Why Choosing the Right Suppliers Matters
Every supplier plays a role in your wedding experience. The photographer captures your memories, the florist sets the tone with flowers, the celebrant makes the ceremony official, and the musicians create the soundtrack of your day. If one piece falls out of place, the effect can ripple through the celebration.
Here’s why your supplier choices matter:
- Atmosphere: Music, flowers, and décor create the emotional feel of the day.
- Timing: Coordinated suppliers keep everything on schedule.
- Memories: The professionals you hire shape what you and your guests remember most.
- Stress levels: Good suppliers reduce your stress, taking care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the day.
The right suppliers aren’t just providing a service – they’re partners in creating your dream wedding.
Where to Begin
When you first get engaged, the list of suppliers can feel overwhelming. Most couples will need at least:
- Venue
- Celebrant or registrar
- Photographer
- Videographer (optional, but increasingly popular)
- Florist
- Musicians / DJ / entertainment
- Hair and makeup artist
- Caterer (if not provided by venue)
- Cake maker
- Stationer (invitations, signage, menus)
- Décor / stylist (for larger weddings)
Not every couple will book all of these, but most will need at least half. A good starting point is to book your venue first, as this sets the date and often determines which suppliers are available. Once the venue is confirmed, you can build your dream team.
How to Choose Your Wedding Suppliers
Step 1: Define Your Priorities
Every couple has different priorities. Some want incredible photography above all else. Others care most about the party atmosphere, or about making the ceremony deeply personal. Sit down together and rank what matters most. This helps guide your budget and ensures you spend where it makes the most difference to you.
Step 2: Research and Shortlist
Use multiple sources when researching:
- Venue recommendations: Many venues provide a list of trusted suppliers.
- Online directories: Hitched, Bridebook, Guides for Brides, etc.
- Social media: Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are great for seeing suppliers’ work.
- Word of mouth: Friends, family, or colleagues who recently married can offer recommendations.
From here, shortlist two to four suppliers in each category.
Step 3: Ask the Right Questions
When speaking to potential suppliers, don’t just ask about price. Ask about experience, style, flexibility, and how they work with other suppliers. For example:
- Photographer: “How do you approach candid vs posed shots? Have you shot at our venue before?”
- Florist: “Which flowers will be in season on our date? Can you work with our colour scheme?”
- Musicians: “Can you play our favourite songs live? How do you manage transitions between ceremony and drinks?”
Step 4: Compare and Decide
Create a spreadsheet or notes to compare quotes, packages, and first impressions. Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Personality and professionalism matter hugely – you’ll spend your wedding day with these people, so choose suppliers you feel comfortable with.
Key Wedding Suppliers and What to Look For
Let’s look at the major supplier categories in more detail.
1. Musicians and Entertainment
Music is one of the most powerful ways to shape the atmosphere of your wedding. It can make your bridal entrance spine-tingling, your drinks reception joyful, and your wedding breakfast elegant.
What to look for in wedding musicians:
- Live performance: Always ask whether the music will be live or partly pre-recorded. Live music creates energy and connection.
- Repertoire: Do they offer flexibility across genres? Can they arrange specific songs for you?
- Experience: Have they played at weddings before? Do they understand timing (e.g. ending a piece perfectly as the bride reaches the aisle)?
- Professionalism: How do they present themselves? Do they liaise with venues smoothly?
- Equipment: Can they adapt to indoor/outdoor spaces? Do they provide amplification if needed?
Spotlight on JAM Duo:
JAM Duo (Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello) specialise in live music for weddings across the UK. With over 337 recordings on their Listen Page (for inspiration only – they can arrange any song you like), every piece is performed live with no backing tracks. Their gloss black piano shell ensures the setup looks as elegant as it sounds, blending seamlessly into venues from barns to manor houses.
Whether you want contemporary pop, classical elegance, or even smooth piano jazz during your wedding breakfast, JAM Duo tailor everything to you.
2. Photographer
Your wedding photographs will last a lifetime, so choosing the right photographer is critical.
What to look for:
- Style: Do you prefer candid/documentary, classic, or editorial? Look through full galleries, not just Instagram highlights.
- Personality: You’ll spend hours with them, so you need to feel comfortable.
- Experience with weddings: Shooting in fast-moving, emotional environments is very different from studio photography.
- Packages and extras: Do they offer albums, second shooters, or engagement sessions?
- Backup plan: What happens if they’re ill on the day?
3. Videographer
Wedding videography has grown hugely in popularity. A video captures the movement, sound, and emotion that photos can’t.
What to look for:
- Editing style: Do you want cinematic highlights, documentary-style coverage, or both?
- Sound quality: Do they use professional microphones for vows and speeches?
- Drone shots: Increasingly common, but check permissions with your venue.
- Delivery: How will the video be presented (USB, online gallery, film reel)?
4. Florist
Flowers add colour, texture, and personality to your day. They also feature heavily in photographs.
What to look for:
- Seasonal knowledge: A good florist will guide you toward flowers that look best at your wedding time of year.
- Style: Check their past work – some specialise in wild, natural arrangements, others in sleek, sculptural designs.
- Budget awareness: Be upfront about budget; they can suggest alternatives if needed.
- Logistics: Who sets up and clears away? Will they repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception?
5. Celebrant or Registrar
The person who conducts your ceremony sets the tone for your marriage itself.
What to look for:
- Legalities: In the UK, registrars conduct the legal marriage. Celebrants offer a more personalised ceremony but may require a separate legal signing.
- Personalisation: Celebrants can incorporate readings, rituals, or cultural elements.
- Experience: Ask to see testimonials or attend a ceremony they’re leading.
6. Hair and Makeup Artist
Looking and feeling your best is essential.
What to look for:
- Trials: Always book a trial to test looks in advance.
- Products: Do they use long-lasting, photography-friendly products?
- Timing: Are they experienced in working with bridal parties to a strict schedule?
7. Caterer and Cake Maker
If your venue doesn’t provide catering, you’ll need to book this separately.
What to look for:
- Tastings: Always try before you book.
- Flexibility: Can they accommodate dietary requirements?
- Presentation: Does their food look as good as it tastes?
- Cake design: Look for a baker whose style matches your vision, whether that’s classic tiers or modern buttercream.
8. Stationer and Décor Stylist
Invitations, signage, menus, and décor tie your theme together.
What to look for:
- Design style: Minimalist, romantic, modern – what suits you?
- Quality: Ask for samples of paper stock and printing.
- Coordination: Do they liaise with florists and venues to ensure everything matches?
Tips for Working with Suppliers
- Contracts matter: Always have a written contract outlining what’s included.
- Deposits and payment schedules: Be clear on terms before committing.
- Communication: Good suppliers respond promptly and clearly.
- Trust their expertise: Once booked, let them guide you. They know what works.
- Build relationships: Treat your suppliers as part of your team. Mutual respect goes a long way.
The JAM Duo Difference
Among all your suppliers, your musicians hold a unique role: they’re not just providing background sound, they’re creating the emotional atmosphere of your day. JAM Duo offer:
- Flexibility: Ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast, or a mix.
- Personalisation: Any song arranged for cello and piano.
- Presentation: A gloss black piano shell for an elegant look.
- Professionalism: Experienced performers who understand timing and flow.
- Inspiration: Over 337 recordings online to spark ideas.
Choosing JAM Duo means your wedding soundtrack will be truly yours – live, bespoke, and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing suppliers for your wedding is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Define your priorities, do your research, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. Surround yourself with professionals who understand your vision, and your wedding will not only look beautiful but feel effortless.
From flowers to photographs, celebrants to cake, each supplier plays a role. But music has the unique ability to tie everything together – to bring joy, emotion, and atmosphere to every moment. That’s why couples across the UK choose JAM Duo to provide live cello and piano throughout their day.
With the right suppliers by your side, your wedding will be more than just an event – it will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.
