When you’re building your wedding vendor team, you (hopefully) already know that searching vendor directories, reading online reviews, checking pricing and availability, and interviewing your favorites are crucial steps. But, if you’re interested in doing a little extra research, there are a few other things you can do to learn more about wedding vendors near you before even reaching out to them directly. These steps aren’t as important as ensuring your vendors are within budget and have good references, but they may be helpful if you’re deciding between two vendors or having trouble narrowing down the list of amazing wedding pros in your area. Check out these seven little things that will help you learn more about wedding vendors near you.
Social Media
If you’re in the process of researching wedding vendors near you, it’s a good idea to check them out on social media. Not only will you be able to see more of a wedding pro’s work (a particularly good idea if you’re hiring a vendor creating a physical product, like a florist or cake baker), you’ll be able to get a sense of their personality and work style. And also, a wedding vendor’s website or WeddingWire Storefront might not feature as up-to-date photos as their social media—so you know you’re getting an idea of their most current work or images on their Instagram.
Awards
Fact: A wedding vendor can be totally amazing without winning awards. But recognition like WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Awards, show that a pro has a good reputation in the industry—a helpful piece of information as you’re researching vendors. The Couples’ Choice Awards, in particular, honor pros who display top quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism based on reviews from couples. Whether or not a wedding vendor has won awards shouldn’t be the deciding factor in hiring them, but can be helpful information as you narrow down the list of pros in your area.
Real Weddings
You’ve probably seen real wedding features on websites or in magazines before—beautiful photos of nuptials with stunning and unique details. Real weddings are a great way for pros to show off their best work, and they’re a nice way for you to see wedding vendors near you in action. And on WeddingWire, you can simply check out a wedding pro’s Storefront to see if they’ve been featured in a real wedding. While a wedding vendor doesn’t have to have been featured in a real wedding to be ideal for your big day, it’s another detail to help you make your decision.
Other Editorial Features
Doing a simple Google search of your wedding vendor’s name and/or company name may turn up some interesting info. Perhaps the pro you’re researching has been quoted as an expert in local, or even national, news articles about the industry—maybe talking about trends they’re seeing or sharing their expertise. The fact that a wedding vendor has been quoted in the news means that they’re seen as an industry expert—a good thing to know as you’re building your vendor team.
Vendor Connections
If a wedding vendor has been in the industry for a while, he or she probably has a group of fellow pros they often work with and maybe even socialize with outside of work. By viewing a wedding vendor’s social media accounts and real wedding features, you can get a sense of the other pros the vendor works with often. Are these other pros well-regarded in your area? Might they be people you’d want to work with, too? Knowing that a wedding vendor is well-liked and highly-regarded by other pros can say a lot about their personality and work ethic. On WeddingWire, you can check out a vendor’s professional network and endorsements right on their Storefront to get a sense of who’s in their crew and their experiences working together.
Industry Organizations and Events
It’s nice to know if a vendor is active in the wedding industry, whether that means belonging to local or national organizations, attending educational conferences, or frequenting networking events. Not only does this mean that a pro is well-connected, but they’re also interested in staying up-to-date on what’s going on in their field and learning from others.
Wedding Forums
It’s always a good idea to get references for a vendor you’re considering, whether that means reading online reviews or asking the vendor to provide contact information for past clients. Another way to find out more about wedding vendors near you is to take a look at the local groups in the WeddingWire Forums, where you can discuss local vendors with other engaged and recently-married couples in your area.
Source: weddingwire.com
1. Netflix released its trailer for its much-anticipated PGA Tour docuseries, modeled after the popular F1 Drive to Survive. It will also apparently feature Rory McIlroy, which wasn’t known until the trailer came out. Dubbed Full Swing, it premieres Feb. 15. What are you most looking forward to seeing in this docuseries, and do you think it will succeed in attracting the non-golfer or viewer who doesn’t watch pro golf already?
Ryan Barath, Senior Equipment Editor (@RDSBarath) As a hardcore golf fan, I’m excited to get more of an inside look at professional golfers, their views on the state of the tour as a whole, and in general, a behind-the-curtain look at the majors.
The issue that this show will create for new fans is an old one: how golf is presented on TV. Between TV windows and how some golfers are playing, no matter how many people love seeing Joel Dahmen at the Waste Management, trying to see him on a normal broadcast is next to impossible. This is where F1 still has a big advantage, since every race is every driver, though with the new designated events, I guess that’s what the Tour is trying to accomplish.
Zephyr Melton, assistant editor (@zephyrmelton): I’m most excited to see my coworkers’ cameos! A handful of GOLF staffers were mic’d up at various events last year, and I’m stoked to see how they’re featured in the show. As far as attracting non-golfers, I’m sure the LIV-PGA Tour rivalry should be an intriguing storyline. Drama sells, and there was nothing more dramatic in pro golf last season than the Saudi saga.
Jack Hirsh, Assistant Editor (@JR_HIRSHey): I’ve polled some of my friends who are either just getting into golf or not into golf, and most are at least intrigued. I haven’t gotten to watch the F1 series, but when that came out, I feel like I knew a lot of people who all of a sudden became F1 fans. I’d be surprised if it had the same impact, but I think we can expect a good number of people to be introduced to the game by it. I’m most looking forward to seeing the players react to LIV in real-time. So cool they got Poulter!
Dylan Dethier, senior writer (@dylan_dethier): Will it have an effect on non-golf fans? Of course — it’s Netflix. It’s hard to think of a better way to reach new audiences than to tap into their enormous list of content-hungry subscribers. What am I most looking forward to? Peeking behind the curtain as several stars make life-changing decisions about launching to LIV.
Source: golf.com
Midnight at Masquerade
Saturday, February 11th
Cocktails 5:00 pm | Dinner 6:00 pm | Show 6:00 pm
$55 per person
RESERVE ONLINE
Couples are once again flocking to classic, international honeymoon destinations like Bora Bora, the Maldives, Bali and the Caribbean. "There will always be a strong demand for white sand and swaying palm trees while enjoying newlywed bliss in an overwater villa with a jewel box of tranquility around them," Effron notes.
In addition to reputable and well-known contenders, several unexpected and tertiary destinations also join our list of the best honeymoon destinations of 2023--especially for thrill-seeking and adventurous couples. Read our annual selection of the best honeymoon destinations to inspire your wanderlust.
Hawaii, US
Hawaii has long secured its place among the best honeymoon destinations for couples. The six islands of the Aloha State (Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawai'i) speak to every type of couple: those seeking a luxurious getaway to honeymooners wanting an off-the-beaten-path trip. The islands offer a cultural and sensory experience unlike anything else in the US with volcanic terrain, rewarding hikes, culinary tastings and splendid opportunities for romance. For honeymoons in 2023, set your sights on luxurious Maui or its more rugged and adventure-friendly sibling of Kauai. Just don't forget the pua (flower) on your left ear—since it signifies you're taken.
Mexico
Tourism and development are teeming with activity across three distinct regions in Mexico, all ideal for honeymooners. The country's fastest-growing honeymoon destinations through 2023 include the Riviera Maya, Cabo San Lucas and Punta de Mita. All are now home to reputable top-tier resorts and boutique hotels, with many offering prime views of the Caribbean or Pacific. If you'd a mix of oceanfront relaxation and fine dining, you'll want to fly to Mexico City for its incredible food scene. For something different and unique, swing by the vibrant, Colonial Highlands city of San Miguel de Allende.
Lake Como, Italy
La Dolce Vita is extra sweet in Lake Como, Italy. The Lombardy region has long catered to romantic and more lowkey couples, only growing in demand with glowing reviews and equally-stunning photos from repeat visitors. (Once a Lake Como getaway, forever a Lake Como convert.) While there: don't forget to explore the lush estate gardens or pick up a new water sport.
Scotland
Lush rolling hills, misty landscapes and 790 islands await in gorgeous Scotland. A short flight away from the US East Coast, couples are rediscovering the beauty and history of this UK country. From Edinburgh's charming Old Town to its breathtaking castles, a Scotland honeymoon is a whimsical choice for fantasy-chasing newlyweds.
Central Coast California, US
A morning drive in Big Sur along Highway 1 offers unparalleled views of the rugged California coast with looming Redwoods framed against the roaring Pacific. It's a peace seeker's paradise and the nature-loving couple will revel in all that the region has to offer. Drive a few hours north and you'll come across 17 Mile Drive, home to one of the world's most acclaimed golf destinations, Pebble Beach, and the charming cottages of nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea. After a few days of sightseeing, venture inland to Sonoma and further north to Napa Valley for fine dining and wine-tasting experiences to round out your honeymoon.
Costa Rica
A haven for luxury eco-tourism, the lush Central American country of Costa Rica is known for embracing "La Pura Vida" (the pure life). Featuring stunning beaches along both the Atlantic and Pacific, Costa Rica is also home to multiple active volcanoes, including Arenal, Poas and Tenorio. The land has diverse vegetation, steep changes in climates and landscapes, including cloud forests awaiting exploration. Romantic activities abound for to-be-weds, such as mineral volcanic massages, waterfall swims, surfing classes and swimming with dolphins. Luxurious tented experiences to five-star resorts offer a range of accommodations for all types of couples. Wildlife adorers will also be delighted by the range of flora and fauna with the country's abundance of hummingbirds, colorful macaws and over 15 types of sloths. For a full Pura Vida experience, book a property known for open-air suites facing the rainforest, indulge in the inland way of activity, then head to either coast to unwind. The country is also known for its top culinary offerings with organic, coursed meals offered at top resorts.
The US Virgin Islands
Welcome to "America's Paradise." A short boat ride or seaplane combination away, the US Virgin Islands remain a sought-after honeymoon destination. After back-to-back hurricanes slammed the region in 2017, islanders and local resorts quickly regrouped to bring the destination to its full splendor. Numerous resorts across the main islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) have reopened and the water and wildlife sightseeing is still among the most pristine in the Caribbean.
Source: theknot.com
