Planning a wedding involves a whirlwind of exciting decisions, and the order in which you make them can significantly impact the process. To set yourself up for success, we’ve recommended a strategic approach to building your vendor team by starting with two key players: your wedding planner and your venue.

First Things First

• Wedding Planner: Your wedding planner is your advocate, your guide, and your secret weapon throughout the entire planning process. They bring invaluable expertise, industry connections, and creative vision to the table. Hiring a planner first allows them to understand your unique style, budget, and priorities, and then help you find a venue and vendors that align perfectly with your vision.
• Venue: Once you have a planner, you can turn your attention to the venue. Your planner will work with you to identify venues that not only match your aesthetic preferences but also meet your logistical needs and budget.

After solidifying your planner and venue the order in which you lock in your dream vendor team is very important. The quality vendors get booked out quickly so we should prioritize accordingly.

Building Your Vendor Team

With your planner and venue secured, you can move on to assembling the rest of your vendor dream team. Here’s the order we recommend:

• Photographer: Your photos will be one of the most enduring keepsakes from your wedding day, so finding a photographer whose style you love is paramount. Photographers often book up well in advance, especially for popular dates, so securing your first-choice photographer should be a top priority.
• Hair and Makeup Artist: You want to look and feel your absolute best on your wedding day, and that requires a skilled hair and makeup artist. Like photographers, the best artists are in high demand, so booking them early ensures you’ll have your pick.
• Caterer (if applicable): If your venue doesn’t provide in-house catering, securing a caterer is crucial. The food is a significant part of the guest experience, so you’ll want to book a caterer who can create a menu that delights your taste buds and fits your budget.

Setting the Stage for Ambiance and Celebration

With the essentials in place, you can move on to vendors that will help create the atmosphere and energy of your celebration:

• Florist: Flowers play a huge role in setting the tone and ambiance of your wedding. Whether you envision lush, romantic arrangements or modern, minimalist designs, booking a florist early allows them ample time to understand your vision, source the perfect blooms, and create stunning displays.
• Entertainment (Band or DJ): Music sets the mood for your reception and gets your guests on the dance floor. Whether you prefer a live band or a DJ, booking your entertainment early is essential to ensure you get your desired style and create an unforgettable party atmosphere.

Why This Timeline Works

• Planner as Your Guide: Hiring a planner first ensures that you have an expert on your side from the very beginning, helping you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
• Venue and Planner Collaboration: Your planner can work with you to find a venue that aligns with your vision, budget, and logistical needs.
• Popular Vendors Book Quickly: The most sought-after vendors in each category (photographers, hair and makeup artists, etc.) often book up a year or more in advance. Booking early increases your chances of securing your top choices.
• Venue Sets the Stage: Your venue often dictates certain logistical needs (catering requirements, setup times, etc.). Having your venue secured allows you and your planner to communicate these needs effectively to potential vendors.

By following this timeline, you’ll be well on your way to assembling a dream team of vendors who will work together seamlessly to bring your wedding vision to life. Happy planning!