Vendor availability is a queue, and different vendors sell out at different speeds. Here's the booking order that keeps you out of the "everyone good is taken" trap.
12+ months out
Venue first — it sets your date, guest count and much of the budget. Photographer second — one-per-day vendors sell out fastest. If you're hiring a full-service planner, hire them before both; their vendor network is half their value.
9–12 months
Band or DJ, videographer, and rehearsal dinner space if you're marrying in a busy market. Caterer too, if your venue doesn't include one.
6–9 months
Florist, decor and rentals, hair & makeup (trial included), officiant, and transportation. Order the dress in this window if you haven't — alterations need runway.
3–6 months
Invitations (mail at 8 weeks), cake tastings, bar service if separate from catering, and first-dance lessons — three to five sessions is typical.
1–3 months
Favors and welcome bags, final headcounts to caterer and rentals, hair/makeup schedules for the wedding party, and the honeymoon details you postponed.
The rule behind the timeline
Book earliest whatever (a) can serve only one wedding per day and (b) you care most about. Everything else can flex. Track it all in VowsLink's free planner and request quotes as you go — each vendor profile has a free contact form.
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