A Timeline For Booking Your Wedding Vendors

Now that the excitement of getting engaged is starting to settle in! It’s time to start planning your big day, but don’t freak out – we’ve got your back. Here’s a timeline to help you figure out when to book your wedding vendors.

Venue

Setting a wedding date is definitely the first step in the wedding planning process. Then, it’s important to book your wedding venue as soon as possible, since they tend to get reserved quickly. In fact, it’s a good idea to start looking at venues at least a year in advance to ensure that you get the one you want on your desired date.

Planner

If you’re thinking of hiring a wedding planner to handle all the nitty-gritty details of your big day, it’s a good idea to reach out to potential candidates early on. While you don’t have to do it the minute you say “yes” to the proposal, it’s best to start arranging meetings with wedding planners as soon as you’re ready to take the next step. Most people do this about a year ahead of the wedding day, so keep that in mind when planning things out. By doing this early, you’ll have plenty of time to find the perfect planner who can help make your wedding dreams a reality.

Photographers/Cinematographers

Wedding photographers are in high demand, so it’s important to book one as soon as you’ve set your wedding date and secured your venue. You’ll want to start looking for photographers about a year ahead of your wedding day, but don’t worry if you don’t find your perfect match right away. Many people book photographers 10-12 months in advance. The same goes for wedding videographers – they’re also in high demand, so it’s best to book them as early as possible, ideally 10-12 months before your wedding day.

Catering

Finding the perfect food for your wedding is a big deal, and it can really make your day even better. Booking a caterer is key for many couples, and you want to make sure you get the best food for your budget and theme. Start looking for caterers about 10 to 12 months before your big day, and make sure to reserve your spot around 8 months ahead. That way, you’ll have one less thing to worry about and can enjoy your special day to the fullest.

Officiant

You gotta find someone to make it all legal and official. Am I right? Time to find that perfect wedding officiant! Meet with a few and pick the one that feels right for you and your boo. Make sure to book them in advance, about 8-10 months before the big day.

Florist

Flowers are absolutely stunning, and if you’re planning a wedding where you want some floral magic, you’ll want to make sure you find the perfect florist. These pros can turn your floral dreams into reality, so it’s important to start your search early to ensure you get the best match for your budget and style. You should aim to book your florist about 9-10 months before your wedding day or event to ensure their availability and have ample time to plan and make any necessary adjustments. Don’t wait until the last minute to find your perfect floral match!

DJ/Band

When it comes to your wedding day, the music you choose is totally up to you! Whether you prefer a live band or a DJ, it’s important to book your wedding entertainment well in advance. Typically, you should aim to book your band or DJ about 8-9 months before your big day. This is because live bands often have multiple members with different schedules to coordinate, so it’s best to move quickly when you find a group that you like. By booking early, you can ensure that your top choice is available and ready to rock your wedding celebration!

Cake

Tasting cakes is definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding planning process. It’s important to do your research beforehand and come prepared with ideas and preferences in mind. Scheduling tastings around 7 months before the wedding should give you plenty of time to make a decision and ensure that everything is perfect for your big day.

Hair and Makeup

When it comes to getting your hair and makeup done on the big day, it’s important to find stylists and artists that you really like. But don’t wait until the last minute to start looking! You’ll want to start researching about 7 months ahead of time and aim to book around 5-6 months out. Social media can be a great way to discover local artists that fit your style. And don’t forget to schedule at least one trial run for both hair and makeup – it’s key to making sure you look and feel your best on the big day.