Many times during the wedding planning process you come across different timelines and checklists that are supposed to help make the wedding planning process easy. That's why we like Wedding Wire's Vendor Booking Timeline. It is basic, to the point and doesn't cause you to overthink everything. Below is their timeline and our breakdown with extra tips and pointers.
The first thing WeddingWire recommends for you to book is your wedding planner, ceremony venue and reception venue. At 12 months out, we agree. We would also advise couples to book their band/DJ at this time too. Especially if the music and entertainment is important to you. One more thing to consider is the time of year you are getting married. The months of May, June, September and October are very popular in the Kansas City area. As a florist, we already have some weekends filled for next year.
Booking your photographer, videographer, florist, and caterer at 10 months sounds about right. One thing we want couples to bring with them to our floral consultations are pictures. The more the better! We want to have a clear vision of what you want your day to be so we can make sure we're all on the same page from the get go. However, if you don't have a clear vision we are here to help you figure that out!
If you haven't booked your band or DJ definitely don't wait any longer than 9 months.
At 8 months they have listed ceremony music, guest accommodations, officiant, wedding dress, and stationer save the dates. Now, most brides we meet already have their wedding dress picked before this time. Remember that once you pick the dress it usually has to ship to the bridal salon. Once it arrives you will be fitted again for alterations. All of this takes time. So 8 months is probably a safe time to go dress shopping, however to play it safe you might want to have this finalized a little earlier in the planning process.
When 7 months rolls around the main things have already (hopefully!) been booked. At this time WeddingWire has cake baker, bridesmaid dresses, and honeymoon travel consultant listed. At 6 months you will want to have your invites and start looking into makeup, hair and any rentals. At 5 months men's attire, accessories and transportation should be booked. Then at 3 months WeddingWire has listed favors and wedding rings.
One last thing we want to mention is that it is better to play it safe and book something earlier rather than later. If there is one specific band you have to have or a certain vintage car you want to drive off in after the ceremony, don't wait! Do your research and book it.
Be sure to visit WeddingWire to research our local Kansas City vendors, or click here for vendors in other locations.
