When do we start checking out and booking vendors?

Question

We're trying to figure this wedding stuff out. My mom said we need to start looking at and booking no less than a year in advance but most likely earlier. My fiance's mom said 6 months would be fine. How far in advance should we start checking them out? How far in advance should we book? I don't want to wait until last minute and then not have a photographer or caterer...

Answer 1

Definitely start looking a year in advance, if not earlier.  Popular locations and vendors book very early, so you want to make sure to give yourself the best chance.  

The ones you need to worry about are your venue, photographer and any musicians you may want.  Florists, cake decorators and other vendors can be booked 6-8 months out.

Answer 2

as soon as you know what you want.  most wedding vendors will book out as far as 2 years.

the venue, caterer, photographer tend to be the highest on the list, and should be done right away.  other vendors can wait until at lease the first two are secured.

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Answer 3

A year in advance is the rule of thumb, but more time could be needed depending on your area.

Answer 4

Start checking it out now.  You need an idea of how many guests you will have because that will change your choices.

I appreciate your fiance's mom's advice, but 6 months in advance is fine for a small wedding. If you plan to have 200 guests, 1 year is much better.

I'm having 30 guests.  We have until the end of August (wedding to be Monday or Tuesday after Christmas) to decide whether we want to have our wedding at a restaurant or at a chapel with reception at home.  This is because I'm having a morning wedding during the week with a lunch reception.  There is little competition for this time until Fall.  If I was having this in the evening or on the weekend, the spaces were gone before he even proposed!

Answer 5

As soon as your budget in in place,  Some venues book at least a year & sometimes more, in advance.

I've already been booking for 2009.

Answer 6

start looking now.  its never too early to start booking.  2 days after i got engaged, we went and booked a place (we got engaged in june, our wedding isn't until the end of october of 2009-and we were lucky to get it).  really, its never too early, as long as you can put a down payment on it, some places will hold the date for you for 7-14 days until you do.

good luck!

Answer 7

ASAP!!!!!

Answer 8

We're booking our reception hall a year and a half in advance. Do it at a year ahead AT THE LATEST.

Answer 9

A year is not too early. It takes time to choose what you want, and vendor who will meet your expectations. Actually, you should hire a wedding planner. They make planning a wedding day so much easier, as they are the experts. It is money well spent.