The Ultimate Guide: What Order to Book Your Wedding Suppliers
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to booking suppliers. Where do you even start? If you’re newly engaged and wondering what to do first, this guide will help you navigate the process and set your wedding up for success!
While every couple’s journey is unique, this general order is a great starting point to ensure you don’t miss out on your must-have suppliers.
Table of Contents
Start With Your Venue – Why your venue should be your first booking
Book Your Key Suppliers Next – The must-have vendors to secure early
Bridal Essentials & Decor – Adding the personal touches
Don’t Forget These Important Details – Final wedding elements to book
Final Thoughts – Wrapping up your wedding supplier bookings
1 - Start With Your Venue
Your whole wedding date depends on this!
Venues get booked up fast—sometimes years in advance—so this is the first supplier you should secure. Your venue sets the tone for your entire day and determines the style, guest capacity, and even some of your other supplier choices.
💡 Top Tip: Consider practical details like accommodation options, accessibility, and how much flexibility you have with decor and catering.
2 - Book Your Key Suppliers Next
Once your date and venue are locked in, it’s time to secure those suppliers that can only take one wedding per day. These include:
Band/DJ 🎶
Caterer 🍽️
Dress & Seamstress 👗
These suppliers often book up quickly, so if you have a dream vendor in mind, don’t wait too long!
💡 Top Tip: When looking at photographers and videographers, make sure their style aligns with your vision, and always check reviews!
3 - Bridal Essentials & Décor
Next, think about those details that will bring your wedding to life:
Beauty (Hair & Makeup) 💄
Trials are a must! Secure your glam team early, especially for peak wedding season.
Florist 💐
Flowers vary by season, so book a consultation to discuss availability and alternative options.
Cake Maker 🎂
Wedding cakes take time to perfect! Make sure to order yours well in advance to avoid disappointment.
4 - Don't Forget These Important Details!
To round out your wedding plans, consider these final touches:
Coordinator/Planner 📝
Many venues have an in-house coordinator, but if not, a wedding planner can be a lifesaver.
Officiant 💍
Whether you’re having a religious ceremony or a celebrant-led wedding, secure your officiant in advance.
Transportation 🚗
If your venue is remote, make sure guests have a way to get to and from the celebration.
Fun Extras ✨
Think photo booths, sparklers, fireworks, confetti, or lawn games—small details that make a big impact!
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but booking suppliers in this order can help keep you on track and ensure you get your top picks! If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out—I love helping couples through their planning process!
Happy planning! 🎉
