Wedding planning timeline...need help!

Faith2730

I am getting married next July and since getting engaged in April I have booked my reception hall, photographer and videographer.  What's next?  Is it too early to start looking into such things as hair, makeup, bridesmaid dresses, music ect...?  What would you recommend on tackling next?  I feel like my wedding is so far out and not sure if its just too early for the rest.  Any feedback is appreciated!

Reilly626

I would secure a good dj or band and start browsing through mags at bridesmaid dresses you like.  I wouldnt do hair and makeup right now. 

goaliegirl

Definitely music and maybe your florist.  Some florists only do one wedding per day, so if there is someone you really like the earlier you book the better.   You can start looking for ideas for your dress and BM dresses.   

stapletond

I'm getting married in July (in a few weeks!!!eeek), and I definitely started looking into hair and makeup over the summer.

This is the order I booked my vendors:
venue
band
photographer
wedding dress
florist
officiant
makeup
bridesmaid dresses
hair

Faith2730

Thanks for the quick responses! 
Stapleton- How exciting!  Since you booked your florist before getting your bridesmaid dresses, did you have a definite color in mind before going to the florist.  I have colors in mind but hear your colors change sometimes when you actually see the girls in the dresses.

goaliegirl

You can always make changes with your florist after the fact.  I changed a few things and she was great about it.  Although, I knew what colors I wanted from the start.  maybe you should think about your color scheme now as well, that could help with a bunch of stuff.

stapletond

Yes, I did have a color scheme in mind.  I always knew I wanted to include purple, since it is my favorite color.  In the first meeting, the florist wanted to get a feel for what we wanted (modern, romantic, etc.).  They also asked what our favorite flowers were, how many tables, what you wanted for the ceremony, etc.  They gave us an estimate, with the understanding that things may change (like number of tables).

When you go to the florist, bring photo inspirations of what you like.  It gives the florist a better idea of the look you are going for.  "Romantic" can mean many different things depending on the person, so if you have a picture of what "romantic" is to you, it can improve communication. 

My centerpiece mock-up this tomorrow...I'm excited to see it!

Fink

I know hair and make-up aren't always so high on the priority list BUT if you have someone you absolutely want to do your hair, I do recommend telling that person on what day you are getting married soon as you know your wedding date and here's why .....

I got engaged on 12/24/09 and we are getting married on 10/16/10.  We decided to get married in N. Jersey (as opposed to in Vegas) in very very small part because I wanted the woman who has been doing my hair for the past 10 years or so to do my hair for my wedding.  I see her every 8 to 10 weeks for highlights/cut.  During my February 2010 appointment, I told her my wedding date and she told me she had another wedding the same day and the bride already made her appointments.  She is still able to do my hair and the salon can accommodate my mom, MOH and the one BM who is getting her hair done, but the time of the appointments is not idea for me. 

kasabby

I am getting married next July too! What day are you getting married?

I started on the early side but I also live in Boston and I am planning a NJ wedding so I try to knock one thing off the list each time I go to Jersey. So far I have the venue, the photographer (which includes videographer), DJ, and wedding dress. The wedding dress was definitely a little early but I fell in love. I am heading to NJ at the end of the month to do my engagement pictures and plan on looking at hotels and meeting with two florists. I know my color scheme and I am pretty sure I know what bridesmaid dress we are using.

Faith2730

I am getting married July 30th...I  also got a dress early.  I just fell in love!