Behind every fantastic wedding is a team of top-notch vendors. They spend countless hours helping the bride and groom solidify their vision, executing all of the details according to plan and, in the event of a last-minute glitch, stepping in to smooth things over so that guests (and even the couple themselves) are nary the wiser. Hone in on the professionals that are best for your budget, style, and personality with these in-the-know tips from respected industry veterans.

“Decide what’s most important to you and your fiancé: Is it the location, flowers, photography, videography, music, food, or maybe a combination of those? Once you narrow down your top three priorities, you can allocate your budget properly and find the right vendors,” says Kari Dirksen of Feathered Arrow.

Determine if there are any vendor restrictions at your venue of choice.

 “Some venues have strict policies on vendors, and you may not be allowed to use the planner you wanted to work with or the photographer you already booked. Other establishments may use this list to suggest businesses they like to work with but ultimately allow couples to bring in other vendors,” says Margo Fischer from Bright Occasions.

Stick to vendors who do what you love naturally, rather than asking someone to execute something that isn’t their norm/natural style.

For example, if you are looking for a wild and overgrown look for your wedding flowers, then don’t hire someone whose entire website gallery features tight circular arrangements,” says Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events.