As a wedding planner I’ve come across many stressed couples. It is when they become stressed that they typically begin reaching out for a planner’s advice and help. A common thread in a list of their stressors – booking their wedding day vendors. How do you know if it’s the right time to reach out to a DJ? “My wedding is 8 months away, is now a good time to begin looking at hair and makeup artists?” So. Many. Vendors. and most couples have very little experience planning a $30,000+/- event. Timing is everything when booking your dream team that will execute your wedding day flawlessly. Do you really want to fall behind and have to settle for what’s left?

You’ve spent thousands of dollars on your dream wedding and countless hours putting it all together. There were so many options for DJs out there, that you just kept putting it off – just too stressful to siphon through them all. Now, you’re 5 months from wedding day and you’ve decided on a DJ. Oops! They are completely booked. Now it’s scrambling time. On to the 2nd, 3rd and maybe even 4th option because you realize you HAVE to book one NOW. Finally, you’ve found a DJ that’s available on your wedding date and you immediately book. Wedding day arrives, reception begins, and this DJ is terrible! He has mispronounced your names during introductions, played the wrong song for your first dance together and the dance floor is EMPTY!

Sounds like a nightmare to me! And this nightmare scenario can be the case for any vendor booking mishap. I do not want you to be as sad as this pup on your wedding day.

For those of you wondering when the best time to book your wedding planner or coordinator is – I always say As Soon As Possible. You are recently engaged and know for a fact that you at least want to hire a wedding coordinator to help you in the final month leading to your wedding day to ensure you haven’t missed anything; hire him/her ASAP and do not wait until you’re stressed and planner availability is slim pickings. For those couples that know they want a full service planner to help with All. Of. The. Things., book your planner as soon as you begin your planning and choosing a date.

My love for collaborating with other industry vendors is endless. So prior to creating this blog post, I chatted in depth with Megan of Megan Oliveri Hair and Makeup Artistry about this topic. *You should definitely find out more about her amazing work and fun, uplifting personality here!* Together, we want to help you out when it comes to booking vendors.

So here’s what we’ll do. Follow this link to a vendor booking timeline that will not fail you. And if you feel that you want the help of a professional planner to guide you through your vendor booking process, reach out! Planners are able to guide couples to quality vendors at all price points. You give us your budget, we find you top notch vendors. Doesn’t that sound delightful?

If you love the timeline, leave some feedback in the comments. I love hearing from you!