Credit: Jewish News of Northern California
When planning for your wedding, it is crucial to book your vendors at the proper time. If you wait too long to schedule a service, it is possible the vendor of your choice may not be available. I recommend you to follow this guide of when to book vendors, and your wedding will be on its way to being the wedding of your dreams.
Wedding Officiant
Book your wedding officiant early– potentially before you’ve officially settled on a date. If you have your heart set on a certain Saturday and you schedule everything else for that Saturday without contacting the officiant of your dreams, it is possible your wedding officiant isn’t available on that date. The officiant of your choice should be one of the first people you contact– a year out to make sure the officiant is available for the date of your choice.
Wedding Planner
Credit: Insider
If you choose to have a wedding planner, they are professionals who are instrumental to all decisions you make. A professional planner knows which vendors you can trust across all aspects of wedding planning– be it great venues, caterers, photographers, and more. Wedding planners should be among the first professionals you contact, about a year from your desired wedding date so they have the most amount of time possible to get even the smallest details right.
Venue
Credit: Florida Smart
Your venue is another thing you should book early. Depending on your area and the wedding venue of your choice, some places are booked months and even years in advance. Are you getting married at a cabin? In a house of worship? Figure out these details early, then make your decision based on what suits you best about a year out.
Catering
Credit: The Knot News
If you venue doesn’t offer onsite catering, you will have to look into catering companies. Many companies offer tables, chair, silverware, and other things to reserve for your special day. If you are getting married in a less traditional space, your catering company will likely want to tour the area to get an idea of potential challenges. Book your catering company at least eight months away from your wedding date.
Music and Entertainment
Credit: Gimme Some Oven
People love to dance at weddings. Music is what will take your wedding from okay to memorable. In order to give yourself time to see the DJ or band perform to assess their fit for your event, it is suggested you start looking nine to six months away from your date. If you are wanting a specialized performer, you may want to look earlier.
Photographer/Videographer
Credit: Bellport Country Club
Popular photographers and videographers are scooped up quickly. You want a professional who will help immortalize your special event with crisp quality. Give yourself a minimum of eight months from the wedding to have the chance to look through a photography and videography companies’ portfolio to make sure they can provide you the service you need.
Hair and Makeup Artists
Credit: Coco Bella Bride
Hair and makeup artists are booked much later down the road– but don’t make the mistake of booking these vendors too late. You should schedule your hair and makeup artists six months in advance to make sure you secure the professionals who will make you look the most beautiful possible.