Newly engaged and starting to plan your wedding? Choosing the right vendors can be a daunting task. If, like many of my brides, you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, read on for a few tips to help you begin your journey!

Work with a wedding planner.  If I were given a nickel every time a bride revealed she didn't need a coordinator because "Aunt Sally can do it" or "my friend did a wedding once, she can be my coordinator," I'd be a rich woman.

But here's the truth: hiring a professional is worth its weight in gold; the money you spend on one could very well could be money you save down the line, thanks to his or her expertise and relationships with local vendors. Wedding planners possess a wealth of knowledge: they’re able to refer you to the best vendors that fit your budget, and often receive discounts they can pass on to you.

Set a budget. It really does you no good to consider—and fall in love with—a photographer whose packages start at $10,000 if your budget only allows $3,500 for that expenditure. Knowing how much you have to spend in each category will save you both headache and heartache later on, and relaying your budget parameters to your vendors enables them to customize a quote specific to your needs.

Book your venue first. Reserving your dream venue before hiring any outside vendors ensures your wedding will take place on your preferred date. Make sure to ask about any off-peak specials—Fridays and Sundays are usually less expensive than Saturdays, and booking on a weekday has the potential to save the most money. Saving money on your venue might allow for additional spending in other areas, such as the dress or photography.

What’s more, you might find that many of your vendors offer off-peak pricing as well, opening up the potential for even deeper savings. And five years from now, no one will remember what day of the week it was, only that they had a great time!

Ask for recommendations. Because venues host weddings on a daily basis, they’re a great resource when it comes to providing insider information on potential vendors. If a vendor has worked at your venue in the past, asking about their level of professionalism—for example, if they were punctual, if they treated the staff with respect, and if they dressed and behaved in a professional manner—can help narrow your choices.

Friends or family members who’ve recently wed are another great resource. You may have admired the gorgeous flowers at your cousin Suzie’s wedding, but had no idea the florist wouldn’t return her calls and showed up late! Asking for recommendations can go a long way to helping you decide who you want to hire for the big day.

Check out reviews on Wedding Wire. This website (www.weddingwire.com) is a fantastic resource for any bride-to-be! Do your homework by checking out what other brides have to say about vendors in your area—their experience, good or bad, can impact yours.

Use Google. Has the vendor in question drummed up any news stories lately? Perhaps they were recently interviewed on the local news as an expert in their field, or maybe they didn't show up to a wedding. Whether good or bad, you'll want to know.

Get Introduced. After narrowing down your choices, meet with the person you'll be working with to make sure you’re compatible. A vendor can look great on paper, but in person, your personalities might not match. If you’re spending the next several months—not to mention your hard earned money—with this person, make sure you like him or her.

Have fun. Remember: you’re marrying your best friend and hosting a celebration you'll remember the rest of your life. Don't let stress ruin this exciting time!

Photo by Tax Credits.