Your big day is right around the corner, and you’re about to dive into the whirlwind of planning your dream wedding! One major thing to consider is getting together your amazing team of vendors who will help bring your vision to life. From flowers to cake, every vendor has a unique role to play. But booking so many vendors can feel a bit overwhelming, and let’s be real, you can’t do it all at once.
That is why we have created a guide with a perfect vendor checklist timeline that will help you manage your time. Having a checklist that will navigate you through your tasks will allow you to make the process smooth and easy. Most importantly, it will allow you to enjoy the wedding planning process as you are supposed to!
Vendor Checklist Timeline: Booking Wedding Providers
You should begin the wedding preparations depending on the size of your wedding. We often recommend starting the planning process at least one year before the big day. This period is enough to organize everything and make the right choices without troubling yourself. So, here is an example of a wedding timeline for booking vendors.
12 Months Before The Wedding: Book a Venue
When planning your wedding, one of the first things to figure out is where you want it to be. Think about where it is located, how many people it can fit, what style it is, and if it is available for your date. You need to find a place that matches your vision and can accommodate all your guests, whether you are dreaming of a rustic barn, a fancy ballroom, or a beautiful beach.
So, begin by scheduling tours for preferred wedding venues. You should always visit the locations in person to ensure it is the right place. Plus, being present will give you the feeling of your big day. Also, do not forget to start looking early because the popular spots get booked up quickly. Moreover, consider your budget and what is included in the venue’s packages.
10 Months Before The Wedding: Book a Wedding Planner
After you finish with the wedding venues, another essential part of the vendor checklist timeline is booking a wedding planner. When it comes to picking this person, it is vital to do some research and read reviews of local planners to get an idea of their reputation. Afterward, schedule an interview to see if you click with them. Then, inquire about their experience and openly discuss your budget to ensure everything aligns.
Whether you are considering a wedding planner or a coordinator, both can alleviate stress and make sure every detail is handled seamlessly, turning your vision into reality.
Keep in mind that they are not mandatory vendors for your big day. There are many couples who choose not to book one since they believe they can do everything on their own. But, if you are planning a big wedding with many elements and details, we recommend you go for a wedding planner.
8 Months Before The Wedding: Find Your Catering Vendor
When it comes to your wedding timeline, the food you serve is an essential part of the overall experience. It is your chance to showcase your and your partner’s favorite flavors. So, when choosing a caterer, look for one who can create a menu that really reflects what you love, whether you are envisioning a formal plated dinner or a more relaxed food station setup.
First, try to attend tasting sessions offered by potential caterers. This will allow you to sample their offerings and see if their food meets your standards. Next, discuss any dietary restrictions you or your guests may have, and talk about any special menu requests you might have. It is important that the caterer can accommodate everyone’s needs.
Lastly, make sure you understand their pricing structure and whether there are any additional fees for staffing and equipment so that there are no surprises later on. Being clear about costs from the beginning will help you stay within your budget.
6 Months Before The Wedding: Choose Your Photographer
Finding the right wedding photographer or videographer is a crucial part of the vendor checklist timeline. We are talking about your lifelong memories, which is not something to be taken lightly. So, opt for someone who can capture all those special moments just the way you want.
Look for a professional whose style understands yours to make the best choice, review their previous work, and see their creative style and storytelling approach. Moreover, ensure their work maintains consistent quality across different gatherings. Do not forget to inquire about their packages, including coverage hours and delivery timelines for the photos and videos. You should also ask the wedding photographer about their experience working in various lighting and weather conditions because every venue offers specific settings.
4 Months Before The Wedding: Decide on Entertainment
When the time comes for music, attend live performances or ask for sample mixes to see if their style matches your taste. Discuss your musical preferences and any specific songs you want to play during key moments. Also, check their equipment and backup plans in case of technical issues.
2 Months Before The Wedding: Order a Cake
Four months before the wedding is the ideal time to order your cake. In this case, it is all about finding a designer whose style matches what you have in mind. Organize tasting samples to make sure they can make it taste as good as it looks. Also, do not forget to talk about any dietary restrictions you have.
1 Months Before The Wedding: Hire Your Stylist
When choosing a hair and makeup artist for your wedding, viewing their portfolio and scheduling a trial session is important. It is essential that your stylist provides the services that match your style. Your look on the big day should be exactly like you have envisioned. Also, make sure you discuss the wedding day timeline and clarify pricing.
Our vendor checklist timeline above contains everything your wedding needs to make it majestic. Once you book all of them, you can relax and focus on the final touches and the details. Booking your vendors might seem stressful, but if you plan your time properly, you will enjoy the entire process.
For more wedding tips, please check out our other blogs. If you need vendor suggestions, visit our Vendor Directory page!
