In what order should I book my wedding vendors? From a photographer’s perspective | Missouri Wedding Photographer

One of the biggest questions I have noticed when people are planning their wedding is, “what order should I book my wedding vendors?” That’s a totally valid question! Those of us in the wedding industry know what our vendor friends are going through, how busy they are and see a lot of updates about how long things are taking to arrive. But, for most people, this is their first time planning a wedding.

Does this sound like you? I’m here to help!! Below, I’m sharing what order you should book your wedding vendors, but please know there are no hard and fast rules, and if you’re hiring a planner they will help with all of this!! 

Venue + Planner + Photographer + Videographer

When you have an idea of WHEN you’d like to get married (which you will need for booking just about any other vendor), you really need to secure your venue, planner and photographer and videographer. This order does not have to be 1. Venue 2. Planner 3. Photographer 4. Videographer.

If you know there are vendors you MUST work with, find a date that is available and get them booked first. Just know that these are your jumping off points. 🙂 Other vendors are going to need to know where the wedding is if they have to travel. If you know your planner or photographer books up far in advance and you NEED to work with them, get on their calendar and then look for venues with availability. 

These vendors can book up a year or more in advance, so be prepared when you are inquiring. 

Florist + Caterer + Bar Service + Stationery + Signage + Entertainment

Supply chain issues, high demand due to a wedding boom, and rising prices mean you’ll want to secure your florist, caterer, bar service, stationery, and signage once you have a date in mind. If you’re doing custom stationery and signage, you need to have a date + venue secured before they can start on anything AND you’ll need to be flexible and they work to get your dream items created.

The same can be said for your florist. There have been major issues with getting certain booms, and they are always working so hard to provide you with your perfect arrangements. 

Your dream entertainment, caterer and bar service are going to be booking up for any prime dates, so work with your planner to make sure you get your ideal vendor team for your day. 

Hair & Makeup + Find your wedding attire 

You need to secure your team for the day with hair and makeup so you have time for trial runs and working with people who you love. And with wedding attire, several KC bridal boutiques have been posting that you should allow 9-12 months for your wedding dress. Due to supply chain issues recently and the high demand, talk with your vendors about their turn around time sooner rather than later, and get some appointments on the books. 

Rentals + Special details 

Rentals can include anything from a tent for the reception to tables and chairs to linens. Talk with your planner and venue coordinator about what is available for you at the venue, if it fits your vision, and if there are any gaps you need to fill. Rentals can also be vintage china, like Good Stuff China provides, that can really take things to the next level or vintage furniture, like what Pretty Lil Things provides, to set up a reception lounge area. 

Your special details are custom jewelry, shoes, nail appointments, wedding gifts, etc. Be aware of delivery times and how long it would take for any custom work to be completed. 

I hope this was helpful for you to learn about “In what order should I book my wedding vendors?”! If you’d like for me to capture your wedding memories, I’d love for you to contact me HERE! 

Want to get in touch?

I am so excited you found me! And I hope you loved “In what order should I book my wedding vendors?”! Just so you to know your email is going to make my day, and I’ll probably do a little happy dance when it hits my inbox. I love email because it helps me keep all our important conversations in one place versus spreading the conversation out over email, text, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, etc. You can expect to hear from me within 24 hours. You can contact me here, or just shoot me an email at kelsey@kelseyalumbaugh.com