Book Your Top Priority Vendors First
The vendors everyone wants tend to disappear off the calendar first, sometimes a year and a half out. If you wait to lock them in, you may end up redesigning your whole wedding around whoever is still free.
Know Who Books Up Fastest
Venues, photographers, videographers, and caterers are usually the first to sell out, especially for Saturdays in May, June, September, and October. A popular venue might only have 6-10 open Saturdays a year, and a sought-after photographer may cap bookings at 20-25 weddings annually. Ask each vendor directly how far out they're typically booked before you fall for their portfolio.
Lock In Date-Dependent Vendors First
Rank your must-haves by how tied they are to a specific date versus how flexible they are. A venue and caterer usually need to be booked before anything else, since your date depends on their availability. Photographers and videographers come next. Florists, hair and makeup, and DJs typically have more flexibility and can be booked 6-9 months out without much risk.
Stay Flexible on the Date
If your dream photographer or venue is only free on a Friday or Sunday, consider it. Off-peak days often come with lower rates too. Once you confirm your top vendors, send them a written contract with your date, deposit amount, and cancellation terms within 48 hours so no one else can grab that slot while you're deciding.
Key Takeaways
- Reach out to must-have vendors the same week you set your date
- Book venue and caterer first, since your date hinges on their availability
- Ask vendors directly how many months in advance they typically book up
- Consider a Friday or Sunday date if it unlocks your top-choice vendor
- Sign contracts within 48 hours of verbal agreement to secure the date