Dancing Down the Aisle: Your Ultimate Guide to Booking Wedding Vendors with Style!

Congratulations, blushing bride (or groom)-to-be! As you twirl through the excitement of planning your dream day, it's time to put on your organizing shoes and dive into the world of wedding vendors. Feeling overwhelmed? Fear not, because we've got your back! Let's break down the timeline for booking these magical professionals and make your journey to "I do" as smooth as your dance moves.

12-18 Months Before: The Dream Team Assemble
As you embark on this adventure, start by locking down the essentials. Secure your venue and wedding date, and then snag your photographer and videographer. These shutterbugs capture the essence of your love story, freezing those special moments in time. Top-notch talent tends to book up early, so don't be shy – grab them while you can! Start to draft your guest list and separate it into an A List, B List, and Courtesy invites so you can get a realistic idea of how many guests to expect.
10-12 Months Before
Now that you've got the foundation laid, it's time to bloom with your florist. Work with these creative geniuses to craft the perfect arrangements, bringing your vision to life with a burst of color and fragrance. Locking in your florist early ensures your big day is awash in the hues that express your unique love story. You'll also want to decide on an officiant, if it's going to be a friend/family member, a priest, rabbi etc. now's the time to start reaching out.  It's a great time to invite your favorite people to be part of your wedding party! If you really want to make a special impact, we can custom curate proposal boxes for your I Do Crew! Before those save the dates get sent, you'll probably want to snag some engagement photos, now is a great opportunity. 
8-10 Months Before
The beat of your heart meets the melody of your love – time to book your DJ or live band! These maestros set the tone for your celebration, so choose wisely. And while you're at it, consult with your caterer to create a menu that will make your taste buds tango. Early booking means you'll have time for those all-important tastings and tweaks. If you haven't already done so, dress shopping is a must. Most dresses take about 6-8 months to come in so you'll want to give yourself enough time to have alterations done. In demand hair and makeup artists book fast, if there's someone's style you love, lock them in before they book up. 
6-8 Months Before
Now that the rhythm is building, let's talk fashion and stationery. It's time to lock in your bridal party's attire. Simultaneously, work with a stationer to design invitations that set the stage for the celebration of a lifetime. These pieces of art will be the first glimpse your guests have into the joyous journey ahead. It's also a great time to start sending out your save the dates to give your guests ample time to make arrangements. If you have a lot of guests who are traveling, send them out a bit on the earlier side.  Now is a good time to start booking your honeymoon. (Pro tip- speak with a travel agent to have them take that task off your plate.)
4-6 Months Before
It's time to indulge in the sweet side of love – your cake! Book your baker and dive into delicious tastings to find the perfect confection. Meanwhile, schedule your trial with your hair and makeup team to ensure you'll be glowing with bridal radiance. These artists will have you looking like a vision as you glide down the aisle. Make sure the guys are all suited up with their groomsman attire. If ordering from an online service, make sure they do an at home trial so they know exactly what to order before the big day. You should start looking at ordering your wedding bands at this time. 
2-4 Months Before
With the big pieces in place, turn your attention to the smaller details that make your day uniquely yours. Book your rentals, plan your transportation, and consider adding a photo booth for extra fun and memories. These little touches make a big impact, turning your wedding into an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Ensure that transportation is available (if needed) from your hotel to your venue.
1-2 Months Before
As the big day approaches, dot those i's and cross those t's. Apply for your marriage license, get your signage made/printed, confirm final details with your vendors, create a day-of timeline, and schedule your rehearsal to ensure everyone is ready to hit their marks. Be sure to buy any extra accessories and break in those wedding shoes so you can party all night. With the finish line in sight, you can almost hear the wedding bells ringing! 
Last tasks! 
Enjoy your last single weeks with your besties and enjoy your bachelor/bachelorette parties! Ensure your wedding attire alterations are done to your liking and finalize music selections, head count and seating arrangements.  Set aside marked envelopes for vendor tips that are clearly labeled. Make sure to pack up all of your decor with labels, pack up your emergency kit and get ready to party! 

The Value of a Professional Planner: Your Secret Weapon
If this list seems like a lot, well... it is. This is an over view of all of the tasks but there are still more tiny details in between. While you're the star of the show, a professional planner can be your behind-the-scenes superhero, ensuring every detail falls into place seamlessly. From vendor coordination to timeline management, the experts turn your vision into reality, allowing you to savor every moment of your special day stress-free.

What's the difference between a Day of Coordinator and a Full Wedding Planner?
Both options are coordinated through a professional wedding planner. When you don’t know where to begin and don’t want to do much thinking through the whole wedding process, definitely go for the full wedding planning package. We will make it as easy as possible for you. We'll help create your timeline, decide on a theme, find vendors like catering, bakery, band or musician and a photographer. They make sure everyone is where they are suppose to be when they're suppose to be there. Professional planners also have a great contact list of preferred vendors to help narrow down your search and ensure that everyone is reliable and professional.