A detailed timeline on when you should book your vendors
As engagement season is approaching I wanted to address one of the most commonly asked questions I get. What vendors should you book first and how far in advance should you book them.
12+ months: Hire a wedding planner- If you want help with your overall budget and selecting a venue within your budget I recommend you hire a planner first and as soon as possible.
Book your venue- This is by far the most daunting task to do at first but once you have your venue and date selected you’re really ready to start planning your wedding.
Book your wedding photographer- Photographers are by far the most in demand vendor for a wedding. I suggest once you have your venue and date booked you reach out to photographers and start narrowing down your favorites. Then once you find one you love book them!
11 months: Caterer: If your venue does not come with a Caterer you need to book one very early in the planning process. Remember this cost will most likely be a higher one for you.
Custom Save the Dates & Invitations: If you do want custom pieces for your wedding you need to start reaching out to Stationery Artists around this time as it takes a few months to create a fully custom design.
10 months: Schedule your engagement shoot with your photographer if you want to take them.
Hire your Videographer, DJ or Band for your wedding.
Also start on your wedding website if you are wanting to create one. Remember the site should be completed before you send out your Save the Dates with all your details displayed.
If you are needing a room block for your wedding this is the time as well to book them.
Lastly ask your friends or family members to be apart of your Bridal Party.
9 months: Start looking for a wedding dress! Some dresses require 6+ months to order.
Finalize your Save the Dates with your stationery artist or select a design from a website.
8 months: Hire your florist. Selecting your florist early will really help them contribute to the overall design of your wedding.
Select Bridal & Groomsmen Attire. This will allow your bridal party to budget for their attire they need to buy or rent for your wedding.
Complete your Gift Registry. You want to complete your registry early because if you host a party before the wedding your guests can purchase items directly from it.
7 months: Book any Specialty Rentals, Custom Signage, and Officiant for your wedding.
6 months: Send out your Save the Dates.
Also buy or rent Grooms Attire, book any transportation that is needed, and here is the fun one… start booking your Honeymoon!
5 months: Schedule your tasting, hire your Baker for your cake and desserts and last but not least hire your hair and makeup team.
Also make sure you finalize your invitations!
4 months: Purchase any Bridal Party Gifts and book your Rehearsal Dinner.
Finalize Design and details that will be displayed on your tables.
3 months: Send out your Invitations and request for all the RSVP’s to be returned no later than 1 month before your wedding.
Schedule your Wedding Dress Alterations.
Schedule your Hair and Make up Trial for your wedding.
Start compiling your important Wedding Songs.
Buy all your Details for your wedding (card box, table numbers, champagne flutes, cake topper, cake cutting utensils).
1 month: Finalize your RSVP’s and Seating Chart.
Send all your Final Numbers to your vendors and caterer.
Pay vendors remaining balance.
Schedule final Details Meeting with your venue coordinator.
Schedule your final Dress Fitting (recommend 2 weeks before your wedding in case any last alterations are needed).
Have your Bachelorette Party!
2 weeks: Pick up your Marriage License, write any Personal Vows, Finalize Ceremony Script with Officiant.
Finalize all wedding songs with your DJ.
Finalize Timeline and Layout with your planner.
Start packing a bag for your wedding day!
Phew! You made it through planning your wedding.
Now have THE BEST wedding you could ever imagine!