Hey lovers!
So you’re engaged — cue the champagne, awkward ring selfies, and at least 100 Google searches that start with “How to plan a wedding when I have no idea what I’m doing.”
First of all, breathe. You’re not alone. Planning a wedding is kind of like trying to herd a bunch of cats while also learning to juggle — it’s a whole thing. But don’t worry, I’ve got you.
Let’s break this down in a way that makes sense, so you’re not 6 months into planning with only a DJ booked and realizing, “Oh crap, we don’t have a venue.”
So here it is: the order you should book your wedding vendors — in a totally non-scary, friend-to-friend way.
Venue (AKA: The place where all the magic happens)
I know you wanna get to the fun stuff like flowers and cake tastings (hello, free samples), but you need a venue first. Without a date and a place, everything else is just ✨ wishful Pinterest thinking ✨.
Venues can book up 1-2 years in advance (especially if you’re dreaming of a Saturday in summer), so lock that baby down. Once you have your venue, you have your date — which means all your other vendors can start aligning like a beautiful wedding puzzle.
➡️ Pro Tip: If you’re eloping or doing something a bit offbeat (think backyard bash or mountain-top ceremony), still figure out your location early so you know what’s possible.
Photographer (Hi, that’s me, your new BFF with a camera!)
Listen, I’m not just saying this because I’m a photographer — okay, maybe a little — but good photographers book up FAST. Like, “Sorry, I’m already booked for that date in 2027” fast.
If you want those dreamy, golden-hour, candid-yet-posed-like-you’re-in-a-magazine photos, don’t wait. Your photographer is also your timeline queen/king/royal, dress-fluffer, emotional support human, and sometimes bartender when things get chaotic.
➡️ Book us right after your venue to make sure you get the vibe you want. PS we may also do engagement sessions so you can cross that off your list with one vendor!
Planner/Coordinator (Because you shouldn’t have to answer “where’s the bathroom?” on your wedding day)
If you’re hiring a full-service planner, get them on board ASAP, even before your venue — sometimes they help you pick one!
If you’re hiring a day-of coordinator (which, seriously, highly recommend), start reaching out soon after venue/photographer so they’re ready to swoop in and handle the chaos when the time comes.
➡️ Because do you want to be the one figuring out why the DJ hasn’t shown up, in full glam? No. You do not.
Caterer + Bar (aka: The people who will keep everyone fed and happy)
Let’s be honest: people remember the food. Whether you’re dreaming of a five-course meal, a taco truck, or a pizza party (yes please), start chatting with caterers early — especially if your venue doesn’t include one.
Same with bartenders. Because Aunt Susan will be asking where the prosecco is, and we don’t want anyone pouring tequila shots unsupervised.
DJ/Band (Your party starter — and the person who will ignore the uncle requesting Nickelback for the third time)
Music sets the vibe. Whether it’s a DJ, a band, or your cousin’s playlist (no shade, but also… hire a pro), get them locked in early so you know the party is in good hands.
➡️ Bonus: Some DJs also help with ceremony sound, so they might double as your mic person when it’s “I do” time.
Florist (The one who makes your Pinterest board come to life)
Flowers are a BIG deal for the vibe. From wild and whimsical to modern and chic — your florist is out here making magic with stems.
➡️ Book them about 8-12 months out, but if you’ve got a specific florist in mind? Sooner. Always sooner.
Hair & Makeup (Your glam squad)
You want to look like the best version of you — and trust me, good hair and makeup people are artists. They’ll help you glow, not melt.
➡️ Book 6-9 months out, and do a trial! Because this is not the day for surprise eyeliner fails.
Officiant (The person who makes it official-official)
Unless a friend or family member is getting certified to marry you (which, adorable), book a professional officiant around 6-8 months before. Bonus points if they make you laugh and cry in one ceremony.
Cake/Dessert (Because cake is life)
Finally, the sweet stuff. Yes, cakes and dessert tables are fun, but you don’t need to book them two years out. Start reaching out around 6 months before, and definitely do a tasting. You know, for “research.”
Extras: Rentals, Décor, Stationery, Transportation, etc.
These can often wait until 3-6 months out, but earlier if you’ve got your heart set on something specific like that vintage velvet couch or a 10-foot neon sign that says “Til Death.”
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read — but seriously, read it):
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Venue
- Photographer (meeee!)
- Planner/Coordinator
- Caterer + Bar
- DJ/Band
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup
- Officiant
- Cake/Dessert
- Rentals/Extras
Final Thoughts (from your new wedding bestie):
Listen, this is YOUR day. The “rules” are just guidelines to keep you from crying into a bag of Doritos at 1 a.m. wondering if you should let your cousin’s boyfriend be the DJ.
Book the people who make you feel good, who vibe with your vision, and who will help make this day as epic as your love story. And if you need a photographer who will also hold your veil, remind you to eat, and keep you laughing all day — hi, it’s me. Let’s chat.
