10 Budget-Friendly Baltimore Wedding Vendors You Need to Know
- jessheddings
- Nov 6
- 7 min read
Planning a wedding in Baltimore doesn’t mean you have to drain your savings. If you’re dreaming of a gorgeous celebration without going overboard on cost, you’re in the right place. And if you’re looking for a venue that already gives you tons of value, consider Island View Waterfront — located at 2542 Island View Road, Essex, MD 21221 (410-687-9799) — a stunning Baltimore wedding venue on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, serving Baltimore, White Marsh, Bel Air, Rosedale, Dundalk, Pasadena, Columbia, Ellicott City, Washington DC and more.
At Island View, you’ll find flexible rental options, waterfront views, and a built-in appreciation for budget-friendly planning that doesn’t look cheap.
Whether your guest list is 50 or 150, or you’re choosing a single-day rental vs. a full weekend, the right vendors make all the difference. Here are ten vendor categories — each with what you should ask, what to expect, and where you can save — with space for you to plug in one or two actual vendor names you trust and recommend.
1. Photographers Who Capture More for Less
Why this matters: Your photos last forever — and you don’t want to stint here, but you can get great value.
What to ask:
What hours are included in your package?
Are travel fees included (for the Baltimore/Chesapeake Bay area)?
How many edited images will we receive?
Can we book fewer hours (for a shorter ceremony + reception) and save accordingly?What to expect: Many Baltimore-area photographers offer 4–6 hour “mid-size” packages that provide full coverage of ceremony + cocktail hour + start of reception rather than full 8-hour days.
Recommended Wedding Photographer:
Rachel Walisko, http://www.rachelwalisko.com/,
serving Washington D.C., DC, United States, Potomac, MD · Baltimore, MD · Richmond, VA · Arlington, VA · Alexandria, VA · Washington D.C., DC · McLean, VA · Reston, VA · Vienna, VA · Leesburg, VA
2. Florists Who Keep It Simple and Stunning
Why this matters: The right flowers set the mood — but you can reduce cost by focusing on high-impact moments rather than every table.
What to ask:
What’s included in your base floral package?
Can we reuse ceremony florals for the reception?
What local blooms can we use to reduce cost?
Do you charge delivery/setup to Essex / Baltimore-area venues like Island View?
What to expect: Since Island View already offers a beautiful waterfront backdrop, you can often rely on minimal décor (greens, a few focal arrangements) and spend less on table garlands or heavy floral installations.
Recommended Wedding Florist:
Thistle and Twig Floral Design, https://thistleandtwigflorist.com
9 Trenton Ln, Bel Air, MD 21014, Phone 443-686-2388
3. Bakers and Dessert Artists with Value in Mind
Why this matters: A sweet ending matters — but you don’t need gold-leaf or 6 tiers to make it memorable.
What to ask:
What’s the cost per serving?
Can we serve sheet-cake for guests and keep a display cake smaller (to save money)?
Do you deliver to Essex / Island View and set up?
What to expect: Baltimore vendors often offer budget-friendly combos (display cake + sheet cake) that cover style + service without excess cost.
Recommended Wedding Cake Baker:
Yia Yia's Bakery, https://www.yiayiasbakery.com
9415 Philadelphia Road, Baltimore, MD, 21237
(410) 238-2253 | info@yiayiasbakery.com
4. DJs & Entertainment That Don’t Break the Bank
Why this matters: Your guests will remember the party — you want someone reliable and fun, but you don’t need top-tier luxury pricing to get that.
What to ask:
What hours are included? Can we book a shorter block (e.g., 5–6 hrs instead of 8)?
Is basic lighting included?
Do you know how to work a waterfront venue like Island View (with outdoor space, possible tent, etc.)?
What to expect: Local Baltimore DJs offer packages with fewer hours, bundled lighting, and coordination with the venue layout that keep cost lower.
Recommended Wedding DJ:
Baltimore's Premier Event Solution, https://www.baltimoreseventsolutions.com/wedding-services/
7008 Golden Ring Rd, Rosedale, MD 21237, Phone 410.630.4121
5. Coordinators & Planners Who Work Within Your Budget
Why this matters: A good planner doesn’t have to cost a fortune — especially if you have many details in place and just want oversight or day-of coordination.
What to ask:
What’s included in your fee (vendor communication, timeline creation, rehearsal coverage)?
Do you offer “day-of” or “month-of” packages at lower cost?
Are you familiar with waterfront venues near Baltimore like Island View?What to expect: If you’ve already booked your venue and major vendors, a day-of coordinator in Baltimore can often be very affordable and deliver huge peace of mind.
Recommended Wedding Coordinator:
Moments Made Simple, https://www.momentsmadesimple.com
Phone 410-442-6353, hello@momentsmadesimple.com
6. Caterers That Know Waterfront Weddings & Keep Costs in Check
Why this matters: Food is usually one of the biggest expenses — but you have options to save.
What to ask:
What’s your cost per plate? Is there a minimum guest count?
Do you support buffet or station service (which may cost less than plated)?
Are you familiar with waterfront venues and outdoor setups like Island View (tents, buffets, cocktail hour outside)?
What to expect: In the Baltimore / Chesapeake Bay area, choosing a catering concept like stations, food-truck or buffet can reduce cost vs. full-service plated dinners.
Recommended Wedding Caterer:
Rouge Fine Catering, https://www.rougecatering.com
Location: 11110 Pepper Road, Suite F, Hunt Valley, MD 21031
Baltimore: 410-527-0007 | DC/VA: 202-524-6801 | Email Us: delight@rougecatering.com
7. Rental Companies with Fair Pricing for Outdoor Waterfront Setups
Why this matters: Chairs, tables, linens and tenting can add up — especially outdoors. But smart rental choices save big.
What to ask:
Do you include delivery, setup and teardown (especially important for venues like Island View with waterfront access)?
Are weekday or off-peak rate discounts available?
Do you have packages for waterfront events in Essex / Baltimore County?
What to expect: Local rental vendors familiar with waterfront venues may offer bundled pricing for ceremony + reception furniture and can handle logistics of outdoor terrain.
Recommended Wedding Rental Company:
McManus Amusements, https://www.mcmanusamusements.com
McManus Amusements, P.O. Box 57White Marsh, MD 21162
Phone: 443-904-7849
8. Hair & Makeup Artists with Bridal Packages That Don’t Max Your Budget
Why this matters: You want to look and feel your best — but you don’t need premium pricing if you choose wisely.
What to ask:
What’s included in your bridal package (trial, travel to Essex, number of people)?
Do you offer group or combo rates (bridal party + hair + makeup)?
Are you familiar with outdoor weddings (wind, humidity, waterfront light) like those at Island View?
What to expect: Many Baltimore-area artists offer weekday or “lesser-peak” pricing and are experienced with outdoor and waterfront setups.
Recommended Wedding Hair & Makeup Artist:
Swept LLC, https://sweptllc.com
9. Officiants Who Make It Personal & Affordable
Why this matters: Ceremony matters — but it doesn’t need to cost a bundle.
What to ask:
What’s your starting fee? Do you offer shorter ceremonies?
Will you travel to Essex / Island View?
Can you offer a personalized script rather than something generic?
What to expect: Local officiants around Baltimore often have modest fees and focus on meaningful service rather than luxury add-ons, making them great for budget-savvy couples.
Recommended Wedding Officiant:
Ceremony By Rachael, https://ceremonybyrachael.com
10. Décor & Detail Vendors That Give Big Impact for Less
Why this matters: Small touches elevate your day — and you can make them affordable with smart choices.
What to ask:
What’s your package for small venues or shorter rentals?
Do you have rental décor inventory (candles, signage, lawn games, uplighting) that works for waterfront outdoor receptions like those at Island View?
Can you work with minimal setups and still deliver “wow”?
What to expect: Since Island View’s waterfront setting already provides strong natural aesthetics, you can focus décor spend on a few high-impact details rather than full-room transformations.
Recommended Wedding décor/detail vendor:
Hazelwood Rentals, https://www.hazelwoodrentals.com
25 E Ellendale St, Bel Air North, MD, United States, Maryland
Putting It All Together at Island View Waterfront
Planning a budget-friendly wedding in Baltimore means smart vendor choices + a venue that supports your goals.
At Island View Waterfront, you’re getting:
A waterfront setting just outside Baltimore with Chesapeake Bay views, so you don’t need elaborate décor to impress. Island View Waterfront Weddings
Packages that allow for single-day or weekend rentals and bring value for your money. Island View Waterfront Weddings near Baltimore
A vendor-friendly approach where you can plug in trusted recommendations (such as those you’ll fill above) and stay within budget.
When you select vendors in each category with budget-conscious intent, you’ll find you can allocate more of your budget to the things that matter most: spending time with your people, soaking in the views, and creating memories.
10 Budget-Friendly Baltimore Wedding Vendors You Need to Know
Island View Waterfront offers a flexible approach to wedding planning, allowing you to customize your package to suit your needs and budget.
Island View Waterfront is committed to making your dream celebration a reality.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your unforgettable wedding or event.
Wedding Website: www.islandviewwaterfrontevents.net
Instagram: Island View Waterfront Venue, Essex Maryland
About us: Island View Waterfront is an independent, locally-owned wedding venue near Baltimore Maryland. We have been family owned and operated since 1968. What started as a small bar and marina (read the history here), we are proud to be the current stewards of this waterfront property on the Chesapeake Bay.
When you choose an independent, locally owned venue like ours, you work directly with the owner, and third generation operator Jessica, throughout your entire wedding planning process!
We are committed to supporting other locally owned wedding venues around the country. A shout-out to the following venues who are offering their continued support and encouragement:
citations: Island View Waterfront, 2542 Island View Road, Essex MD 21221, Phone (410)-687-9799, serving event needs in Baltimore, Annapolis, White Marsh, Bel Air, Dundalk, Rosedale, Frederick, Pasadena, Washington D.C., Canton, Federal Hill, Baltimore City, Columbia, Ellicott City, and more.
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