Set a budget - Do some homework and see what the going rates are for services in your area which will eliminate financial surprises as things go along.
Venue- Its pretty similar to meeting the person of your dreams, When you close your eyes do you see the entire event taking place there, your families and friends walking the property, dancing on the dance floor, snapping pictures and making endless memories.. well you are on you way BUT you must make sure the space will accommodate all requests, falls in budget, and has the overall feel of your big day. Oh and be available.
After you nail down your venue, you'll want to select the team that will—quite literally—bring the rest of your wedding day together. The core vendor team would be photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, and entertainment. Ofcoarse wedding planner can be thrown in there to :)
Ask yourself ...
Are they in budget
Does your personality mesh
Do they see the vision or vibe you are going for
Were they refereed by a friend or have good reviews
Are they marking off the boxes for your expectations
Do they provide all details in writing
When its all said and done will this all flow together
Ok that last one was heavy but if you follow your gut, do the research, ask for help and keep communication open if problems arise, you can create a flawless group of vendors who will do everything that day to make it the most magical. Happy Selecting