Can you guess what season it is? Wedding planning season!!!!! Trying to figure out where to start planning your dream wedding? It’s a totally overwhelming experience and knowing where to start with a list of when to book certain vendors will hopefully help.

Of course, the best advice is to book your vendors as soon as you know that it is one you want to work with but here is a list of the order in which you should consider booking these vendors:

1. Reception & Ceremony Venue – Most venues book at least a year in advance
2. Photographer/Videographer – If you have one whose style you love then booking them soon is best. Most photographers book about 11-14 months in advance and popular dates fill up fast.
3. Wedding Planner – If you are hiring someone to do the décor and planning for you most book 10-11 months in advance.
4. Caterer – Some venues have one that they work with or provide but if not you do want to make sure your guests enjoy a delicious meal so book those taste test meetings and book them.
5. Officiant – Depending on your area if there is not a large selection of officiants you should book them at least 11-12 months in advance. If there are lots available then perhaps 9-10 months.
6. Cake – Most bakers can accommodate a few weddings each day however if you are using a smaller company then you need to get them booked to ensure they have room to fit you in
7. DJ – Who doesn’t want awesome music to rock out to? Book your DJ 10-12 months in advance. The good ones book up fast. Some DJs have a crew so they can book multiple weddings however if they are high demand they will book up sooner.
8. Hair and Make up – This one may be higher up on the booking list if you are looking for them to come to you. Most book a year in advance. It is best to do a trial in the same season you plan to have your wedding as makeup will wear differently depending on the season (hot and sweaty in summer, dry in winter, etc)… a trial time is a great time to get those engagement photos done too!
9. Florist –  Your florist should be booked 8-10 months before your wedding, depending on the time of year. If it is a popular florist in your area they will book up fast.
10. Invitations – If you are not planning on DIY your invites then I say 12 months prior to book your invitation designer.
11. Transportation – Most transportation can be reserved 8-10 months in advance, again depends on if you live in an area with an abundance of choices versus a few.

Now not everyone has more than 12 months to plan their wedding but do consider locking in your preferred vendors as soon as you know they have your date available. It is best to write out your wedding planning in a timeline form to plan when to meet which vendors and when to pay deposits/balances. Having this all organized will help alleviate the wedding planning stress and get you the wedding of your dreams with the vendors you love! One big tip I have is that if they are professional they will have a contract so be sure to get receipts for deposits as well as a contract to protect your investment. On that note as well it is well worth it to look into wedding insurance; this will be a great piece of mind if anything goes sideways for you! Take it from a photographer who had to cover a wedding at the last minute because the couples’ photographer decided to shut down her business and run off last minute more on that on this post here.