When to Book Your Wedding Vendors
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and knowing when to book each vendor is key to staying organised and stress-free. This guide will walk you through the optimal timeline for booking your wedding vendors to ensure you secure your favourites for your wedding day.
12-18 Months before your wedding day
Wedding Venue
Your venue sets the stage for the entire wedding. It’s the first vendor you should lock in, as your chosen venue will dictate your wedding date and the style of your event. Popular venues often get booked over a year in advance, so start your search early. Once the venue is secured, everything else will fall into place.
Catering
If your venue doesn’t offer in-house catering, your next step is to hire a caterer. It is essential to have this vendor booked around the same time as your venue, as catering options can affect your overall budget. Most caterers offer tastings, so make sure you schedule this early.
Wedding Planner
If you’re opting for a wedding planner, book them at the same time as the venue and catering. A wedding planner can take so much stress off your shoulders by coordinating vendors, managing logistics, and ensuring your vision comes to life.
Photography and Videography
These vendors play a crucial role in capturing the memories of your big day. High-quality photographers and videographers are often booked up to a year in advance. Schedule meetings with potential candidates, review galleries, and secure your favourite to ensure they are available for your wedding date.
9-12 months before your wedding day
Flowers and Stylist
Floral arrangements and wedding styling set the tone for your wedding aesthetic. Meet with florists and stylists to discuss your vision. Booking early ensures they have enough time to source materials and prepare for your wedding day.
Wedding Attire
Whether you’re purchasing a wedding dress, a suit, or wedding party outfits, allow plenty of time for ordering and alterations. Many designers require more than six months to create custom attire, and additional time for alterations and final fittings.
Celebrant
Your celebrant is key to your ceremony, so securing the right one is important. Depending on your location and the popularity of your chosen celebrant, you should aim to book them around the same time as your wedding attire.
6-9 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY
Wedding Cake
Your wedding cake is most likely going to be a centrepiece at your reception and many bakers require several months notice to guarantee that they are available for your wedding day. Schedule tastings and consultations to ensure your cake is not only delicious but beautiful as well.
Hair and Makeup
Your hair and makeup team will help you look and feel your best on your wedding day. Start researching styles and artists early, as top beauty professionals are often booked months in advance, especially during peak wedding season.
Music and Entertainment
Whether you’re hiring a DJ, live band, or string quartet, entertainment can make or break your reception. Good performers get booked early, so lock in your chosen entertainment well in advance.
Transport
Depending on your needs, you may need transportation for yourself, the wedding party, or guests. Book your transport at least six months ahead, especially if you require a unique vehicle like a vintage car.
4-6 months before your wedding day
Stationery
Your wedding stationery is your guests’ first impression of your big day. From save-the-dates to invitations, signage, menus and thank-you cards, you’ll want to choose a designer early enough to ensure they have time for custom designs, revisions and printing.
Hire
If your venue doesn’t provide furniture, linens, or décor, you’ll need to hire these items. Start researching rental companies about six months before your wedding to ensure they can accommodate your style and needs.
2-4 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY
Jewellery and Shoes
Accessories complete your wedding day look, so it’s best to purchase these a few months before your wedding day to allow time to find the perfect pieces.
Wedding Favours
Wedding favours are a fun way to thank guests for celebrating with you. Aim to order these closer to the wedding, but leave enough time for personalisation if needed.
HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING!
By following this guide, you will be well on your way to securing the best vendors for your wedding day, ensuring that everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Unsure on where to start? Find a list of my recommended wedding vendors here.
