Planning a wedding comes with a million decisions—from the dress and flowers to the music and seating chart. But what if you could skip some of the stress by learning directly from the experts? We asked a few of our most trusted local vendors at Riverside Pavilion to share the behind-the-scenes truths they wish every couple knew before the big day.
Here’s what they had to say:
🌸 Florist: "Pinterest is great inspiration, but it’s not a catalog."
"We love when couples show us their vision, but many Pinterest images feature out-of-season or premium flowers that don’t always align with the budget or event date. Be flexible, and trust us to suggest beautiful, in-season alternatives that still match your style."
Pro Tip: Bring 2-3 inspiration photos, then let your florist get creative within your color palette and budget.
🎧 DJ: "The timeline matters more than you think."
"A solid timeline is everything. It sets the mood and flow for the entire evening. If we know ahead of time when the first dance, speeches, and cake cutting are happening, we can create an experience that builds energy, not breaks it."
Pro Tip: Share your final timeline with all vendors—especially the entertainment—at least one week in advance.
🍽️ Caterer: "Communicate dietary needs early."
"We can accommodate almost anything, but we need to know well in advance. Last-minute dietary requests can lead to stress and limited options. Also, remember that vendor meals matter too—we work hard and appreciate being included!"
Pro Tip: Ask guests for dietary restrictions on your RSVP cards or wedding website.
🍼 Coordinator: "Delegate. Delegate. Delegate."
"Even the most organized bride needs help the day of. Trying to do it all yourself isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a recipe for burnout. Let us, or someone you trust, run the schedule and manage the details so you can actually enjoy your day."
Pro Tip: Assign one friend or family member to be the vendor point-of-contact if you don’t have a coordinator.
📸 Photographer: "Golden hour isn’t just a buzzword—it’s magic."
"Lighting can make or break your photos. Build time into your schedule for portraits during golden hour—that dreamy window right before sunset. Trust us, it’s worth adjusting your timeline."
Pro Tip: Ask your photographer what time golden hour hits your venue and plan 15-20 minutes for portraits during that time.
In Closing
Vendors aren’t just here to check boxes—we’re your creative partners, your problem solvers, and your day-of support team. When you trust us, communicate early, and stay flexible, magic happens.
At Riverside Pavilion, we work closely with an incredible team of vendors who know our space inside and out. Want help choosing the right ones? Let’s talk.
📍 Riverside Pavilion, Port Orange, FL
📞 (386) 761-8122
📧 rpavilion3431@gmail.com
Reach out today to schedule a tour, ask about vendor referrals, or chat through your dream day!