Wedding Planning can be so daunting! There are a million decisions and a million vendors to consider. It is SO hard to know how to prioritize and when you should be booking each vendor.
Here is a little guide to help you know the best order and timeline for booking each vendor.
Venue
Why first? Your venue will set the date, location and style of your wedding. All of this information is important for booking the rest of your vendors!
For reference: The French Farmhouse books dates up to two years in advance.
When to book: 12-18 months before the wedding.
Planner/Coordinator
*reminder that the French Farmhouse requires you to have at least a day-off coordinator*
Why next? A wedding planner will help streamline the rest of the process and be able to guide you toward reliable vendors.
When to book: 12-16 months before the wedding.
Photographer and Videographer
Why now? Top photographers and videographers book quickly. These vendors are SO important for capturing your memories. They also won’t, typically, do more than one wedding a day. There are exceptions to this rule, as some photographers have a small, trusted team. However, unless you are booking a photo company, it is safe to assume that they will only allot one wedding per day.
When to book: 10-14 months before the wedding.
Caterer
Why now? The French Farmhouse does not have an in-house catering team, so booking now ensures they will have availability for your day. This will also allow time for tastings and menu planning!
When to book: 9-12 months before the wedding.
Entertainment (Band/DJ)
Why now? Entertainment often sets the vibe for your wedding day, and the best options book quickly. A DJ does so much more than just play music; they will emcee your event and spend a lot of time chatting to your guests. You want to be sure that you snag your favorite!
When to book: 8-12 months before the wedding.
Florist
Why now? Your floral design will rely a lot on your venue, style and other decor decisions. It is best to have those ironed out and to have an idea of what you are looking for before you book your florist.
When to book: 8-10 months before the wedding.
Hair and Makeup Artists
Why now? Top stylists, especially those specializing in weddings, can book months in advance. You will want to book the artists you want as quickly as possible!
When to book: 6-9 months before the wedding.
Rentals/Decor (if needed)
Why now? If you are adding specialty furniture, linens, or props, book early to ensure availability.
When to book: 6-8 months before the wedding.
Officiant
Why now? Some officiants book early, especially for popular wedding dates. If you know someone personally who you’d like to officiate, they will likely be more available. If you are hiring through a company, this is the perfect time to reach out!
When to book: 6-8 months before the wedding.
Cake/Dessert
Why now? Bakers usually take orders months in advance, especially for custom designs.
When to book: 4-6 months before the wedding.
Stationery
Why now? Order invitations early to allow time for design, printing and mailing. Sometimes, it will take more time than you anticipate because you will have edits and need to wait on turnaround time from your designer.
When to book: 4-6 months before the wedding.
Transportation
Why now? By this time, you will know if you have room in your budget for transportation and if you will be needing it for more than just the couple. Book vehicles for the couple, bridal party, and guests, if necessary.
When to book: 3-6 months before the wedding.
Favors and Final Touches
Why last? These can be planned closer to the date, depending on your budget and theme.
When to book: 1-3 months before the wedding.
Would you like tips on vetting vendors or creating a checklist?
