Planning your dream wedding in New Jersey? Whether you’re going for an intimate waterfront ceremony, a chic city soirée, or a grand ballroom affair, assembling the right team of wedding vendors is key to bringing your vision to life. But with so many options, how do you know who you really need—and what choices will make the biggest impact on your big day?

If you’re new around here, we’re Well-Dressed Events, New Jersey’s premier style-centric wedding, party, and event planning company. We specialize in high-end, unique events for modern, bold, standout clients and we pride ourselves on cutting-edge, creative design, styling, and event management.

From planners to photographers, videographers to florists, we’re breaking down the essential vendors that will help make your wedding seamless and stunning. Plus, we’ll share insider tips on how to choose the best team for your style, budget, and priorities.

Planning & Coordination: What’s the Difference?

One of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to hire a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator—and yes, there’s a difference!

• Full-Service Wedding Planner: A planner is involved from the very beginning, helping with venue selection, budgeting, vendor referrals, design, logistics, and contract negotiations. They help bring your vision to life while keeping everything on track.
• Wedding Coordinator (AKA Day-of Coordinator): A coordinator steps in about 6 weeks before your wedding to finalize details, build your timeline, and manage the logistics on the day. They don’t plan your wedding, but they ensure everything you’ve planned runs smoothly.

How to Choose: If you want someone to take the stress off your plate and guide you through the entire planning process, a planner is a great investment. If you’ve done most of the planning yourself and just need a pro to execute it, a coordinator is the way to go. Check out our wedding planning & coordination packages here!

Video: Content Creator vs. Traditional Videographer

In today’s social media-driven world, couples have two main options for capturing their wedding day on video:

• Traditional Videographer: Captures cinematic footage of your entire day, often including a highlight reel and full-length film with professional editing.
• Wedding Content Creator: Provides short-form, real-time video and photo content specifically for social media (think TikToks, Instagram Reels, and behind-the-scenes footage).

How to Choose: If you want a polished wedding film to watch for years to come, go with a traditional videographer. If you’re all about instant, shareable content for social media, a content creator is a fun addition—or better yet, have both!

Music: DJ vs. Band

Your wedding music sets the tone for the entire celebration, so choosing between a DJ and a live band is a big decision.

• DJ: Offers a wide variety of music, smooth transitions, and the ability to customize your playlist. DJs are also typically more budget-friendly than a band.
• Live Band: Brings an energetic, live performance element to your wedding. The sound is dynamic, and they can interact with your guests for a truly immersive experience.

How to Choose: Love the idea of a live performance? Go for a band! Want a wider variety of music and seamless song transitions? A DJ might be the better fit. If budget allows, consider a hybrid option with a DJ and live musicians like a saxophonist or percussionist.

Transportation: Is It Necessary?

While not every couple opts for transportation, here are a few scenarios where it makes sense:

• For the Bridal Party: If your getting-ready location is different from your venue, booking a limo, party bus, or classic car for the bridal party can keep things organized and stress-free.
• For Guests: If your venue is remote or parking is limited, guest shuttles from the hotel to the venue are a great courtesy.

How to Choose: If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, or if you have a large bridal party, transportation is worth considering. If everything is in one place, you may not need it.

Hotel Room Blocks: Should You Reserve One?

If you have out-of-town guests or a large wedding party, securing a hotel room block can be a lifesaver. Here’s why:

• Pros: Keeps everyone in one location, often includes discounts, and makes transportation logistics easier.
• Cons: You may be financially responsible for unbooked rooms, depending on the contract.

How to Choose: If you have a lot of out-of-town guests or your venue isn’t near many hotel options, a room block is a good idea. Otherwise, you can just recommend hotels and let guests book on their own.

Photography: Hours & Shooters—What’s Necessary?

Wedding photography is one of the most important investments you’ll make, so knowing what coverage you need is key.

• How Many Hours? A full-day package (8-10 hours) ensures your entire day is captured—from getting ready to the reception. If you want just the key moments, 6 hours may be enough.
• How Many Photographers? A second shooter allows for more angles and moments to be captured, especially during key events like the ceremony and first look.

How to Choose: If you want a stress-free experience with more variety in photos, opt for a second shooter and at least 8 hours of coverage. If you’re having a smaller, shorter event, one photographer may suffice.

Florals: More Than Just a Bouquet

Florals bring your wedding vision to life, but they go beyond just bouquets! Here are key floral elements to consider:

• Personal Flowers: Bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages
• Ceremony Decor: Arches, aisle arrangements
• Reception: Centerpieces, sweetheart table florals, floral installations

How to Choose: Work with your florist to prioritize where flowers will have the biggest impact. If you’re budget-conscious, repurpose ceremony florals for the reception!

To Put A Bow On It!

Choosing your wedding vendors is about more than just hiring services—it’s about finding a team that understands your vision and makes the planning process enjoyable. When selecting vendors:

✔ Read reviews and ask for referrals
✔ Meet in person or via video call
✔ Ask to see past work and portfolios
✔ Ensure personalities align—these people will be with you on one of the most important days of your life!

At Well-Dressed Events, we work with the best vendors in New Jersey to bring your dream wedding to life. Need help building your perfect vendor team? Let’s chat!