Your Wedding Vendor Checklist: What to Book First and Why

You’re ready to tie the knot but have no idea where to start?

Planning your wedding can feel like being the captain of a sports team. You're working with a group of talented professionals, all collaborating to achieve a common goal seamless wedding planning.

And one of the most crucial parts of building this dream team is figuring out when to hire your wedding vendors.

With a bit of forward thinking, you'll be able to plan your dream wedding without breaking a sweat.

One of the first things to figure out is your wedding date and budget. Once those are locked in, you can start assigning dates and booking vendors — though let’s be honest, the process can feel a little chaotic.

Luckily (and unluckily), you’re not alone in this race. There are many couples out there feeling just as overwhelmed.

Which brings us to the big question what’s the smartest and most cohesive way to book your wedding vendors, especially when everything seems to be getting booked up so fast?

Why One Needs To Be Mindful Of The Booking Order?

Being mindful of the booking order is crucial because every decision in wedding planning is a domino effect. One move affects the next. When you book in the right order, everything flows smoother from finalizing the date to finding the perfect vendors.

 It helps ensure your resources are used wisely and services line up just right. Plus, it saves you from last-minute chaos and confusion. You get better availability, accurate planning, and a much clearer picture of your budget.

 In short, being mindful of the booking order keeps things on track and makes sure your big day goes off without a hitch.

#1 The Venue

Once you’ve decided on a date or even if you’re dead set on a particular venue that’s your cue to lock it in. Especially during peak wedding season (think October to late December), venues book out faster than you can say shaadi. So if you don’t want to face that last-minute heartbreak, start scouting early. Ideally, book your venue at least 6 months in advance. But if you’ve got your heart set on a popular or high-end location? Better make that 9 to 12 months.

Booking your venue early gives you a fixed location to share with your vendors and guests. Not to mention, many vendors can’t even get started until they know where and when your wedding is happening. So, check this off your list first and breathe.

#2 Wedding Planner

Depending on the kind of wedding you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration you might need a wedding planner. If your event involves multiple ceremonies, complex logistics, or a destination setup, a planner is your MVP.

Once you’ve shortlisted one, have a sit-down (or a Zoom call) to make sure they vibe with your vision. From a classic traditional affair to a boho beach wedding, or even a mix of modern-meets-rituals, the planner should understand your taste, your guest list size, and of course, your budget. Once they’re in, they can help streamline the rest of your bookings.

#3 Photographers and Videographers

Yes, smartphones today are insanely good and yes, your cousin might be great with a camera. But this is your wedding. These are the memories you’ll flip through on anniversaries or show your kids someday. So, you need a pro team that knows how to catch those unfiltered smiles, stolen glances, and wild dance floor moments without missing a beat.

Even the best amateur won’t be able to capture the full story while being a guest. Professionals know how to be invisible when needed and present when it matters. Plus, they come with experience, creativity, and backup equipment no "oops, my battery died" excuses.

Investing in a good photography and videography team is not an expense it’s a gift to your future self.

#4 Dress

You might think that shopping is love!!
And that you’ll find your dream outfit in just one go…
Well, you might be lucky and if that’s the case, girl, you’re truly blessed.

But, sweetheart, not everyone’s that lucky.
Which means... you’ve got to invest your time.
It’s always better to start shopping sooner rather than later for your wedding outfit. It sets the tone, feel, and full vibe of your big day.

Plus, once your dress is locked in, you’ll need to hunt for the perfect accessories, coordinate your fiancé’s look, and make sure everything’s in sync.

#5 Hair Stylists and MUAs
If you want your hair and makeup to slay on your big day, it’s time to start reaching out for quotes.

Some venues do offer in-house makeup and hairstyling as part of their wedding package, but most don’t.
So, if you’ve got a specific artist in mind, don’t wait. Lock them in early and make sure they’re available on your wedding date.

Planning to hire someone from outside your city? Then sort out the travel costs in advance. Check if their package includes extras like false lashes, airbrush foundation, or pre-wedding trial sessions.

Iron out all the details ahead of time.

#6 Wedding Decorator

This one’s a joint mission between you and your wedding planner. But if you already have a decor theme or color scheme in mind, start collecting inspiration now. Pinterest saves, or just that one dreamy Instagram post save it all.

Floral arrangements are usually at the heart of any setup, so once you’ve locked in your theme, pick flowers and props that align with the vibe.

Whether it’s boho-chic, royal glam, pastel minimalism, or a tropical fiesta, your decorator needs a clear vision to bring it to life beautifully.

Final Words

While there are countless vendors to consider when planning a wedding from d caterers to entertainers, and rental suppliers — we’ve focused on the major ones to help you get started without feeling overwhelmed.

If you're still figuring things out or want a more detailed roadmap, we’ve listed multiple vendors on our site to help you discover every vendor you might need, even the ones you didn’t know you needed.

This guide covers the essentials, but there’s so much more waiting to be explored.

So, feel free to reach out anytime we’re here to make the process easier, smoother, and a whole lot more fun.

Here’s to a wedding day that’s as epic as your love story!