What’s Next?

The big things that we took care of right away were booking the catering and the bartending services. We were engaged in February of this year for a June 2024 wedding. I was worried about lodging for the bridal party/close family, so we booked that very early too.

Definitely start researching photographers for styles you like, if you're thinking about videography too that's a good next step as well as booking a DJ/band. Some places recommend you start dress shopping around the year mark so you have time for it to come in, make alterations and play it safe with timing. Everything else I've found pretty easy to organize and WeddingWire does have a suggested timeline for when to book what, as do most wedding planning books and sites!

If you're thinking of getting anything off of Facebook marketplace or second-hand signs, decor, etc., marketplace is AMAZING right now with deals as summer and fall weddings are winding down and people are looking to get rid of things they purchased.. we just bought 200 gold charging plates for a fraction of what they would have cost to rent.

Good luck!

I think the photographer and florist is a great next step! You'll want to focus on getting all your vendors booked asap because they book up quickly (some book out a year in advance!); so the sooner you book, the better chances of your preferred vendors being available on your date.