Wedding vendor checklist.

Shortlist five venues

Filter by capacity, price, and season first — then aesthetics. Ask each one about rain plans and noise curfews before you fall in love with a garden.

Tour your top venues

Visit in person if you can, on the same day of week and time as your ceremony. Light, sound, and parking are all different at 5pm Saturday than at 11am Tuesday.

Book the venue

Read every line about deposits, cancellation, vendor restrictions, and overtime fees before signing. This is the biggest single decision — take a beat with the contract.

Lock in the wedding date

The venue contract makes it real. Update your inspiration file, calendar, and anyone who's been holding a save-the-date-ish week.

Decide who will officiate

A friend or family member almost always makes the ceremony feel most like you — most states let anyone get ordained online in an afternoon. Book a pro officiant now if you'd rather.

Shortlist photographers

Pick photographers whose full galleries — not just the highlight reels — feel like your people. Style is very hard to change on the day.

Book the photographer

Great photographers book a year out. Confirm hours, second-shooter, and album delivery time in writing before you send the deposit.

Decide about a videographer

It's the one thing couples most often regret skipping — even a 3-minute film is a gift future-you will love. Skip guilt-free if it isn't a priority.

Decide on a planner or day-of coordinator

A month-of coordinator is the single best money most couples spend — someone whose only job is to hold the day so you don't. Book now if you want one.

Compare vendors side-by-side

Up to four candidates per category, with quote, availability, and notes. When you book one, the plan task auto-checks itself.

Shortlist caterers

Ask for a quote based on your actual guest range, including staff, rentals, and service charge. The 'per plate' number always grows once those are added.

Book the caterer

Confirm the menu-tasting date now and lock any dietary flexibility (vegan, kids, allergies) into the contract. A good caterer welcomes the questions.

Plan the bar

Beer + wine + one signature cocktail is a lovely, calm way to serve most weddings. Decide who supplies alcohol (you or the caterer) — it changes the budget a lot.

Book the florist

Share your inspiration file, budget number, and season. A good florist will tell you what's actually blooming and gorgeous when — trust them.

Plan rentals — chairs, linens, tableware

Your venue or caterer may include some of these. Ask exactly what's included before booking anything extra.

Ask what's in season for your date

In-season flowers are cheaper, hardier, and often more beautiful. Your florist will happily talk you through it.

Book the ceremony and reception music

DJ, band, or a great playlist — decide, then book. Ask any live musicians to send video of a real event, not a studio reel.

Choose the cake or dessert

Tastings are one of the few pure joys of planning — schedule two or three. Cupcakes, pies, and doughnut walls all count; nothing is required.

Plan transportation

Getting yourselves and guests between ceremony, reception, and hotels. A single shuttle loop often solves everything.

Book hair and makeup

Book the trial for a month or two out from the wedding so it's fresh. Ask about travel fees and how many people they'll bring.

Do the menu tasting

Bring notes and a partner opinion — you'll forget which sauce was which by tomorrow. Confirm any last swaps in writing.

Feed your photographer, DJ, and coordinator

Your caterer will offer vendor meals — accept them. A well-fed vendor makes a much better third-hour photograph.