You just got engaged? Congratulations! But now what? I totally remember feeling totally lost after my engagement. What do I need to do first? Am I going about this in the wrong way? Do I actually need a four string quartet? I am going to walk you through the, step-by-step, what wedding vendors you need to book and when.

The Planner

Let’s start out with the most important one first: the planner. They are the captain of your wedding day ship, the chaos coordinator, and your right-hand man through the thick and thin of the planning process. Depending on how far away your wedding is, it’s best to book your planner a year and a half to two years before your wedding date. This ensures that you and your planner will have plenty of time to talk wedding party details, color palettes, attire, decor, favors, and more. This will also give your planner ample time to find the best vendors and the best deals for your wedding.

The Venue

This is another big item on the list that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Fifteen to eighteen months is when many people decide to lock in their venue. The venue is the backdrop of your entire celebration. It can dictate the tone of your wedding. Do you want a rustic setting, something swanky, a garden party, a beach affair? The further out you get the venue booked, the better. Venues do book out the soonest. There’s a good chance that you may have to choose your wedding day by your dream venue’s availability if it’s a “must have” on your priority list.

The Photographer/Videographer

This vendor is almost as important as the previous two. Also, it is wise to book this vendor category as soon as you have your venue chose. They may even have some great recommendations available. Your photographer and videographer are the two wedding vendors that create something tangible from your wedding day that you keep forever. You can’t keep your DJ, your food, or even your linens, and your hair and makeup will only last for the night. Photos capture memories that can fade over the years. Being able to watch the laughter of your loved ones that have passed is utterly priceless.

Hair and makeup

The number of times that I’ve heard to book your beauty services last causes me genuine anguish. There’s a reason why this category is so high on the list. Secure your hair and makeup at least twelve months before your date. Do you care about how your wedding photos look? Of course you do! That’s why this category is so important. If you don’t feel confident in how you look, it’s going to be evident in the photos. Pro tip: Book your hair and makeup trials (yes, you do need them) for a day when you have a bridal shower or your bridal portraits.

Entertainment

Whether you go for live entertainment or a DJ, you are going to want to lock in this vendor 10-12 months from your wedding date. Ask for recommendations from your other wedding vendors and, also, your newly married friends. Your entertainer of choice essentially guides your guests’ experience. It’s very unlikely to be able to book an entertainer that fits your needs last minute. Make sure that your entertainment has a general idea about the “theme” or vibe of your wedding. They have the expertise to choose songs that are a great fit for your day.

The Officiant

This vendor is best to book around 9 months from your wedding date. Like any other type of vendor, it’s best to find one that best fits your needs. I don’t recommend booking this wedding vendor based on price alone. They are providing service for the majority of your ceremony. If possible, ask friends for recommendations or even better, attending a wedding will help you give you the opportunity to see them “in action.”

The Florist

Take it from me; don’t wait until a week before your wedding that you don’t want to DIY your floral pieces. Follow best practice and book your florist well in advance, approximately 9 months out. Have your florist put together a trial bouquet. This can help the florist get the proportions right and help you manage your expectations. This is also a great opportunity to make any “tweakments” to your original choices.

The Bakery

Whether you choose cookies, macarons, or a traditional cake, I always recommended leaving this category to the professionals, that is unless your great-aunt Maria is a champion baker, of course. Locking in your florist five to nine months out is usually the best guarantee to get the florist that you want. You know the tradition of saving the top layer of your wedding cake? Your baker knows how to make the cake just right so it will keep properly in the freezer for a year.

The Caterer

People won’t talk about the music, the dancing, your favors, or even your dress years after your wedding. They talk about your food. Nine to twelve months is the sweet spot to have your tasting and to decide on which catering company best fits your ideal day. I still get people asking who catered our wedding and we will happy tell anyone! If you’re near Myrtle Beach, Philomena’s Catering is always my top pick

The Rental Company

While we were lucky enough to fall in love with a venue that provides tables, chairs, etc, with the venue rental, many places don’t offer this kind of luxury. You are, more than likely, going to have to outsource this vendor on your own. Many rentals companies keep multiple sets of popular items on hand and are able to rent out to a more than one wedding per day. Six months notice is usually ample time to chat with your venue, decide on the guest list, and so on and so forth, to know how many of what you will need for your big day.

Conclusion

I hope this guide has been helpful in your wedding planning journey. I sure do wish I had access to something like this when I was engaged. There is definitely a vendor out there for every couple so don’t lose hope during your search. Always consult with your planner as to what will be best for you and what will fit your nuptial needs. Share this post with other brides you know!