Photographers
The photographer is one of the most important vendors to decide on. Take your time in researching them and looking at their work. Read their testimonials, even the negative to get the big picture. Make sure you meet the photographer before hand and make sure you mesh well with one another. My top pick until I get my vendor pages up and running would be Grey Giraffe Photography. I worked with them in Park City and they were great to work with. (Photo Credit - Grey Giraffe)
Videographers
Sometimes the photographer can recommend a videographer they like to work with. Sometimes they are one in the same company, but choose wisely. One of my favorites is Branson Maxwell. Videographers are another, in my opinion, a must have at you wedding. The reason I say this, is when you have a fight, look back at your video and fall in love all over again. Spend your budget on things that can and will affect you and the guests. (Photo Credit - Branson Maxwell)
Hair & make-up
I have never had the opportunity to work directly with a Wedding Hair & Makeup Artist as it is done hours before the wedding. I have worked on my own makeup for Halloween, but I am sure you don't want to look like a Klingon or Heath Ledger's Joker. If I hear of one - I will share their information here. (Photo Credit - Bridal Gal)
Wedding Cakes
Sure a cake is one of the center pieces, but a wedding cake is hardly remembered by your guests. Make sure you have a decent size, nothing too big but good tasting cake, but you don't need to spend a lot of budget here. My #1 suggestion is don't have your friend do it, unless she is a professional. A cake showed up at a wedding and I hid it, I ordered one from a local bakery. The bride didn't even know I switched out cakes for about 5 years. She thanked me once she saw it. (Photo Credit - Auntie's Cakery)