Planning a wedding is so exciting, but if we’re being honest, it can also feel overwhelming. There are so many decisions to make, and one of the biggest pieces of your wedding day experience comes down to your vendor team. As an Iowa wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right vendors completely transform a wedding day, from the tiniest details to the way the day feels as a whole.

This wedding vendors checklist is here to help you understand who you need, when to book them, and how your vendor team can shape an elevated, timeless, and truly meaningful wedding day.

Why Your Wedding Vendor Team Matters More Than You Think

When couples start planning their wedding, most of the focus goes straight to the venue and photographer. That’s why I always recommend starting with a wedding vendors checklist so you’re not scrambling or missing key pieces. Something I’ve learned after photographing so many weddings in Iowa is this: your vendor team is what shapes the entire experience and aesthetic of your day.

Your florist, planner, rental company, beauty team, and stationery designer all play a role in how your wedding feels and how it photographs. The right team brings your vision to life in a way that feels effortless and elevated, while also creating an experience that actually feels calm and joyful.

If you’re dreaming of a more luxurious, editorial, or design-forward wedding, your vendor team matters even more. The details, textures, and intentional choices are what create that timeless, magazine-worthy look.

The Ultimate Wedding Vendors Checklist for Modern Couples

This wedding vendors checklist is a great starting point if you want your day to feel elevated, cohesive, and stress-free. If you’re building your dream Iowa vendor team, here’s a checklist I always recommend starting with:

Core Wedding Vendors to Book Early

• Wedding venue
• Wedding photographer
• Wedding planner or coordinator
• Florist
• Hair and makeup artist

Design and Detail Vendors That Elevate Your Wedding

• Rental company (tables, chairs, linens, tabletop details)
• Stationery and signage designer
• Bridal boutique and suit tailor
• Cake or dessert designer

Bonus Vendors for a Luxury Wedding Experience

• Live painter or content creator
• Specialty lighting
• Custom lounge furniture
• Editorial-style tablescape styling

The more intentional your vendor team is, the more cohesive and elevated your wedding will feel in real life and in your photos.

A Modern, Elevated Wedding at Willow on Grand in Des Moines

This wedding at Willow on Grand is such a perfect example of how modern design and the right vendor team can transform a space. Everything felt clean, refined, and intentional from the rentals to the florals to the fashion.

The rentals and tablescapes brought in layered textures that made the reception feel editorial and high-end. The florals were romantic but structured, which is one of my favorite combinations to photograph. Bridal fashion and groom styling leaned modern and tailored, which added that fashion-forward edge that luxury couples are always drawn to.

Custom stationery and signage tied everything together visually, which is one of those details people often overlook, but it makes SUCH a difference in photos. And the beauty team created a timeless, soft-glam look that photographed beautifully in natural and indoor light.

This is exactly the type of vendor collaboration that creates a cohesive, modern wedding aesthetic from start to finish!

Hosts | The Good Co. + Laura Wills Photography

Rentals | The Good Co.

Venue | Willow on Grand

Tablescapes | White Willow Events

Florals | Boesen + White Willow Events 

Gown | Kalon Bridal Studio

Suit | Langel & Woods Clothiers

Beauty | Beauty by Bella Kim

Stationery + Signage | Invited DSM

An Editorial Wedding Vision at Willow on Grand

This second Willow on Grand gallery leaned even more editorial and fashion-forward, and I’m honestly obsessed with how it came together. When couples ask what makes a wedding feel “luxury,” this is the answer: intentional styling, cohesive design, and vendors who understand the vision.

The florals and tablescapes felt elevated and curated, with every detail chosen on purpose. Bridal fashion was clean and sophisticated, and the beauty team created a look that felt polished but still natural and timeless.

This kind of editorial styling is what gives weddings that high-end, magazine-worthy feel. It’s also what attracts couples who care deeply about design, experience, and storytelling in their photos.

Host | Brooklyn G Photography

Venue | Willow on Grand

Tablescapes | White Willow Events

Gown | Holland Bridal 

Makeup | Powder Studio 

Hair | Marissa Williams

Romantic Wedding Inspiration at 1868 Farmhouse

This wedding at 1868 Farmhouse is a gorgeous example of romantic, timeless design done right. The venue itself has so much charm, and the vendor team leaned into that with soft florals, thoughtful styling, and cohesive details.

The florals added movement and softness, while the stationery and signage created a polished, cohesive look throughout the day. Bridal and groom fashion added a classic touch, and the cake design brought personality and texture into the reception space.

This is the kind of wedding that feels romantic, warm, and intentional, and it’s a perfect example of how the right vendor team can bring a vision to life in such a beautiful way.

Hosts | All Creation Co. 

Floral | Blushing Garden

Venue: 1868 Farmhouse

Makeup | Powder Studio

Stationery | Invited DSM

Cake | Parinda Cupcakes

Bridal Dresses | Modern Dress

Suits | Skeffingtons Formal Wear

How Your Vendor Team Shapes Your Wedding Photos

As an Iowa wedding photographer, I see firsthand how much your vendor team affects your final gallery. When your florals are intentional, your rentals are elevated, and your details are cohesive, your photos naturally feel more editorial, timeless, and luxurious. A thoughtful wedding vendors checklist helps ensure your photographer, florist, rental team, and planner are all fully aligned and ready to showcase their best work.

But beyond aesthetics, the right vendors also create a smoother, calmer experience. When everyone is aligned, you get to relax, be present, and actually enjoy your wedding day, which is when the best candid, emotional moments happen.

Ready to Book Your Iowa Wedding Photographer?

If you’re building out your wedding vendors checklist and dreaming of a luxury wedding in Iowa, and are looking for an Iowa wedding photographer to capture your day, I would LOVE to be a part of it! You can check out more of my wedding tips and guides below.

• 10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer in Iowa Before Booking
• How to Get Joyful, Candid Wedding Photos
• Top 10 Iowa Wedding Venues You’ll Instantly Fall in Love With

Brooklyn G Photography | Iowa Wedding Photographer