Can we bring our own vendors?

Planning an event involves a million moving parts. You have a vision board full of ideas, a specific budget in mind, and perhaps a list of dream professionals you are dying to work with. But then comes the venue search, and suddenly, you hit a wall. Many venues hand you a rigid list of “exclusive” partners, telling you exactly who must photograph your wedding, cook your food, and play your music.

This lack of choice can feel suffocating. After all, the team you hire sets the tone for the entire celebration. If the venue’s DJ plays strictly Top 40 hits but you want 90s R&B, the vibe won’t match your vision.

At Sepan Banquet Hall, we get asked one question constantly: “Can we bring our own vendors?”

The answer is a resounding yes. While we offer fantastic solutions to make your life easier, we believe your event should reflect your personality, not our rulebook. This guide explores why vendor flexibility matters, how our add-on packages work, and how to successfully manage an external team for your big day.

The Importance of Vendor Flexibility

When you sign a contract with a venue, you are often signing up for their ecosystem. Some venues require you to use their in-house catering, lighting, and entertainment. While this model works for some, it limits your creativity.

Flexibility allows you to prioritize what matters most to you. Maybe you are a foodie who wants a specific farm-to-table caterer. Perhaps your cousin is an incredible florist, or you have your heart set on a live jazz band rather than a DJ. When a venue allows outside vendors, they are essentially giving you the keys to design an experience that is authentic to you.

We believe that the venue provides the canvas, but you should choose the artists who paint the picture.

Understanding Our Add-On Packages

Just because you can bring your own vendors doesn’t mean you have to find everyone from scratch. We know that hunting down a reliable photographer, a cake decorator, and a linen supplier can be a full-time job.

To bridge the gap between total DIY and rigid venue restrictions, we offer comprehensive add-on packages. These are designed for convenience. We have curated relationships with trusted professionals who know our Glendale venue inside and out. They know exactly where the load-in dock is, how the lighting system works, and the flow of the room.

Opting for our packages can save you time and stress. You get the benefit of a vetted team without the hassle of cold-calling dozens of businesses. However, these are strictly optional. We view them as tools to help you, not requirements to bind you.

Why You Might Choose Outside Pros

There are several reasons why our clients choose to bring in their own team, and we support all of them.

Cultural Specificity

Events often have deep cultural roots, especially when it comes to food and music. If you are hosting a traditional celebration that requires specific culinary techniques or traditional instruments, a general in-house vendor might not have the expertise you need. Bringing in a specialist ensures your traditions are honored correctly.

Personal Relationships

The events industry is built on connection. If your best friend is a professional videographer, it makes sense that you would want them to capture your special moments. We love seeing our clients work with people they know and trust.

Budget Management

Flexibility gives you financial control. When you are locked into a venue’s vendors, you are locked into their prices. By having the freedom to shop around, you can allocate your budget where it counts. You might save money on a minimalist DJ setup so you can splurge on an elaborate floral arch.

Tips for Coordinating External Vendors

Bringing your own team requires a bit more logistical management than using in-house staff. Since we want your event at Sepan Banquet Hall to run flawlessly, here are a few tips for managing outside pros.

Check for Insurance

This is the unglamorous side of event planning, but it is vital. Ensure every vendor you hire carries liability insurance. If a caterer’s equipment damages the floor or a guest trips over a photographer’s bag, insurance protects you (and us) from a headache.

Communication is Key

Your vendors need to talk to us. We recommend having your vendors visit the hall before the event date. They need to see the layout, understand the power outlets for their equipment, and know the schedule. A quick site visit prevents tripping breakers or awkward setup flows on the day of the party.

distinct Timelines

Your DJ needs to know when the speeches are. Your caterer needs to know when the toasts happen so they don’t start clearing plates during a sentimental moment. When you build your own team, you are the captain. Create a master timeline and distribute it to everyone, including the venue manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you allow outside catering?

Yes. We understand that food is the heart of many celebrations. You are welcome to bring a licensed and insured caterer of your choice to handle the dining experience.

Are there restrictions on the type of decor we can bring?

We are very open to different decor styles, but safety comes first. Generally, we prohibit anything that causes permanent damage to walls (like nails) or creates a massive mess that is impossible to clean (like glitter or confetti cannons). It is always best to run your specific ideas by our management team first.

What if I don’t have time to find vendors?

That is exactly what our add-on packages are for. If you find yourself overwhelmed, you can utilize our network of trusted professionals to handle specific aspects of the event, like catering or decoration, while you handle others. You can mix and match to suit your needs.

Does the venue provide tables and chairs?

Yes, Sepan Banquet Hall provides the essential furniture. Your outside vendors would typically be responsible for specific linens, centerpieces, or specialty furniture rentals if your vision requires something beyond our standard offerings.

Let’s Plan Your Perfect Celebration

Your event should be a reflection of your taste, your culture, and your joy. Whether you want to utilize our convenient packages or bring in a dream team of your own, we are here to facilitate your vision.

At Sepan Banquet Hall in Glendale, we’re experts at turning everyday events into celebrations. Don’t wait, give us a call to make an appointment and see why we are the venue of choice for tasteful events, celebrations, receptions, and parties.