Hello there, fellow brides and grooms! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the throes of wedding planning, and let me tell you, it’s quite the ride. I remember when I first got engaged, I was over the moon with excitement. But then came the daunting task of planning the wedding. Where do you even start? Well, that’s what I’m here to help you with today. We’re going to talk about wedding vendors and the timeline for booking them. Trust me, the order matters, and I learned that the hard way!
When I started to plan my wedding, I thought I could just book vendors as I found them. Boy, was I wrong! I had my heart set on this fantastic cake baker who was booked solid for the next year. I learned the hard way there are just some vendors that you should hire first, and others can wait. So, let’s dive into the timeline and save you from making the same mistakes I did. This is your wedding planning timeline, and it’s important to book your vendors in the right order.
The first wedding vendor you should book is a wedding planner or coordinator. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “But I can plan my wedding myself!” And sure, you can. But having a full-service wedding planner by your side can make the process so much smoother. They’re pros at this, after all. They can guide you through the wedding planning process, help you stay within your budget, and most importantly, they know exactly when to book your other vendors.
I remember when I hired my planner, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. She was there to answer all my questions, and she had a network of vendors she trusted. It was a game-changer. So, hire your planner first, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth wedding planning experience. You can use your wedding website to share your dream wedding vision with your vendor team and keep track of your wedding vendor checklist.
Don’t forget to use your wedding website to host your wedding details and share updates with your wedding guests. This can be an invaluable tool in the months out from your wedding. Additionally, looking through different wedding magazines can provide a wealth of ideas and inspiration, helping you choose your wedding theme, find dream vendors, and explore different wedding styles. Whether you’re planning a year before your wedding or just months in advance, these resources are incredibly helpful.
Next up is your wedding venue. This is a big one, folks. Your venue doesn’t just set the stage for your big day, it also sets your firm wedding date. And trust me, you’ll want to book your venue sooner rather than later. Many popular venues book up fast, so it’s best to book the venue at least a year in advance. (maybe even two!)
I remember when my fiancé and I were venue hunting, we fell in love with this beautiful destination wedding spot. But when we tried to book, they were already filled up for our preferred date. We had to adjust our timeline, but it was worth it. So, once you’ve got your planner, start looking at venues. Remember, dates book up fast, so I recommend booking your wedding venue as soon as you decide on your wedding location.
Once you’ve got your date and venue, it’s time to book your wedding photographer and videographer. These are the people who will capture your wedding day, preserving those precious moments for you to look back on. It’s essential to book a wedding videographer and photographer early. These professionals can only cater to one wedding per day, and the best ones are in high demand. I was lucky to book my dream photographer and videographer 10 months in advance, and I suggest you do the same.
When you begin to plan your wedding, it’s important to consider the overall style and wedding attire. This is what sets the tone for your big day and makes it uniquely yours. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional, modern, or completely unique wedding, you’ll need to book attire for you and your wedding party months prior to the wedding. This includes not only the bridal gown and groom’s attire but also dresses and suits for the bridal party. Your wedding style will be reflected in everything from the wedding band you choose to the type of wedding favors you provide to your guests. Remember to start looking to book these items at least six months before your wedding day to ensure everything is perfectly coordinated.
A skilled florist is essential in bringing your wedding’s aesthetic to life. They craft the stunning floral displays that enhance the beauty of your special day. Booking my wedding florist around 10 months prior allowed ample collaboration time to refine our floral designs. While florists may handle multiple events in a day, securing your preferred choice well in advance is crucial. A wedding planner can be instrumental in connecting you with a florist who aligns with your vision and style.
Choosing the right caterer is pivotal to delighting your guests with exquisite cuisine. I secured my wedding caterer approximately 9 months in advance, ensuring enough time for menu planning and taste testing. Given that caterers may service several events over a weekend, early booking is key for getting your top pick. The culinary experience plays a significant role in the overall wedding ambiance, so it’s vital to ensure the food quality and presentation are exceptional.
As your wedding day approaches, there are still some important details to tend to, often in the weeks before your wedding. This includes finalizing arrangements with your group of vendors, confirming details with your wedding videographers, and ensuring that all your wedding favors are ready to go. It’s a good idea to have a checklist and consult with your wedding planner to know which vendors need to be confirmed and what tasks need to be completed. As you move into the 2 months before your wedding, these small details can make a huge difference in ensuring a smooth and successful wedding day.
Once you’ve secured your planner, venue, photographer, videographer, florist, and caterer, you can start booking the rest of your vendors. This includes your cake baker, DJ, hair and makeup artist, officiant, and any other vendors you might need.
I remember when I was booking my cake baker, I was surprised to learn that they could only make a limited number of wedding cakes per weekend. So, even though they’re not the first vendor you should book, you still want to secure them a few months before your wedding.
Your officiant is another important vendor to book. They’re the one who will officially marry you, after all! I booked my officiant about 6 months before my wedding, which gave us plenty of time to plan the ceremony.
As you get closer to your wedding date, there are still a few more vendors to consider. About 4-6 months before your wedding, you’ll want to order your wedding invitations. This gives you plenty of time to address and send them out, and for your guests to RSVP.
You’ll also want to consider your wedding transportation. If you’re having a destination wedding or your ceremony and reception venues are far apart, you’ll need to arrange transportation for your guests. I booked my transportation about 3 months before my wedding, which was plenty of time.
Planning a wedding can feel like a daunting task, but with the right timeline, it becomes much more manageable. Remember, the general rule of thumb is to book your wedding vendors as early as possible. Start with your planner and venue, then move on to your photographer and videographer, followed by your florist and caterer. Once those are secured, you can start booking the rest of your vendors.
I hope this was helpful for all you engaged couples out there. Remember, this is your big day, and you want to make sure it’s as perfect as possible. So, start your wedding planning early, book your vendors in the right order, and enjoy the process. After all, you’re creating a wedding that will be a beautiful start to your married life. Happy planning!
The wedding vendor timeline is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. Knowing when to book a wedding venue, hire a wedding cake baker, or secure wedding videographers is essential. Ideally, major vendors like your venue and caterer should be booked at least a year before your wedding, while others like florists and bakers are often booked around 10 months before the wedding. When you’re looking to book dream vendors, remember that the best ones tend to book up fast, so advance planning is key. Ask your wedding planner for recommendations and timelines to ensure you don’t miss out on any of your preferred vendors.
