North Carolina

How early is too early?

So I'm just over a year out from our wedding date but I've already come across some vedors online that I'd love to meet with and possibly book.  So how early is too early to start scheduling meetings with reception venues, photographers etc?  I'd like to check some stuff off my to do list but I don't want to seem like the crazy bride either lol
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Re: How early is too early?

  • CJ4578CJ4578 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I don't think it's too early, especially for the vendors that tend to book way far in advance. I booked my photographer in August of last year (for the end of October 2010) and the day after I booked she had someone asking about my date. So, I say go ahead- if it's stuff like caterer, photographer, etc. (the big things) then you still have plenty of time to change your mind about the "little" things like colors, menu items, etc.

    Good luck!
    -- C
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  • pirategal03pirategal03 member
    Knottie Warrior 5000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I think it's fine to start looking at locations and photographers and even caterers.  I think it's too early to look at bridesmaid's dresses or centerpieces, etc. 
  • wlfpkbridewlfpkbride member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I agree with the other ladies. I think it's fine to look at venues, caterers & photographers. Those tend to book up quickly. I know my photographers increased their prices after we booked. We saved a good chunk of money that way. Don't rush into it though. I wanted to book a photog ASAP after we were engaged & it hurt us in the long run. GL
  • Beth0882Beth0882 member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
     I'm not doing the math on your wedding date, but it looks like its going to be in Oct of next year?  October is one of the most busy months for weddings (I think 3rd behind May and June), so vendors fill up early.  When I started calling venues in November 2009 for my Oct 2010 wedding, almost all of them had half their Oct. dates filled already.  so no, its not too early to start looking and meeting with people, especially venues!
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  • CarolinaKaylaCarolinaKayla member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for the feedback!  I wasn't even taking into account that October was a popular wedding month, oops! I
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  • edited December 2011
    Im getting married of September of next year and I pretty much have all my vendors. My photographer is already booked up til the beginning of 2012 so im glad that I booked him early. My venue also books up really quickly so im paying the deposit next week. I already found my dress...I wasn't interested in looking so early but one of my best friends leaves tomorrow for Scotland and I wanted to share that experience with her before she left..plus I wanted her to order her bridesmaid dress since she won't be back til 2 days before the wedding! I say for it..the early bird catches the worm.
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  • edited December 2011
    In my opinion, I think it's never too early for any of it. We had a 2 year long engagement, and once I had the ring on my finger, we started planning. I was SO glad we were ahead of the game. We saved SO much money by booking vendors early and locking in their current prices. I also got all of the vendors I wanted, so there was no disappointment of hearing "we're already booked". Plus, it was a lot less stress to be able to work on projects throughout our long engagment. And I was able to order the bridesmaid dresses I had always envisioned just before they were discontinued. If you've got a clear picture of what you want, go for it!
  • birdcagebridebirdcagebride member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    with photographers, I'd be looking like yesterday.  I had a friend who I suggested every good photographer (IMO) to and ALL of them were booked for her May wedding already...and were booked like back in January.  October is VERY popular.  I'd say get crackin'! ;)
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  • edited December 2011
    Agree with all the other girls....you're not too early at all!  Go for it!

    Leigh Anne & Billy
    *October 2nd, 2010*
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  • edited December 2011
    I say it's not to early! Go for it, especially if this the bigger details.  Small details then I would wait =)
  • edited December 2011
    ditto to all above. plan anything you want now, but don't feel like you have to rush any  decisions. We were really looking at Byron's for our receptions, and it booked 2+ years before our wedding date...but I do love the museum now :)
    image122 Made the list!
    image 89 Are ready to party!
    image 11 Will be missing out!
    image 22 Can't find the mailbox!
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  • AbbeyS2011AbbeyS2011 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I agree with all PPs!  Another thing about October with venues, caterers and photographers - that is usually Homecoming month!  Get busy and Happy Planning!
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  • edited December 2011
    I started planning over a year before the wedding. It is now 10 months before my wedding and I have our ceremony/reception/caterer, officiant, baker(Baker is also doing our favors), DJ, photographer/videographer...I feel like it's never too early to start planning but be careful of things that you may change your mind on like dresses and decorations. I'd wait and give those a little more time then the big vendors
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