Planning a wedding is an exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) journey, and one of the most crucial parts is booking your vendors. From photographers to florists, each plays a key role in bringing your dream wedding to life. But when should you start securing them? Booking too late can mean missing out on your top choices, while booking too early could leave you second-guessing.
To help you navigate the timeline, here’s a breakdown of when to book each vendor for a seamless wedding planning experience!
12+ Months Before the Wedding
(Especially if you’re getting married in peak season!)
✔️ Venue – This should be your very first booking. Your venue determines your wedding date, guest capacity, and overall aesthetic, so lock this in first to set the stage for everything else. Popular venues can book up 12–18 months in advance, especially during peak wedding season.
✔️ Wedding Planner – If you’re hiring a full-service wedding planner, book them right after securing your venue. They’ll help with everything from design to vendor recommendations, making the rest of your planning much smoother.
✔️ Photographer & Videographer – The best photographers and videographers get booked quickly (often a year or more in advance). If you have a specific artist in mind, don’t wait! Your photos and videos will be one of the few tangible memories from your big day, so secure a photographer whose style truly speaks to you.
✔️ Caterer – If your venue doesn’t provide catering, book your caterer early—especially if you want a specific cuisine or service style.
✔️ Dress Shopping – While not a vendor per se, wedding dresses can take 6–9 months to be made and altered, so start shopping early to avoid last-minute stress.
9–12 Months Before the Wedding
✔️ Florist – If fresh blooms are a big part of your vision, start conversations with florists around this time. Many high-demand florists book up months in advance, especially for spring and summer weddings.
✔️ Entertainment (Band or DJ) – If you want a live band, start the search early, as they book fast! DJs also tend to get snatched up for popular dates quickly, so finalize your entertainment during this window.
✔️ Hair & Makeup Artist – Bridal beauty teams, especially highly sought-after artists, can book up quickly. If you have a specific stylist in mind, lock them in early to ensure you get the perfect look.
✔️ Save-the-Dates – If you’re having a destination wedding or a peak-season event, send out your save-the-dates now so guests can plan accordingly.
6–9 Months Before the Wedding
✔️ Officiant – Whether it’s a professional officiant or a friend/family member, get this detail squared away well in advance to ensure they’re available.
✔️ Baker (Cake or Desserts) – If you’re dreaming of a specific bakery or custom design, book early! This ensures your cake is perfect and gives time for tastings and design discussions.
✔️ Rentals (Chairs, Linens, Décor, etc.) – If your venue doesn’t provide these, book rentals now to get your preferred style and colors.
✔️ Bridesmaid Dresses & Tux Rentals – Give your wedding party time for ordering and alterations!
✔️ Transportation – If you need shuttles, limos, or classic cars, book them now to avoid last-minute availability issues.
3–6 Months Before the Wedding
✔️ Stationery (Invitations & Signage) – Invitations should go out around the 3-month mark, and custom signage and seating charts should be in the works.
✔️ Favors & Small Details – Whether you’re doing personalized favors, welcome bags, or custom decor, now is the time to finalize those details.
✔️ Final Dress Fittings – Schedule your alterations and final fittings to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
✔️ Menu Tastings & Final Selections – If your caterer or bar service offers tastings, now is the time to finalize your menu and drink selections.
1–3 Months Before the Wedding
✔️ Confirm Details with Vendors – Reach out to all your vendors to confirm logistics, arrival times, and any last-minute changes.
✔️ Seating Chart & Place Cards – Once RSVPs are in, finalize your seating chart and print your place cards.
✔️ Wedding Timeline – Work with your planner or photographer to create a detailed timeline so everyone knows where to be and when.
✔️ Final Beauty Appointments – Book pre-wedding facials, hair trims, or other beauty treatments to prep for the big day.
2 Weeks – 1 Month Before the Wedding
✔️ Final Headcount to Caterer – Let your caterer know the final guest count for meals.
✔️ Break in Your Wedding Shoes – No one wants blisters on their wedding day!
✔️ Pack for Your Honeymoon – If you’re jetting off right after the wedding, get your packing done early so you’re not scrambling last-minute.
✔️ Enjoy the Moment! – The big day is almost here—soak it all in and celebrate!
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning can be a whirlwind, but booking your vendors at the right time helps ensure you get your top choices without stress. If you’re planning a wedding for a popular time of year, consider booking even earlier than these recommendations!
And if you’re still searching for the perfect wedding photographer, I’d love to help capture your special day. Get in touch to secure your date before it’s gone!
