Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to stay organized to avoid any stress. The average couple is engaged for about 15 months before their wedding, but this timeline has shifted over the past few years due to the pandemic and the subsequent wedding boom. Couples are now booking their vendors much earlier, with some venues seeing inquiries up to two years in advance. To secure your top choices, it's crucial to start planning and booking vendors as early as possible. The first step is to set a date and book your venue, followed by hiring a wedding planner and photographer. From there, you can focus on other important vendors such as catering, music, and florists.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding planner | ASAP/first |
| Venue | ASAP/first |
| Photographer | ASAP/first |
| Videographer | 10-12 months before |
| Florist | 9-12 months before |
| Catering | 10-12 months before |
| Bar service | 10-12 months before |
| Band/DJ | 8-9 months before |
| Baker | 7 months before |
| Hair stylist | 5-6 months before |
| Makeup artist | 5-6 months before |
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What You'll Learn
Book the venue first
Booking your wedding venue should be one of the first steps in your wedding planning process. The venue will influence your guest list, other vendors you may hire, and your wedding date. It is recommended to book your venue 14 to 24 months before your wedding date.
When choosing a venue, it is important to consider the size of your wedding. Anticipate that everyone on your guest list will attend to avoid accidentally booking a venue that is too small. The venue will likely be one of the largest expenses in your wedding budget, so you should also consider how much of your budget you are willing to allocate to it.
Before finalizing your decision, tour a few venues and ask questions to determine if they meet your requirements. Some important questions to ask include: Is the venue available on your desired date? Is the location convenient for your guests? Are there any specific rules or restrictions, such as a curfew for loud music?
Once you've found the perfect venue, ask for a contract, carefully review it, and finalize your decision by signing the contract and putting down a deposit. Don't forget to get confirmation of your reservation in writing. Booking your venue early will relieve some stress and allow you to enjoy the time leading up to your wedding day.
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Hire a wedding planner
Wedding planning can be a daunting task, with lots of research, questions, and contracts involved. Wedding planners are knowledgeable experts who can help you before and during your big day to ensure you have a joyful experience from start to finish. They can help you organise and welcome guests, plan wedding-related events, and ensure your special day goes smoothly.
If you're wondering how soon you should hire a wedding planner, the simple answer is as soon as possible. Decide early on in your wedding planning journey if you want a wedding planner, either after you get engaged or book your wedding venue. It's recommended to find a planner at least 12 months before the wedding so you have plenty of time to work together to create your dream day.
When choosing a wedding planner, it's important to consider their communication style and ensure it matches yours or that you're comfortable with their preferred method. You'll be working closely with your planner, so they should be a great listener and have excellent verbal and written communication skills to understand your vision and convey your needs to vendors and other parties.
You can search for wedding planners online, where you'll find reviews, prices, and availability to help you find the perfect planner for your style and budget.
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Sort out catering
Sorting out catering for your wedding is an important step in the planning process. Food is a crucial part of any wedding celebration, so it's important to start planning your wedding catering early to avoid disappointment.
Firstly, you need to decide whether you will be using an external caterer or the in-house catering services provided by your venue. If your venue has a restaurant or culinary team, they should be your first port of call, as they will have plenty of experience catering to large groups and can provide a last-minute sit-down service if needed. However, if you prefer to use an external caterer, you will need to book them in advance.
It is recommended that you book your external caterer at least 12 months in advance, especially if your wedding falls during the peak wedding months of June to August. If you are having a winter wedding, you may be able to book a caterer 6-9 months in advance. But remember, the earlier the better to ensure you get your preferred vendor!
When booking an external caterer, it is important to understand your venue's policies regarding outside catering, as some places do not allow it. You should also consider the number of guests you will be catering for and your budget.
There are many options to choose from when it comes to wedding catering. You can opt for a traditional sit-down dinner or get creative with food trucks, grazing boards, or specialty catering such as fun dessert stations. You can even surprise your guests with late-night snacks to keep the party going! Whatever you choose, make sure you work with your caterer to develop a menu that reflects your tastes and caters to any dietary requirements.
Don't forget to consider bar services as well. Some caterers may handle this, while others may require you to hire a separate company for bartending. Also, keep in mind any tipping or service charges that may be required for the catering staff.
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Book a photographer
Wedding photographers are in high demand and are usually booked at least a year in advance. Some sources suggest that you should book your photographer at least nine months before your wedding, while others recommend doing so 12-14 months prior to the event.
Photographers tend to book up quickly, especially if they are in high demand or have a large online following. If you have your heart set on a particular photographer, it is best to book them as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
When choosing a photographer, it is important to consider their style, packages, pricing, and personality. You want to feel comfortable with your photographer, as you will be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day. It is also a good idea to meet with them in person or via video chat to ensure your personalities mesh well.
If you are hiring a wedding planner, they can help you narrow down your search by suggesting photographers that suit your style and budget. Wedding planners may even be able to secure discounted rates if they have worked with the photographer before.
Once you have found a photographer you love, be sure to sign a contract and get them on board as soon as possible. Most photographers work solo and can only shoot one wedding per day, so it is important to secure their services for your special day.
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Florists and cake bakers
Florists
Before seeking out florists, you should have your wedding date, floral budget, style, and venue decided on. Nine to ten months prior to your wedding is the ideal time to book a florist. However, if your wedding is taking place at a trendy location or during a popular month, consider booking earlier to ensure availability and more options. It is also important to note that some florists can handle a higher volume of work, so they can be booked closer to the event date, but it is not advisable to wait too long as good florists book up fast.
Cake Bakers
Your cake baker will create a wedding cake that is both beautiful and tasty. They can only take a certain number of orders per week, so it is best to book them far in advance. At least 3-4 months before the wedding, and 5-6 months for bigger weddings is recommended. This will ensure that you get the baker you want and that they have enough time to create your dream cake. It is also important to note that some cake bakers can provide fresh flowers for your cake, but this may incur an additional fee, and it is always good to confirm this with them in advance.
In conclusion, when booking your wedding suppliers, it is important to consider the lead time required by each supplier and to prioritize booking those who can only serve a limited number of clients per day or week. This will ensure that you get the best suppliers for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
The average engagement is 12-15 months long, and the wedding venue is usually the first thing to be booked, around 12-14 months in advance. If you're hiring a wedding planner, it's recommended to book them at the same time as your venue, or before if you want them to help with the search.
After the venue, the next steps are usually to book the photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, and entertainment.
It's recommended to book your photographer and videographer around a year in advance. Florists, caterers, and entertainment should be booked 8-10 months in advance.
