Planning Your Wedding? A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a wedding is both exciting and a little overwhelming. Between the thousands of Pinterest ideas and the (seemingly endless) to-do list, it’s easy to feel lost. But don’t worry! Here’s a simple and clear guide on where to start and in what order to book your vendors to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Define Your Vision and Budget

Before diving into vendor research, take a moment as a couple to discuss what you truly want. Do you envision a rustic wedding or a chic urban celebration? A small, intimate gathering or a big party? A brunch wedding or an evening reception?

💡 Tip: Write down your top three priorities (for example: a dream venue, a fun atmosphere, stunning photos). This will help you allocate your budget wisely.

Next, set a realistic budget. Let’s be honest: weddings can get expensive fast. Establishing a budget early on will help you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Find and Book Your Venue

Your venue choice is one of the most crucial decisions, as it affects the date, style, and even some of your vendors. Popular venues get booked a year (or more!) in advance, so don’t wait too long to start your search.

💡 Tip: If you’re flexible with your date, ask venues about their availability and let that guide your decision.

Hire a Wedding Planner (If Desired)

If you dream of a stress-free, well-organized wedding, now is the time to reach out to a wedding planner. They can assist with the entire planning process or simply coordinate the wedding day.

Book the Key Vendors

Some vendors are in high demand and should be booked early, sometimes even a year in advance:

✅ Photographer – If capturing every emotion matters to you, book your photographer early, as the best ones get booked fast!
✅ Caterer – If your venue doesn’t provide catering, securing a caterer should be a top priority.
✅ DJ or Band – Music sets the mood, so make sure to book a DJ or band you love.
✅ Videographer – If you want a wedding film to relive the day, book a videographer along with your photographer.

💡 Tip: Reach out to multiple vendors to compare options, and choose the ones you truly connect with.

Find Your Wedding Attire

Wedding dresses and custom suits require months of preparation, from ordering to final fittings. It’s recommended to start shopping for your attire 9 to 12 months before the wedding.

💡 What about your guests? If you have a specific dress code (cocktail attire, themed colors, etc.), mention it in your invitations.

Plan the Ceremony

Whether you’re having a civil, religious, or symbolic ceremony, now is the time to:

✅ Book the city hall or church (procedures vary by location and religion).
✅ Find an officiant if you’re planning a symbolic ceremony.
✅ Plan the music and readings for the ceremony.

Book Other Important Vendors

Between 6 and 8 months before the wedding, it’s time to secure:

✅ Florist – For the bouquet, ceremony arch, and floral decor.
✅ Makeup artist & hairstylist – Try out different looks to find the perfect one.
✅ Décor & furniture rentals – Some venues provide furniture, others don’t. If needed, rent additional pieces!
✅ Invitations & stationery – Send out your invites about 6 months in advance, or earlier for destination weddings.

Plan the Final Details and Wedding Day Timeline

2-3 months before the wedding, focus on the final touches:

✅ Create a detailed wedding day timeline – Include prep time, ceremony start, meal timing, etc.
✅ Confirm with all vendors – Send them a final message to ensure everything is set.
✅ Have a backup plan if you’re hosting an outdoor wedding.
✅ Final dress fitting – Ensure your wedding attire fits perfectly.

Enjoy and Make the Most of Your Day!

The big day is almost here, and you’ve done all the hard work. Now, delegate tasks where possible, trust your vendors, and most importantly… soak in every moment!

💡 Reminder: The perfect wedding is the one where you are happy. Don’t stress over minor hiccups—sometimes, they make for the best memories!

In What Order Should You Book Your Vendors?

1️⃣ Venue
2️⃣ Wedding planner (if desired)
3️⃣ Photographer & videographer
4️⃣ Caterer
5️⃣ DJ or band
6️⃣ Wedding dress & suit
7️⃣ Officiant & ceremony planning
8️⃣ Florist, makeup artist, hairstylist
9️⃣ Décor, furniture, and stationery
🔟 Final preparations & vendor confirmations

Looking for a Photographer to Capture Your Wedding?

📸 My goal is to capture every emotion, every moment of connection, every burst of laughter, so you can relive your wedding day through beautiful, authentic images.

📩 Want to chat about your wedding photos? Contact me here!

✨ Still undecided about doing a First Look? Read my article on its pros and cons here!