how early did you book vendors?

[cinderellasmom]

With 9 months to go it seems some vendors look at us like we are crazy and others ask why did you wait so long? lol So when did you book:

Your florist
Your Day of Coordinator
Your DJ

[WebLady]

I used to tell people to book 6 to 9 months out; I know some people will book as far as a year or more out. I know a lot of vendors that won't book more than a year out.

I think the venue should be the first thing though as a lot of vendors won't book you until you have a set date and location.

[snowflakebride]

Since I'm DIY flowers, not using a DOC, and my DJ is included with my location package, I'll say this:

I'm in the camp that says to book as early as possible. As long as the vendor allows you to book, you could save yourself some money in the long run in case the vendor raises prices. Generally, unless the contract says otherwise, your contract protects you against price hikes. Hope this helps!

[val24]

dj a year in advance
florist 3 months in advance (had problems with the other person that was going to do it)
cake was about 4 months but i didnt officially book her till 3 monts in advance
photographer was a year in advance
venue was a year in advance also

[sweetvenus]

It was my goal to have all my vendors booked a year in advance. I came really close. I had booked the venue/caterer, photographer, florist, cake, DJ, officiant, and ceremony musicians by the end of May of this year (with the wedding in May of next year). I still have to officially book my hair/make-up artist (have a trial tomorrow) and my rental company, and then I'm done with vendors. My florist kind of looks at me crazy every time I come in to talk to her (my deposit isn't even due till next March), but she seems impressed as to my organizational skills, lol.

[Tericia]

I just started booking in early May. So about 11-12 months in advance. Have most of them done now.

[Danielle9608]

By my one year mark I had all my vendors booked.

[Scrwballsgrl]

I say book as early as is convienent for you and whatever vendors you choose. As of now my wedding is 11mths & 4 wks away:) (gotta love the tickers) and we have reserved the venue, talking with people about catering, and looking to make appt. with a bakery to talk cakes. Most of the other aspect we'll be doing ourselves; decorations, etc. So that is on our time schedule.

[acidcookie]

I'm actually trying to avoid as many "vendors" as I can. I'm the worst bride for a wedding. I'm asking friends and friends of friends to help out.

Sorry, didn't mean that come off as self-righteous, I just have a lot of choice words about the wedding industry ;)

[MrsDM]

We booked our reception site and ceremony site about 1 1/2 years in advanced. The DJ we booked shortly after and booked the photographers last week. We are booking our florist in September (business friend, so she already knows) and am currently researching quartets for the ceremony.

I'm paranoid, I have to have everything booked before the one year mark. I've actually had vendors commend me for getting it done so soon.

[GuardianAngel]

I booked basically everything 6 months ahead of time. My wedding is in two months and the only thing I haven't booked is the florist only because my aunt was supposed to do it but after figuring it out it will cost us more and take too much time and can't really be too honest without hurting her feelings. We go to meet the florist on the 26th :)

[FirechickBride]

i did my cater on jan 8 2008 my wedding is may 23 2009. I was glad i booked early cause alot of people fill up fast in my area really early. Like i wanted this really amazing place i seen them do weddings and a good cost but was unhappy they were booked a year and half from my wedding day which was supposed to be this year but everyone did not have any openings and so then i even called back in 07 for o8 and no luck

[emredhead76]

With 9 months to go it seems some vendors look at us like we are crazy and others ask why did you wait so long? lol So when did you book:

Your florist
Your Day of Coordinator
Your DJ

I agree with the other book your venue first. Next, I would say book your photographer - the good ones book up fast. DJ/Entertainment would jun a close third.

Book the florist when you can once you know the scope of the wedding.

DOC - If you aren't needing a full planner then you could book this later. I've had people contact me as close as 2 weeks before the wedding. Again, if there is a certain one you want, then ask early.

[Jacobs_Girl]

I was trying to book this one place for our ceremony and they were booked for 2 years just on weddings, but of course it is the Eastman Kodak Gardens, very nice place to get married. We booked some of our vendors 8 months prior and some just last month! It all when it is easy for you.

[brendalin]

I had evething booked by our one year mark.