Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

MsErikaLynn Posted: Apr 22, 2013 12:16 PM

Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

Hi all!

So FH and I are getting married at the end of August 2014 and we have booked the RH, Photography/Video, Limo and we are trying to conquer DJ and officiant asap. What else should I be doing?? I don't want to do flowers until this August so I can see what's in bloom and I don't want to tackle bridesmaids or groomsmen gear until August either. I also already have my dress! Should I start with decorations and BP gifts? I get nervous that I'm going to buy things that won't store well. I'm thinking of maybe just going ahead with making payments on the hall until August and then getting everything??

This also brings me to question #2! lol
Are you girls paying off your vendors before or waiting until the day of, when they show up and everything is as contracted to pay off balances? I would LOVE to just pay off our photographer (with the exception of what's due upon pick up of pictures) and pay off the DJ and limo but FH says we shouldn't in case anything happens. I just like to feel the weight off my shoulders and not stare at the money in the bank! any thoughts on this???

thanks girls!! sorry for the long post!

FDwedding14 Posted: Apr 22, 2013 12:43 PM

Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

The only other thing I have done other than what you mentioned is the hotel block, and I think I am going to try to to the dresses, makeup/hair, and flowers over the summer. I would like to pay off all of the vendors early so I do not have to be stressed next year. Besides I'm sure next year I will find other things that I need to purchase!

meejack1110 Posted: Apr 22, 2013 12:44 PM

Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

It sounds like to me you've accomplished a lot! lol way more than me (I have hall, photog, and dj only done)

But I do agree with the paying off early thing. I feel like if I have the funds, pay as much off now as possible so its less to worry about leading up to the day. I have half of the hall paid for already, half of the DJ and all of the Photographer. It makes me feel much better that I won't have to pay out as much Day of/week of. Also It makes it much less likely that the money we've saved will end up getting spent on other things lol.

It's hard so in advanced to do more (I agree to wait on some of the smaller details) the only things I would recommend is Booking the DJ, and maybe ordering the Rings. I know rings are next on my list since our jeweler will be special ordering it, and it's a payoff schedule. So the payments wont be huge, and it will be good to get that done with.

Another option is to book the honeymoon, or at least make a deposit down on it. You get the best rates when you book in advanced, and its another thing you can make payments on.

Also I continually research favor and decor items, this way when I catch things on sale I buy them right away, no matter how early, just so I can get the best price.

stefaniec84 Posted: Apr 22, 2013 03:20 PM

Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

I'm getting married 5 days after you and you booked 1 more vendor then I did! TAKE YOUR TIME! Definitely do one thing at a time, and do your research, but work at your own pace.

I was starting to panic bc I noticed that some girls had everything booked already and had BM gifts and the little details done...but, that could just be bc theyre more comfortable with moving at a faster pace.

I'm conquering 1 thing at a time, booked our venue, photo/video and we're not researching DJ's. Do what makes you comfortable!

As for your #2, It all depends on what you and FH are comfortable with but I feel like paying a little bit at a time is easier on the wallet. Again, if you guys are more comfortable with paying it all off at the end, then thats up to you!

MsErikaLynn Posted: Apr 22, 2013 08:03 PM

Re: Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

thanks ladies! your advice is always so helpful! I think we're going to focus our payments on the hall until the 1 year date then pay off the other vendors. and I am definitely going to look into the rings and honeymoon! The decor buying makes me so nervous because I can't wait to see it all together!! But I really should start with it.

Thanks again for being so helpful!!

MissToMrs Posted: Apr 22, 2013 08:20 PM

Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

I am paying EVERYTHING off by February of next year- that will leave us roughly 8 months to bank everything for our house.
We will only owe the after payment to the photographer and the balance to the DJ the night of. other than that everything is going to be paid off (we hope!)

MsErikaLynn Posted: Apr 22, 2013 10:37 PM

Re: Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

Posted by MissToMrs

I am paying EVERYTHING off by February of next year- that will leave us roughly 8 months to bank everything for our house.
We will only owe the after payment to the photographer and the balance to the DJ the night of. other than that everything is going to be paid off (we hope!)

I'm feeling that! lol

bridejackson22 Posted: Apr 23, 2013 12:48 PM

Falling behind in planning / & paying off vendors?!

I have done the same. I am in the same boat I just have rh and photo/vid, and doc booked. I am currently working on DJ and officiant right now. After I get those done I will work on flowers and save the dates. I got myself way to overwhelmed when wanted to just get everything booked and made myself nuts so I am just doing one thing at a time. I have time still to get my dress and more weight to lose so I am not in a rush until summer for that. Just do one thing at a time. I am paying the balance when they are do and just saving as much as I can.