When should I book/arrange vendors?

SB1512

My wedding June 29, 2013.  We have booked our venue and our photographer.  I know I need to work on a dj next.  But what about other vendors?  We have a choice of 2 bakeries that contract with our venue, how soon or far out should I set up consultations with them?  What about a JP?  Florist?  I'm sure some people are already taking 2013 bookings, should I be started on these things now, or can I wait until at least June (I'm a little stressed between grad school and work so if I can put these off until the semetser is over it would be great!)

MoonlightSilver

Florist now for sure! My florist, Stylish Blooms, is meeting with brides for 2013 already. DJ soon as well- the board favorite DJae Melee gets booked very fast. JOP you could probably wait until the end of summer, or book early if you want.

The benefit of booking now is that usually, prices go up each year. So if you book now you lock in your price. 

However, if you're feeling stressed, I'd worry only about the florist and DJ for now, the others can wait.

SB1512

Thanks.  I'm not too worried about florist since we're either going to use Roses For Autism out of Guildford (a great program, but probably not well known for events) or stop and shop, but yes I should get on the DJ aspect of things.

RIFallBride

You have the two biggest checks done so I think you would be fine waiting until June if your venue is all inclusive.  Do you have a ceremony location?  If you want a popular DJ, I would do that now too. 

One thing to keep in mind about waiting until June is that it will be peak wedding season, vendors will be very very busy which may result in a slow response time and less opportunities for meetings. 

SB1512

our ceremony is at our repeption site

DiLynn83

I think you can wait a little while on the cake and florist.  I booked those vendors about 9 months out.  You have your major stuff booked so I think you're in good shape.

Edit: I know you didn't ask for DJ recs but I suggest you meet with Zach Dauphinais, he's really great and very reasonably priced.  http://www.musictogoct.com

MoonlightSilver

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_connecticut_when-should-i-bookarrange-vendors?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:65Discussion:e7945b5c-16de-453d-940d-a87740582e67Post:0448b6d6-de4e-4935-8e5f-d1e1cfe969a4">Re: When should I book/arrange vendors?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks.  I'm not too worried about florist since <strong>we're either going to use Roses For Autism</strong> out of Guildford (a great program, but probably not well known for events) or stop and shop, but yes I should get on the DJ aspect of things.
Posted by SB1512[/QUOTE]

<div>I LOVE that idea. I was actually thinking of doing the same myself, but I never followed up with it. Great for you. =)</div>

Christine9866

I am getting married April of 2013 and we pretty much  the main vendors checked off our list..We have our photographer, dj and venue as I think you do. I have been in contact with two florists that I want to meet with, but I am going to wait to meet with them after I get my dress and my girls dresses picked out..I am going dress shopping for the first time next month When our venue had their tasting event they had their preferred bakery, and they said we can contact them in December or early 2013 to set up a tasting and meeting. As for JOP, we are using a family friend that married my FSIL, but we have not met with him as of yet. Also, I don't know if you were looking for DJ recc's, but we are using DJae Melee! He is awesome we booked him on the spot for under $1000 for his all-inclusive package that has uplighting! We are so excited to have him as our DJ!

rswan412

Since you are doing a summer wedding, I would recommend booking as much as you can. Some of the board favorites fill up way far in advance. I would at least do the DJ & Florist at this time, especially if you go after one of the very popular ones!!! I think cake/JOP can wait a little bit.

kls114

The earlier the better! We booked all of our major vendors for our July 2011 wedding in the Spring of 2009--and some already had things booked! It is never too early, especially in our area or if you are looking at the more popular vendors!

cdbishop

Great idea with Roses for Autism, I am from guilford so i am familiar with the group. Besides that, other big vendors I would say DJ and bakery

calindi

The time will honestly disappear when you blink.  We got engaged last April, and we're getting married September 2012.  We booked most of the big things right away - venue (ceremony/reception), photographer, caterer, videographer, DJ. florist all within a few weeks of getting engaged.  I don't think I NEEDED to, but it was easy and I don't regret it at all.  I got my first pick of every vendor.

Since then, a bit slower.  I have noticed prices went up, which is one advantage of booking early - locking in this year's prices. 

Recently, I booked my JOP (Betty Allard, I'm incredibly excited about her - her Wedding Wire reviews are ridiculously awesome too) only about a week ago.  She said she's mostly booked, but she happened to have my day available, lucky me!  And we booked the tent and chair rentals about two weeks ago.  And we booked a bagpiper only a few weeks ago, too. 

I designed my own save-the-dates and invitations since I have a graphic design business on the side.  I'm working on my menu and programs now (will finalize closer to the date).  But yeah... long story short, do it at the speed you're comfortable.  I love that we booked so much right away because now I can just enjoy being engaged!