How will you celebrate?
In our current COVID-19 climate, many couples are left wondering what to do about their summer nuptials. Couples have chosen to postpone wedding celebrations, stream ceremonies, or simply elope. Still, others are opting for microweddings or minimonies. What will you choose?
COVID-19 Microweddings
A microwedding is your wedding, scaled back in size. Couples who choose this option have celebrations of up to 50 guests — who will practice social distancing and wear masks appropriately — to celebrate with them. The festivities may be small, but you can make them memorable.
Microwedding Details
Your microwedding will be a much more intimate experience for you and your guests. You’ll be able to chat with each person and create cherished memories of your day.
Because your wedding will have fewer guests than originally planned, you can choose to reduce your budget and save money, or go ahead and keep your full budget and make your microwedding into a macro experience!
You’ll be able to scale back on flowers and order a smaller wedding cake, so upgrade the most important components of your celebration: food, bar, and music. Great food brings people together! A top-shelf open bar loosens people up, and music opens up the dance floor!
Your COVID-19 Minimony
A minimony differs from a microwedding in that it is a very small, intimate mini wedding ceremony shared with just your loved ones (about 10 people in total). Minimonies are generally chosen by couples who want to move forward with their nuptials because of legal or other reasons. This type of ceremony is primarily for you, the couple, to enjoy. A full-sized sequel wedding will eventually follow the minimony.
Sequel Weddings
After your minimony on your original wedding date, your sequel wedding is the bash you were initially planning. When people are allowed to gather in groups of more than 50 safely, your sequel wedding will be everything you’d hoped for.
Couples from diverse cultures and religions choose minimonies and sequel weddings to honor their families’ traditions and heritage. Fortunately, it’s a good option for our current pandemic situation as well.
Make Your Own Rules
We are living in unprecedented times. Now, more than any time before, you can decide exactly what you want to do for your wedding and how you want to do it. You can have a microwedding, minimony with sequel wedding, elopement, or something of your own creation. There are no rules you have to follow — other than safe social distancing — for your wedding. Get creative. Get married. And enjoy your wedding!
How to Create a Vendor List from Scratch
To start building your vendor list, begin with a list of wedding vendors that are most essential to your vision. At Oaks Manor, couples often bring in their own:
- Caterers and bartenders
- Florists and decorators
- Musicians or DJs
- Photographers and videographers
- Officiants
- Hair and makeup teams
- Rental companies for furniture, tents, or décor
You can use a vendor list template, a spreadsheet, a wedding planning app, or even a shared Google Document to track key details. Be sure to include names, contact info, arrival/setup times, and payment deadlines. Your event vendor list doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to be clear, accessible, and shared with the people who need it.
Choosing the Right Vendors for an Estate Wedding
Since Oaks Manor is only a host location, we don’t lock you into a preferred vendor list. That means you’re free to work with the professionals you love most and build a day that reflects your style, priorities, and budget.
Still, the best vendors are those who understand you, your style, your pace, and your goals. Set up calls, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask, “Have you worked at an event venue like this before?” The right team will be just as excited as you are to bring your ideas to life.
Best Practices for a Vendor List
As you finalize your list of vendors for an event, consider the following tips.
- Keep everything in one place. Whether it’s digital or on paper, your vendor list should include full names, phone numbers, email addresses, contracts, and notes regarding responsibilities.
- Share your timeline. Your vendors should know when they can arrive, when they need to be finished, and where they will be setting up. Oaks Manor’s flexibility makes this easy; we offer extended access for setup and breakdown.
- Confirm details in writing. A well-organized vendor contact list is your insurance against miscommunication.
- Stay in touch. A quick check-in with each vendor a week before your wedding helps avoid last-minute surprises.
Maintaining clear communication and records of conversations will help you keep track of your plans and ensure everything is clear for you and your vendors.
FAQ’s
Seeking more information on creating a vendor list? See the frequently asked questions below or contact our team, and we will be happy to help!
Why is a vendor list important?
A vendor list helps you stay organized, ensures vendors know where and when to appear, and provides everyone with a clear point of contact.
When you’re managing an event as unique as a wedding at a private estate, that level of coordination can make all the difference.
What is a Vendor List?
A document that keeps track of all the professionals and services involved in your event. Including how to contact them, dates, prices, arrival and departure times, legal information, important details or conversations, and any other relevant information you need to keep track of for your event.
How to Create a Vendor List?
This is your all-in-one organizer. Your vendor list should include each vendor’s business name, contact person, phone number & email, arrival/setup times, contract status, remaining balance due, important conversations, legal agreements, and any other relevant details you want to remember. Keep it somewhere accessible, such as a shared Google Sheet, a wedding planning app, or a printed folder that you bring to the venue.
Plan Your Event at Oaks Manor
At Oaks Manor, we offer space for up to 180 guests, provide outdoor ceremonies, and feature a brand-new carriage house that is perfect for cocktail hour. Please get in touch with our team, and we will arrange a time for you to take a tour.
