Planning a wedding can be daunting, but Bidi, a Utah-based startup, is making it easier for engaged couples to find the perfect vendors for their big day.
Bidi's free website streamlines the search for wedding professionals, helping brides and grooms connect with caterers, photographers, florists and more — all on one convenient platform.
Founded by BYU students Weston Burnett, Baylor Jeppsen and Matias Gonzalez, Bidi was born out of the frustration of navigating the often overwhelming wedding industry. The co-founders recognized a need in the market: engaged couples in Utah needed a more straightforward, efficient way to find vendors that fit their budget, style and availability.
Jeppsen and Burnett teamed up after realizing their strong business dynamic while serving missions together in the Dominican Republic. Burnett's idea for the app was sparked by a trip to Peru where he used inDrive — an Uber-like app with a bidding system that allows users to set their price and negotiate directly with drivers.
“We thought the idea was cool, and my wife was like, ‘what if you just did it for photography?’” Burnett said. “So we started building it.”
Bidi initially began as a bidding service for various vendors. However, due to a smaller network and the need for a more targeted approach, the company shifted its focus to the wedding market.
“We saw a need for a centralized platform where couples could easily compare vendors without spending countless hours searching the internet or relying solely on word-of-mouth recommendations,” Burnett said.
Gonzalez, who joined Jeppsen and Burnett after meeting through the Sandbox program, echoed this sentiment.
“Our goal was to create a system that not only helps couples, but also supports local vendors by giving them a more direct way to connect with clients," Gonzalez said. "It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
Since its inception, Bidi has experienced rapid growth, attracting both engaged couples and vendors eager to connect with potential clients. By providing a seamless user experience, the platform has gained traction within Utah’s wedding industry, positioning itself as a go-to resource for planning a dream wedding.
“The response has been incredible,” Jeppsen said. “We’ve heard from so many couples who tell us that Bidi made their planning experience so much smoother. That kind of feedback fuels our drive to keep improving.”
The company’s expansion has been driven by its commitment to accessibility and efficiency. Unlike other vendor directories, Bidi remains free for users, removing financial barriers and ensuring couples can focus on what matters most — their wedding day.
“Weddings are expensive enough as it is,” Gonzalez said. “We didn’t want to add another cost to couples who are already budgeting for their big day. That’s why we’re committed to keeping Bidi free for users.”
Bidi’s functionality is designed with ease in mind. Users enter their wedding details, including date, location and service needs. The platform then curates a list of vendors that match their criteria, complete with pricing information, availability and reviews from past clients. This transparent approach helps couples make informed decisions without the hassle of endless inquiries and negotiations.
“At the end of the day, we want to make wedding planning as stress-free as possible,” Jeppsen said. “We believe every couple deserves an easy, enjoyable experience when preparing for their big day.”
For vendors, Bidi offers a streamlined way to showcase their services and reach a targeted audience. By creating a profile, wedding professionals can connect with clients actively seeking their expertise, leading to more bookings and business growth.
“Our platform levels the playing field,” Burnett said. “Whether you’re a well-known wedding vendor or just starting out, Bidi helps you get in front of the right audience.”
Looking ahead, Bidi’s founders envision expanding the platform beyond Utah, bringing its user-friendly vendor matching system to couples in other states. They also plan to introduce additional features, including budgeting tools and personalized assistance. In the long term, Bidi aims to extend its marketplace beyond weddings, allowing people to find and book vendors for a variety of services, from corporate events to home improvement projects.
“We’re just getting started,” Gonzalez said. “There’s so much potential to grow and improve, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”
With its commitment to innovation and user accessibility, Bidi is redefining the wedding planning experience — one happy couple at a time. They plan to expand into a broader marketplace for all kinds of vendors in the future.