Who to Book First for Your Wedding Vendors: A Stress-Free Planning Timeline
Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming…
There are so many moving pieces and decisions to make. One of the biggest questions I hear from couples is: “Who do I book first for my wedding?” Booking vendors in the right order can save stress, ensure your dream team is available, and help your day flow seamlessly.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how timing and vendor choices shape a wedding day. To make things easier, I’ve put together a stress-free wedding planning timeline to guide you from your engagement all the way through the big day.
If you want a step-by-step guide for your wedding planning journey, check out my Wedding Planning Guide — it’s designed to help couples like you plan with confidence and clarity ( & have fun while you are doing it!)
Wedding Vendor Booking Order
12+ Months Before Your Wedding: Book the Big Players
When thinking who to book first for your wedding vendors start with the vendors who are most likely to fill their calendars quickly:
- Venue
- Wedding Planner or Coordinator
- Videographer
- Photographer ( Un bias opinion – booking your photographer early also allows you to plan your engagement session at the perfect time, helping you get comfortable in front of the camera!)
- I would be happy to help you check this photographer off your to do list (INQUIRE HERE!)
9–12 Months Before: Build Your Wedding Style
Once the big vendors are secured, focus on the elements that define the look and feel of your day:
- Catering
- Florist
- Band/DJ
- Officiant
- Wedding Dress
6–9 Months Before: Guest Experience & Details
This is the time to think about your guests’ experience and plan some of the finer details:
- Invitations
- Guest accommodations
- Cake tasting
- Transportation
4–6 Months Before: Fine-Tune the Details
Bring together the finishing touches that make your day special:
- Ring sizing
- Hair & Makeup trials + booking
- Finalizing groom’s attire
2–4 Months Before: Final Touches
The excitement builds as you finalize important details:
- Create guest favors
- Finalize the menu
- Send invitations
1–2 Months Before: Confirm & Organize
Time to double-check everything:
- Marriage license
- Confirm all vendor bookings
- Create seating chart
1 Week Before: Countdown to Your Day
- Finalize vendor payments
- Pack for your honeymoon
The Day Before: Relax & Celebrate
- Rehearsal dinner
- Drop-off decorations
Wedding Day Vendors to Expect
Every vendor plays a role in making your day perfect:
- Hair & Makeup
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Florist
- Ceremony + Reception setup teams
- Transportation
- Band/DJ
- Caterer/Bartender
Recommended Vendors I Trust
Want to know who I personally recommend? Here’s a list of vendors I’ve worked with and love:
Florists
- Catherine Rose Floral – @catherinerosefloral
- WNY Flower Broker – @wnyflowerbroker
Signage
- Sally Marie Studio – @sallymariestudio
Coordinator:
- Crista Botticello | The Day Of Buffalo – @thedayof_buffalo
Videographer:
Hair & Makeup:
DJ:
Final Thoughts: Your Wedding Planning Journey
Your wedding day is a team effort, and booking in the right order ensures a smooth, stress-free experience. By securing your key vendors early and planning intentionally, you can enjoy the journey and actually celebrate your engagement and wedding day without feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t forget to download my Wedding Experience Guide — it’s a free resource that walks you through my photography process and gives you a clear roadmap for a seamless planning experience.
Ready to bring your wedding plans to life? I’d love to connect and chat more about your day — from timelines to photography, and everything in between.
With Love,
Olivia D’Amato at Stately Photos LLC
