More When Should I Questions

When should I...
Book the photographer?
Book the videographer (or do they come together?)
Book the hair/makeup girl
Book the florist
Book the limo
Book the honeymoon
Book the block of hotel rooms?

All we have right now is a church, a hall and a DJ! And I am going bride dress/BM dress shopping in Sept. I know there are books to read and I intend to read them, but if any of you can shoot of some quick answers, it would be quite helpful.
Also - I don't think we want flower girls or a ring bearer - is this okay?

Re: More When Should I Questions

You should get a checklist from theknot.com and put in your wedding date and that gives you a pretty good idea of what needs to book and when

Re: More When Should I Questions

we did all the big things first like the reception hall, photographer, music band or DJ, Sometimes you can book who your photographer uses for the videographer. This is what we did. The next thing we did was the honeymoon through a travel agent. The limos and flowers can be booked a few months before. I just booked my hair and make-up about 3 months before. There are good time-tables to follow in any bridal magazine. It doesn't matter if you don't have a flowergirl or ringbearer. You can do anything you want

Re: More When Should I Questions

You really do not have to follow the lists in different magazines on the internet of when to book certain vendors. I am getting married in Sept of 2004 and I already have the church, reception site, photographer, videographer, limo and DJ. The earlier you book, the better price you get. You pay the price of now not next year or 6-9 months from now. I would at least start looking into all these vendors and trying to narrow down your choices and if possible leave a deposit for them.

Re: More When Should I Questions

You do not need a FG or RB. Lots of people do not have children in their wedding parties.
I would begin my hunt for a photographer next on your list, then videographer, then florist. Also, start looking for your gown. Some designers want 9months to deliver a gown to you.
Limos can be done in the Spring.

I recommend figuring out what type of photos you want, and your price range. (That is for ALL vendors) I felt that many of the videos I saw at the photographer's studios were very vanialla, so I booked a separate video company. That is all personal prefrence. There was no real cost savings to book thru the photographer either.

Re: More When Should I Questions

here's what I did or I suggest (I had a 1 1/2 engagement though):

Book the photographer? 9-12 mos before
Book the videographer (or do they come together?) 9-12 mos before. I booked with the place as my photographer

Book the hair/makeup girl - I booked my appointment 3 mos before - maybe a little less - still haven't gone for a trial yet to see if I liked them. I am going to a shop in my mom's neighborhood. I hear some places book over 6 mos in advance

Book the florist - about 9 mos before

Book the limo - about 6-9 mos before

Book the honeymoon - 6 mos before

Book the block of hotel rooms? about 4 mos before (some hotel calendars do not go back more than 1 year)

No, you do not need to have either a flower girl or ring bearer. I think they ar emore for the cutre factor than the useful factor. I am only having a ring bearer.

All of the items above can be done in a couple months if necessary. I know plenty of people who only had 6 mos or less of an engagement and had perfect weddings. I guess it depends on how picky you are. If you are really picky you may want to start booking early to get who you want.

Good Luck.