With so many wedding details to look after, it gets difficult to time hiring decisions. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Most couples take almost a year to plan their weddings so, we’ve gathered some resources and put together a tentative timeline to help you decide on when and how to hire your vendors. So let’s get to it!  

12 Months Before

Wedding planner:  Wedding planning can be fun but it’s also a trying process, requiring a lot of patience and research. If you don’t want to handle everything by yourself, let the professional planners share in your responsibilities.

Wedding venue: Your wedding venue is one of the most important decisions. Choosing and acquiring your dream venue requires diligence because days fill up fast. So, find your venue first thing and set a date!

10 Months Before

Photographer: Talented, understanding photographers are difficult to find. Get them booked ASAP before they are booked elsewhere!

Videographer: You may think video won’t fit into your budget limitations but weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime affair, full of cherished memories. You’ll want to capture things like toasts, first dances, and ambiance.

Florist: Want those Pinterest-worthy flowers at your wedding? Research your favorite florists and get them onboard as early as possible so they fill up for your date.

Caterer: Your venue may handle your catering needs, but if not, get recommendations from the venue staff or your newly-wed friends for trusted options.

9 Months Before

Musicians: Whether you want a DJ or a whole band for your reception, finalize their availability and music selection before the wedding to ensure no last-minute mix-ups.

8 Months Before

Officiant arrangement: No officiant, no wedding. So get the officiant ready to go beforehand!

Wedding dress: Finding the perfect dress takes up a lot of your time, energy and patience. So you can even start earlier with your search, especially if you want a custom-made dress!

Guest accommodations: Research your hotel options for any discounts or wedding-packages, and book a block of rooms.

Save the dates: Inform your loved-ones well ahead of the wedding date to ensure that no-one misses your special day.

 

7 Months Before

Cake: Even with a petite cake for cake-cutting, cake tasting, and designing is one of the most fun activities. Don’t rush this great wedding detail.

Bridesmaid dresses: Plan a day out with your girls to choose their outfits for the big day. It’ll be a relaxing, fun activity to take your mind off of any wedding stressors, too.

Honeymoon prep: Start scouting deals or get a travel consultant. Make your honeymoon plans well ahead of the wedding to find good travel packages.

 

6 Months Before

Invitations: Send out the wedding-invitations by now to set aside time for RSVPs and confirmations.

Guest accommodations: Research your hotel options for any discounts or wedding-packages, and book a block of rooms.

Hair & makeup appointments: Get your favorite makeup artist booked ASAP before he/she is snatched away.

Rentals: Your venue may handle these but if not, get the reception décor and dining arrangements sorted by now. Think tables, chairs, serving ware, and linens.

 

5 Months Before

Men’s attire: Suits or tuxes? Get it sorted now.

Accessories: Details like the veil, shoes, and jewelry can be finalized when you find the wedding dress as well. Choose whenever convenient.

Transportation: Think about you and your guest's transport needs at the wedding and make arrangements accordingly.

3 Months Before

Wedding favors: Do put some thought into your wedding favors to make your guests feel special. They are also a fun detail!

Wedding rings: Take your partner out for a fun wedding ring hunt. We wouldn’t be surprised if you want to do this earlier, too!