When did you book things? Nov. 16th wedding....

Brooke4377

I am starting to feel that I'm falling behind, but I just feel like the wedding is still soooo far away that I can't get myself to hurry up!  So far we've booked:

Church: St. Louis Cathedral
Venue: Bourbon Orleans
Photographer: sister in law
Officiant: our local pries
DJ: have quote from Omega Sound, know they are free, just have to book

we still have so many things, but I've put them off because it seems too early

Hair: probably the most important element to the wedding for me
Flowers: read everyone's recs...not doing much, my bouquet very simple table stuff
Invitations: not doing save the dates or any inserts, online RSVP so just the one invitation card
Cake: sold on Haydels, but haven't checked for availability on our date
second line band: probably the other big item I really need to get on!

Any other things that should really be booked sooner than later?

Brooke4377

Also I think I haven't felt rushed since I have a Friday wedding....the only thing I encountered so far that was booked for our date was one photobooth company...haven't checked any others yet.

Queen Jane

We booked our DJ a month prior, second line band, hair stylist and officiant about 2 months before and caterer and makeup 4 months out from the wedding. Everything else was done between a year and 9 months out.

louisianablue

Personally I would book everything now and decide on the details later. 

Most hair and makeup people book months in advance.

If you're looking for a budget florist, your options will be limited if you wait longer.  It seems like everyone on the board uses Christina O'Malley and they can only do so many weddings in one weekend.

Invites: I would start collecting ideas and order them about four months out.  This whole process takes a lot longer than you would think.  Plus you'll want sufficient time for people to RSVP.  I sent out invites for my April 7 wedding over MLK weekend.  I sent an RSVP date one month from my wedding date and wanted to give people six weeks to respond.

Cake: The deposit at Haydel's is only $35.  Just send it to them and have them hold the date.  You can decide on the flavor and design later.

Second Line Band: I think you can book this a little later, but I would also just go ahead and send a deposit.  I waited on booking my ceremony musicians and they raised the price in the few months since I first reached out to them.

Photobooth: I did this toward the end.  There are lots of companies that do this, but quite a few were booked by the time I decided that I had to have one. 

If you have any DIY projects, just try and get them out of the way.  I feel like I've literally been doing DIY projects for the last three months, everyday.  I feel totally worn out.  Since I have such a large guest list, every time I want to do something nice, I have to do it like 300 times.

silverspark7

I agree with louisianablue.  My wedding is only a month before yours, and I've got almost all the "vendors" lined up.  You can lock them up for your date, pay the deposit, and worry about details as you get closer.

I've already booked church, reception venue, band, photographer, videographer, florist, and cake.  I bought my dress and picked out bridesmaids dresses.

I have found that with an October wedding (and you may have this since November is so nice here too) that things book up QUICK.  I would suggest sooner rather than later.

raven541

Agree with two previous post. Book all of your vendors now. Otherwise, you run into them being booked for your wedding. 

Its easy to put down the deposit and then work out the details later.

mjlav1901

I am a fellow Nov 16th bride and I have just about everything booked with deposits paid.  I haven't gone over specifics about certain things like flower arrangements because I haven't decided on them yet, but I just wanted to  make sure all my vendors were reserved for my date.  Do deposits now, decide on details as you go along.

NO2012

I would say your immediate priorities should be hair/makeup, florist, and videographer (if you are having one). If you know the DJ and bakery are available, then don't delay and get your deposits down. Next work on second line band and photobooth.

Brooke4377

great, thanks everyone!