I was overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation. I had just started planning my wedding and wanted to see how the end picture will look like. Selecting the right wedding vendors was crucial. At the same time, I felt overwhelmed by the number of choices I had to make. Each choice had an impact on everything else that would follow.
I didn’t know the right order for booking vendors. But, I certainly had the intuition of where I needed to start.
For your big day to come together nicely, the order in which you book the vendors is crucial. This helps it run smoothly and avoids any last-minute stress or panic.
So where should you start? Based on my own experience planning a destination wedding in Greece, while living abroad, I have some advice. Here are the first 5 vendors you should lock in ASAP. This will help keep things on track, on budget, and on vision.
The Wedding Venue: Your Foundation
This is your #1 priority. Your wedding venue embodies the vibe you want to create. It determines your wedding date, your budget, your style, and even which vendors you can (or cannot) use. Start here because some venues already offer options, services, and can connect you with other trustworthy vendors.
Lock it in early
Many popular Greek venues, especially on islands like Santorini or Crete, book out more than a year in advance.
Know the vibe
Is it beachfront? Rustic? Luxurious? Your venue sets the tone for all future decisions.
Ask the hard questions
Do they have preferred wedding vendor lists? Is there a music cut-off time? Are there hidden fees? Do they only work with wedding planners?
For a more detailed breakdown, you can read the following article. It covers all the questions you need to ask. It also discusses the points you need to pay attention to when choosing your wedding venue.
If possible, I strongly recommend visiting the wedding venue in person. If not, then ask for a detailed walk-through, and check for the venue’s social presence to identify ‘blind spots’.
To help you start your Greek wedding venue exploration, I’ve curated some venues that you can explore and research here.
Wedding Planner or Coordinator?
This decision depends on a lot of factors. Let’s say you have a clear vision for your big day and good organizational skills. As for me, a wedding coordinator was the perfect choice. Most, if not all, wedding vendors speak English fluently. And, in most cases, they prefer to work directly with the couple.
If you need help with literally everything, hiring a wedding planner is the safest bet. This includes designing your wedding day vision and theme. It also applies if you don’t have the time to plan your wedding.
Full-service planner
Ideal for couples who want help with design, vendor management, timelines, and more.
Day-of coordinator
This is a great option if you want to DIY your planning. You will have someone to manage the wedding 1 month before the date and on the wedding day.
Local wedding planners know how local vendors work, and they can advise on which vendors to avoid. However, there can be a catch. They might recommend vendors they prefer to work with exclusively. This can leave out vendors that might more closely match the end result you envision. I had a similar experience.
Ask whether your venue includes a coordinator – some do! Just make sure to clarify what their role covers (some only handle logistics on the wedding day).
To find a trustworthy Greece wedding planner or coordinator, check out my curated list here.
Still not sure what to actually book first?
In one hour on a call, I’ll help you map what to book and in what order, with no vendor commissions. You keep the whole plan in writing.
Founding rate, 15% off. Full refund if the hour doesn’t give you a clear way forward.
Caterer or Venue Catering Package?
Greek food is delicious, and it caters naturally for any type of dietary restrictions your guest may have. However, its quality and presentation can vary. As a Greek myself, I had very high standards in terms of Greek food and its flavor.
The drink menu and subsequent wedding party bar is equally important. You may want to create your signature cocktail, or you may want to offer unlimited alcohol to your guests. Finding the right drinks service is equally important – and the good ones book in advance!
Ask for a food and drink tasting
Ideally in person during a pre-wedding trip. If not, request a sample menu and photos of previous weddings.
Dietary options
Make sure they can accommodate all guest dietary restrictions.
Late-night snacks
Greek weddings go until sunrise, so it’s good to have planned for some additional bites well beyond dinner.
Check with your wedding venue if they offer a drinks plan
If it matches your goal, then you can stick to that. If not, you can negotiate the venue price down, and move ahead with a different vendor.
Always clarify with the vendors what’s included – cutlery, service staff, drinks, cake, napkins, tableware, etc. Some caterers charge extra for what you’d assume is standard.
The Wedding Photographer (and Videographer)
You don’t want to miss out on having stunning pictures and videos from your magical day. You also want to ensure that the professional will capture the magic of the venue. They should show the wedding in a way that does it justice. You will be impressed on the different ways photographers can capture exactly the same object.
Look for experience
Have they shot at your venue or in Greece before? Greek light is intense and different from Northern Europe. Check their social proof and compare it against others that have shot at the same location.
Style match
Choose someone whose editing style matches your aesthetic (e.g., bright & airy vs. moody).
Deliverables
Ask if they include RAWs, how many hours of coverage, and when to expect your photos.
Picturesque locations
Check if they know of any hidden gems around the wedding venue. This way, you can sneak out to take some pictures. Local professionals have done their homework and have uncovered all those breathtaking places that only them know about.
Book your photographer early. They’re often the first vendors to be fully booked. This is especially true in peak season (May to September).
To explore my curated list of Greece wedding photographers, check out my directory here.
Wedding Music & Entertainment
Music is what brings the party to life, and what keeps it going. Whether you’re considering booking a live band, or hiring a high-energy DJ, your choice can impact your wedding day celebration.
Know the rules
Ask your venue about curfews and sound restrictions. If there are sound restrictions, ask them if they have a compliant sound system. Otherwise, determine if your DJ should bring their own.
Think beyond the reception
Consider acoustic sets for cocktail hour or traditional dancers for a fun surprise.
Personality match
If booking a DJ, make sure their vibe fits yours. Look at previous weddings they have performed at. Determine if they can tweak the music based on the mood and reactions of the crowd.
Create your own playlist
We hired a DJ for our wedding, and we had a list of ‘must play’ songs. We created a Spotify list, and we shared it with our DJ.
Final Thoughts: Your Wedding Vendor Dream Team
Booking these five vendors first will help you set the tone, budget, and logistics. This foundation can shape your destination wedding in Greece. Once you’ve got these pillars in place, you can move on to florists and makeup artists. Then, you can focus on transportation and all the fun extras.
Remember to start booking early. This is especially true for summer destination weddings in Greece. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your dream team.
Ready to dive into vendor hunting? What’s the one vendor you’re most nervous about choosing? Drop your questions or fears in the comments!
Happy planning and kalos orisate (welcome) to wedding magic, Greek style!
Know your full budget before you start booking.
I built a free calculator using real vendor quotes across Greece. Enter your guest count and preferences and it builds your complete estimate, VAT included, so you know exactly what you are working with.
