In-House vs. Bring-Your-Own:

Navigating Vendor Policies at Michigan Wedding Venues

From flowers to food and photography, your wedding vendors bring your vision to life. But before you start booking, it’s essential to understand your venue’s vendor policy, and whether it requires in-house services or allows outside partners.

 If you’re planning your wedding in Michigan, you’ll find that different venues offer different levels of flexibility. Some require couples to work with an in-house team, while others allow you to bring in your own florist, caterer, DJ, and beyond. There are pros and cons to both routes, and knowing how to navigate this decision will save you time, stress, and potential surprises later in the process.

The Perks of In-House Wedding Vendors

Many Michigan wedding venues offer in-house services such as catering, bar service, cake, linens, décor, and coordination. Some even include AV and lighting services, or a preferred DJ.

Pros of In-House Vendors

• Streamlined communication and scheduling
• Built-in familiarity with the venue layout and flow
• Established relationships among team members
• Potential cost savings with bundled services
• Less time spent vetting, booking, and managing vendors

Cons of In-House Vendors

• Limited selection or customization
• Less flexibility if you have a specific vendor in mind

An all-inclusive venue can be a huge time saver, especially for couples planning from a distance or looking for a stress-free experience. In-house teams know the space inside and out, making setup, timing, and transitions feel seamless. You won’t need to coordinate between multiple contacts or worry about delivery windows – everything is handled under one roof.

The Appeal of Outside Wedding Vendors

Choosing your own vendors can be appealing if you have specific preferences or a particular aesthetic in mind. Some couples bring in a family friend as their officiant, hire a boutique bakery for their cake, or want a caterer that specializes in cultural cuisine.

Pros of Outside Vendors

• More freedom to customize your day
• Opportunity to support local businesses or known professionals
• Ideal for niche services or unique styles

Cons of Outside Vendors

• More moving parts to manage
• May require additional approvals, contracts, or fees
• Vendors may be unfamiliar with the venue or its logistics

If you go this route, be sure to ask the venue whether they require licenses, insurance, or vendor walk-throughs in advance. These details can have a big impact on your timeline and budget.

What About Hybrid Options?

Some wedding venues in Michigan offer a mix of in-house services and flexibility for outside vendors. This allows you to enjoy the ease of bundled services while still adding personal touches from vendors you love.

At Crystal Gardens, we specialize in an all-inclusive experience, but we’re happy to discuss incorporating special touches from your preferred vendors where possible. Whether it’s a signature dessert from a local bakery or a meaningful song performed live during your ceremony, we want your wedding to feel like you.

Questions to Ask About Wedding Venue Vendor Policies

Before you book a venue, make sure you understand what’s included – and what’s not.

Here are some key questions to ask during a tour or consultation:

• What in-house vendors or services are included in your packages?
• Can we bring in our own caterer, baker, or DJ?
• Do you charge fees for outside vendors?
• Are there any required licenses or insurances?
• Can we schedule a vendor walk-through before the big day?
• What wedding venue amenities are provided (AV, linens, setup, etc.)?

Choosing the Right Fit

At the end of the day, the right approach depends on your vision, your budget, and how hands-on you want to be with planning. If convenience and confidence are top priorities, an in-house team can offer unmatched peace of mind. If your heart is set on a specific vendor or service, make sure your venue can accommodate those choices without unnecessary hurdles.

 Whether you’re looking for a fully coordinated experience or something more personalized, understanding vendor policies early in your wedding planning process will set you up for success.

Ready to see how an all-inclusive venue can simplify your wedding planning in Michigan? Schedule a tour with Crystal Gardens today.