Planning a wedding is both exhilarating and, let’s face it, a bit overwhelming especially booking your wedding vendors. As a photographer who has been in the wedding industry for years, I’ve seen a lot of timelines evolve, some smoothly and others… well, not so much. Let’s dive into the order for booking wedding vendors. Trust me, getting it right can make your life a LOT easier.

1. Venue

Ah, the venue! This is the cornerstone upon which all your wedding plans rest. It affects your date, theme, and budget, so secure it first. Venues can book out years in advance, especially popular ones, so once you’ve locked in the perfect location on your preferred date, everything else starts to fall into place. Plus, the vibe of the place will influence all other aspects of your vendor choices.

2. Photographer

You guessed it, next, I recommend booking your photographer. Why? Quality photographers often get booked up about a year in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons. Remember, your wedding photos will be forever, so invest wisely in someone whose style resonates with you. Also, once your photographer is booked, you can plan your engagement shoots, which is super fun and gives you a chance to bond before your wedding day!

3. Caterer

Now, let’s talk about food because everyone loves a good meal. Depending on your venue, you might need to bring an external caterer. Booking them third means you can breathe easier with all the major players in place. Communicate your vision and make sure you schedule a tasting to ensure everything aligns with your tastes and expectations.

4. Wedding Planner or Coordinator

Yes, I realize some people like to secure a planner beforehand, but if you have a good handle on your vision and bookings, bringing them in at this stage can offer a fresh perspective. They can help you refine details, work with booked vendors, and manage logistics leading up to and on the day.

5. Florist

Flowers are crucial for setting the aesthetic tone for your day. Whether you want a garden feel or a minimalist vibe, a good florist can make it happen. Book them after your main vendors, as their work will tie into your venue’s look and your photographer’s lens (trust me, flowers and photos are a dynamic duo).

6. Band or DJ

Once the main visual pieces are sorted, it’s time to think about the auditory experience. Your choice here will define the mood for the reception. Bands and DJs can get booked quickly, so don’t leave this too late. Whether you want a live band to get everyone dancing or a DJ with a killer playlist, getting this locked in will ensure your night goes off without any issues.

7. Hair and Makeup Artists

You want to look and feel your best, right? Finding the right glam team early on saves you from last-minute stress. Book a trial once you find someone you like and ensure they can work with your schedule and style. Plus, having them on board allows for seamless coordination with the photographer for timing those all-important pre-wedding shots.

8. Stationery and Invitations

By this point, all the significant details of your day are set, so designing your invitations and stationery becomes a much smoother task. You know your date, venue, and aesthetic, which means your invites will be both beautiful and accurate. Make sure to order a little earlier to allow time for design, printing, and distribution.

9. Cake

Last but not least, cake! Most bakeries need a few months’ notice, and by now, you’ll have a clear understanding of your wedding theme and palette, which should reflect in your cake design. Plus, who doesn’t love a cake tasting?

Remember, while this order works well in general, flexibility is key. Some steps might overlap or switch based on personal preference or availability. The ultimate goal is to craft a day that reflects you as a couple, so focus on what feels right for you! Goodluck and go book those wedding vendors!

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Kind Words

“Mariah is one of the best! She was absolutely incredible to work with throughout the whole process and is super quick getting the pictures back to you! She is very knowledgeable and prepared on how to capture each and every moment and all of the pictures turned out way better than we could’ve ever imagined. She was also great at organizing our large family to get everyone’s pictures with us after the ceremony. We are so thankful for Mariah and everything she was able to do for us and are so happy to be able to have her at our wedding. She fit right into our wedding and interacted with everyone extremely well. I would recommend Mariah over absolutely anyone else because she truly is the best you’re going to get and will make a great friend out of it as well!”