THE INTRO

Hey!

Charlotte just had an actual snow day. Like, real snow. Schools closed, grocery stores raided, the whole city pretending they know how to drive in it. Hope you stayed warm and didn't lose power.

This week: building your vendor team. Who do you actually need, when to book them, and how to tell if someone's legit before handing over a deposit.

Let's get into it.

THE AISLE REPORT: VENDOR TEAM EDITION
When to Book Each Wedding Vendor in Charlotte

Quick Recap: Budget Basics

Quick budget recap: Last week we broke down where your money goes. Venue, catering, and bar eat about 50%. Photography and florals take another 20%. If you missed Issue #2, go back and read it before you start booking.

Now let's talk about who you actually need and when to lock them in.

Charlotte Wedding Vendor Booking Timeline
(screenshot this you’ll thank me later)

Not all vendors book at the same pace. Here's what matters in Charlotte:

The pattern: Vendors that book earliest usually matter most. Don't wait on your photographer because you're still "shopping around." If you find someone you love, book them.

How to Vet a Wedding Vendor Before You Book

Anyone can have a nice Instagram. Here's how to tell if they're actually good:

1. Read reviews for specifics. "They were amazing!" tells you nothing. "She kept us on timeline when the ceremony ran late" tells you everything.

2. Ask for full galleries. Every photographer's portfolio looks great. A full wedding gallery shows consistency—or lack of it.

3. Ask about backup plans. What happens if they get sick or equipment fails? Professionals have contingencies.

4. Trust your gut on communication. Slow to respond now? Imagine wedding week.

5. Read the contract. Cancellation policy, payment schedule, what's included. Don't assume anything.

Wedding Vendor Red Flags to Watch For

• No contract or a vague one-pager

• Full payment required upfront

• Can't provide references or full galleries

• Bad-mouths other vendors or past clients

• Prices way below market rate (why?)

LOCAL VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Aubrey Elizabeth Photography

This week's featured Charlotte vendor

Here's something no one tells you about wedding photography: you'll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else on your wedding day. Getting ready, first look, ceremony, portraits, reception — they're there for all of it.

So if your photographer makes you feel awkward, you'll feel awkward in your photos. It's that simple.

Aubrey Elizabeth brings what she calls "best-friend energy" to every shoot. Natural prompts. Easy direction. The kind of vibe where even camera-shy grooms end up laughing. She honed her craft shooting destination weddings in Hawaii — earning Top 10 Wedding Photographer on the Big Island — before bringing that relaxed, editorial style to Charlotte.

Her photos feel timeless but never stiff. Emotional but never cheesy. And she shoots hybrid film and digital — so you get crisp, modern images alongside 35mm shots that feel like heirlooms.

Packages start at $2,800.

Charlotte Bride Exclusive: Book this week and get a FREE bridal or boudoir session.

📍 aubreyelizabeth.com | 📸 @aubreyelizabeth.photography 

CHARLOTTE INSIDER
The Vendor Vetting Cheat Sheet

Before you book anyone, run through this checklist:

The Non-Negotiables:

• Signed contract with clear terms

• Liability insurance

• Backup plan for emergencies

• Responsive communication (within 48 hours)

• Full galleries or references available

The Smart Questions:

• How many weddings do you do per weekend? (More than one = potential issues)

• What's your cancellation/refund policy?

• What's NOT included in your package?

• Have you worked at my venue before?

• What time do you arrive and leave?

The Gut Check:

• Do I actually like talking to this person?

• Would I want them around on my wedding day?

• Do they listen to what I want or push their own vision?

Which Vendors Do You Actually Need:

Here’s what’s Realistic for a Charlotte wedding

The Essentials (you need these):

• Venue

• Officiant (can be a friend who gets ordained online—free)

• Photographer

• Caterer

• Someone to play music (even a Spotify playlist works)

The Standards (most Charlotte couples have these):

• DJ or live music

• Florist

• Hair and makeup

• Day-of coordinator

• Cake

The Extras (nice to have):

• Videographer

• Full-service planner

• Photo booth

• Live painter

• Custom stationer

• Transportation

You don't need all of these. Build your team based on your priorities, not what Instagram tells you a wedding "should" have.

The Money Moves
The Real Cost Isn’t Always Money

Splurge On:

Responsiveness. A vendor who replies fast now will reply fast when it matters. Slow communication during booking is a preview of wedding week stress.

Clear contracts. Vague terms cost you later. If something isn't spelled out — overtime fees, backup plans, what happens if they cancel — ask before you sign.

Someone you actually like. You'll spend 8+ hours with your photographer. Your coordinator will be in your ear all day. If the vibe is off now, it won't get better.

Save On:

The brand name. Newer vendors often try harder and charge less. A Charlotte wedding photographer with 2 years of experience and a strong portfolio can be just as good as one with 10 — at half the price.

Fancy packages you won't use. Do you really need a leather-bound album? A second videographer? An engagement session if you're not going to hang the photos? Strip it down to what you'll actually value.

Rush fees. Book early, avoid the upcharge. Vendors charge premium rates for last-minute bookings. Give yourself runway.

The Checklist
Your Vendor Action Plan This Week:

Pick one vendor category. Just one. Whatever matters most to you — photographer, florist, DJ — research three options and send one inquiry. That's it. Progress over perfection.

Use this when you reach out. Every vendor inquiry should include: What's your availability for [date]? What's included in your packages? What's NOT included? Have you worked at [venue] before? Copy, paste, send.

Keep it all in one place. Building a vendor comparison spreadsheet? I made one. Share this with new reader and I’ll send it to you completely free (see below).

Before you Go

Building your Charlotte wedding vendor team can feel overwhelming—but remember, you don't have to book everyone at once. Start with your venue and photographer, then work your way down the list.

Got a vendor you love that other Charlotte brides should know about? Hit reply—we're always looking for recommendations.

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