You said “Yes!” Now it’s time to say “I do!” What an exciting season of life to be in love and newly engaged. With the right planning in place, preparing for your wedding can be fun and truly enjoyable. Once your vendors are secured, you can focus on the creative details that make your day uniquely yours. While knowing the right order to book your vendors can feel overwhelming, we’re here to guide you with the perfect timeline, designed to keep your planning process organized and as stress-free as possible!
12-18 Months in Advance
One of the very first steps in planning your wedding should be securing your venue and wedding planner! Booking your venue 12-18 months in advance allows you to set your date and build the rest of your plans around it. Keep in mind that your ideal date may already be reserved, so try to stay flexible and open to different date options!
Hiring a wedding planner can significantly reduce stress and make the entire process more enjoyable! Planners are experts in creating beautiful events and can guide you every step of the way. They also have established relationships with trusted vendors, helping you find the perfect team to bring your vision to life!
10-12 Months in Advance
Your photography team is one of the most important vendors to book! They will be responsible for capturing the memories of your special day, so it’s crucial to choose the right fit before dates fill up. Photographers and videographers often book nearly a year in advance, so it’s best to secure them early and around the same time. During this stage of planning, you should also book your caterer. Since your wedding reception is one of the largest celebrations you’ll ever host, catering requires plenty of preparation, so give caterers plenty of time by booking them up to a year in advance!
9-12 Months in Advance
Time to book some of the fun details! Around 9 to 12 months before your wedding, you’ll want to start securing your florist and DJ or live band. Florists stay busy throughout the year, so booking early gives you plenty of time to discuss your vision and the design style you want for your big day. Music also plays a huge role in setting the tone for your celebration, especially at the reception. Finding the right DJ or musician soon after booking your venue is a great way to ensure your date is reserved!This is also the time to book your officiant. Since you can’t officially say “I do” without one, securing your officiant should remain one of your top priorities once your venue is confirmed!
8-10 Months in Advance
All the main details are booked, now it’s time to let everyone know! Start sending out your save the dates and invitations out about 8-10 months before to make sure people book their hotels, transportation, and attire!
This is also the time to book your hair and makeup artists! The best makeup and hair artists are highly sought after, so booking the one with your favorite looks after everything else is taken care of is important so you feel your best on your big day!
7-9 Months in Advance
Time for shopping! Bridal and groom attire should be purchased at least 7 to 9 months before your perfect day! While it may seem like something that can wait, wedding gowns and tuxedos typically require multiple rounds of alterations to ensure the perfect fit!
Depending on where you shop, many designers require several months for orders to arrive. The sooner you place your order, the sooner alterations can begin. Planning ahead gives everyone plenty of time to find the perfect style and ensures everything fits flawlessly when the big day arrives!
4-6 Months in Advance
Complete your reception with the finishing touches. Plan to to order your wedding cake about six months in advance so your baker has plenty of time to design a cake that fits your guest count and complements your overall aesthetic, especially if you’re envisioning intricate details!If your venue doesn’t provide bartending services, this is also the time to book a bartender. During peak wedding seasons, reserving one at least six months in advance helps ensure availability and allows time to plan your bar menu and alcohol quantities! Finally, secure your rentals. This includes linens, chairs, tenting, draping, and any additional decor that will decorate your space. With the major pieces in place, rentals are what truly personalize your reception and bring your vision to life!
Let’s Make It Official
Planning ahead makes all the difference. Connect with florists, photographers, caterers, rentals, and more, at WeddingAndPartyNetwork.com and make your celebration one you won’t forget!
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by Jamie Jamison
By: Jamie Jamison
Title: When to Book What: Wedding Timeline Tips
Sourced From: www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/blog/uncategorized/when-to-book-what-wedding-timeline-tips/
Published Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:13:02 +0000
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