Chapter 3 of “Stuff Every Bride Should Know” by Nicole Maderazo
You’ve got the Pinterest boards. You’ve picked a date. Maybe you’ve even booked a venue.
But now it gets real. It’s time to build your wedding team.
This is where many brides start to feel the pressure. You’re bombarded with options, tagged in supplier posts daily, and every Tita has a “recommended supplier” you just have to meet.
Before you know it, you’re drowning in price lists, half replied to DMs, and back-to-back meetings that leave you even more confused.
Let’s cut through the chaos. In this chapter, I’ll Walk you through how to choose the right wedding suppliers. Not just the most popular ones, but the ones who actually fit your style, vibe, and budget.
1. Don’t Just Hire a Brand. Hire People You Can Trust
Nicole with Titos of Cebu: Host Tom Candy and DJ Ran Sayam (Left) and Host Ryan Uybenkee
You’re not hiring logos. You’re hiring humans. That makeup artist, that photographer, that stylist? They’ll be with you on one of the most intimate, emotional, and memorable days of your life. If their energy is off, if communication feels hard, or if they’re not aligned with your vision, it’s a red flag.
Quick Tip:
When you meet with suppliers, ask yourself:
“Would I trust this person in a stressful moment on my wedding day?”
If the answer is “no,” walk away. Even if their portfolio is fire.
2. Reputation Isn’t Everything. Reviews Matter
Want a shortcut? Check out platforms like Cebu Wedding and Event Suppliers Directory – a growing online hub where real couples leave ratings and reviews for Cebu-based vendors. It’s a helpful place to see who’s consistently delivering, and who’s just good at posting pretty photos.
Yes, some suppliers are “Instagram-famous,” but that doesn’t always translate to quality service. What you want to look for?
- Consistent good reviews
- Clear communication
- Professionalism under pressure
Check Google reviews, Facebook reviews, or even Reddit threads like r/cebuweddings and r/weddingsphilippines. See what past couples are really saying. Especially about punctuality, attitude, and how they handle last-minute changes.
3. Avoid the “Sobrang Sulit” Trap
Let’s talk about budget. I get it. Weddings are expensive. But “super cheap” can sometimes cost you more in stress later. If a supplier’s rate sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
A great team doesn’t always mean the most expensive. It means people who are transparent with pricing, clear with deliverables, and honest when something’s outside your budget.
Want to save money without sacrificing quality?
Choose newer suppliers with strong portfolios but fewer clients. They’re often more affordable but still eager to prove themselves.
4. Go for Chemistry Over Hype
Chemistry > Clout. I’ve worked with “lowkey” suppliers who completely delivered and big-name teams who looked great online but were hard to deal with in person. Don’t fall for social media followers alone. Fall for professionalism, kindness, and shared values.
5. Don’t Book Everything at Once
You don’t need to book all your suppliers in one week.
Start with the non-negotiables. For most Filipino weddings, that means the Church (if you’re having a religious ceremony) and your Reception Venue. These get booked fast. Sometimes even a year in advance. Once those are locked in, you can move on to your planner (hello!), photographer, and the rest of your team.
Spreading it out lets you breathe, compare, and not rush into decisions.
Keep This in Mind:
You’re not just building a vendor list. You’re building the team that will help you stay calm, feel beautiful, and pull off the day you’ve been dreaming of. Choose wisely and with heart.
Feeling lost on when to book each supplier?
Planning a wedding isn’t just about who to hire, it’s also about when to book them. Booking too late can mean missing out on your dream team. Booking too early? You might regret rushed decisions.
To help you stay on track, I’ve made a FREE Wedding Checklist. A month-by-month guide on what to do and book starting from 12 months before your wedding. This is the same checklist I use for my full-planning clients, and now I’m sharing it with you.
Download your copy here:
Missed the Earlier Chapters? Catch up here:
Introduction to the Series – Stuff Every Bride Should Know
Start here to understand why this series was created and what you can expect from each bite-sized chapter.
Chapter 1: Why Wedding Planning Isn’t Just About Pretty Things
Before the flowers and the Pinterest boards, let’s talk about what really matters.
Chapter 2: Let’s Talk About the Money – How to Budget Without Losing Your Mind How much will it cost? What should you prioritize? Here’s how to make your wedding budget work for you. Not stress you out.
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