Hey there, lovebirds! 🎉 If you’ve just started the wild (and super fun) journey of planning your Minneapolis wedding, you’re in for a treat! I’m Kiana, the gal behind Kiana Grant Photography and leader of our amazing team of photographers! Today, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of wedding planning and spill the beans on booking those fabulous vendors that will make your big day unforgettable.

First, we need to talk about something…

Early Birds Get the Best Vendors

So, you said ‘yes’ and now it’s time to say ‘I do’ to the right vendors. Trust me, the sooner you dive into planning, the smoother the ride. I know it’s way more fun to spend your free time staring at your new bling than email a million vendors, but if you have a specific vision in mind for basically any part of your wedding day then you’ll do yourself a favor if you reach out sooner than later.

It literally breaks our hearts when we have inquiries from couples that we absolutely VIBEEE with, but every single photographer on our team is booked. Don’t make us cry like that and reach out early 😉

Pro Tips for Vendor Bliss

1. Define Your Style: What’s your wedding vibe? Share your vision with your vendors and don’t be shy if the way they do things just isn’t the best fit for you.
2. Read Reviews: Learn from others’ experiences. Reviews are your wedding planning BFFs.
3. Consider Your Budget: Keep the dream alive without breaking the bank. My biggest tip is to decide on your budget before reaching out to vendors. Pick a few key things that you want to splurge on (usually a vendor or two if you’re working on a smaller budget), then skimp on things like party favors.

I asked some of my past clients and friends on the internet that have recently been through planning a Minnesota wedding:

Which vendors you should book first after getting engaged?

Here’s what they said…

The Venue –

Your venue sets the stage for your entire day. This sounds dramatic, but your venue literally IS your wedding. Every memory and moment that happens, and is remembered or captured, is in the setting of your venue. No pressure HA! Minneapolis is brimming with fantastic options – from chic urban spots to dreamy outdoor escapes. A few of our favorite venues around the twin cities are:

Pinewood Weddings and Events

The Whim

Bavaria Downs

Urban Daisy

Redeemed Farm

The Lowlands

Hutton House

Legacy Hill Farm

Pro tip: Plan to book your venue FIRST before absolutely anything else. A lot of other vendors won’t even let you officially book with them until you have your date secured with a venue.

The Photographer – That’s Us!

Picture this: candid moments, timeless edits, endless fun with a vendor that feels more like a friend and an experience that’s all about YOU. Choosing your photographer is like finding a third wheel for the best day of your life. Our couples continually talk about how much fun they have just hanging out with us, which is our secret way to get genuine emotion in your photos. Real smiles in photos?? Checkkkk.

The Videographer

If you’re planning to have a videographer, they book out pretty consistently around the same time as photographers. Plan to reach out to them around the same time!

---

The vendors listed above were the clear front runners from everyone that gave me input for this blog. The vendors below were mixed and matched after the venue, photographer and videographer.

Planners or Coordinators

Not everyone chooses to have a planner involved in their wedding process, but I can promise you that the couples that do never regret it. Planners make your (and your mom’s) life a million times easier, every step of the way! This is another vendor (like the photographer) that is really important for you to “click” with personality-wise. If you’re going to be spending this next season brainstorming, meeting with, making decisions alongside them then you want to LIKE them as humans!

Caterers

Your wedding menu should be a delicious reflection of your tastes. Whether you’re on the hunt for Minnesota’s hottest high–end wedding caterer or you’re dreaming of a team of food trucks, you don’t want to sleep on getting on their calendars.

Entertainment – DJ or Band

What’s a celebration without music and dance? Whether you’re into DJs or live bands, set the mood right. Take it from someone that has been in this industry for over 8 years: your DJ can either kill the mood of your whole gathering or be the reason your guests keep talking about your celebration for years. Pick wisely 😉 Book your entertainment early to make sure your wedding playlist is the talk of the town.

Florists

Flowers are one of those things that can range greatly in cost depending on your flower vision. Make sure to go into your florist search with a clear budget, open mind for how to use your budget wisely based on the vendor’s expertise, and be honest upfront so you can book someone you’re thrilled about partnering with to bring your dreams to life!

Hair & Makeup

This phrase is getting old… but it’s true: the good ones book fast! Make sure to schedule a trial run to make sure you love your look before the big day.

So there you have it – your ultimate guide to kickstart your Minneapolis wedding extravaganza! Remember, this is YOUR day, and every vendor plays a crucial role in making it uniquely yours.

Go into the inquiry process like you’re gathering a group of friends to surround you and hype you up on your big day!

Let the planning party begin! 🥂✨

xo, Kiana