The whole “first comes love, then comes marriage” statement is missing quite a few steps if you want to host a wedding to celebrate that marriage! Choosing your venue and selecting vendors doesn’t happen all in a day! (The average couple hires 15 wedding vendors!) There is no exact timing to planning a wedding, however, we have guidelines here based on the average engagement length of 15 months to help decide when to book wedding vendors in Sioux City, IA!
When to Book a Wedding Photographer & Videographer in Sioux City, IA
What’s a once-in-a-lifetime event without being able to look back on it and share it for future generations?! While some couples forgo a traditional wedding cake or wear something blue, we don’t suggest skipping out on hiring stellar cinematographers for your big day. You definitely don’t want to leave this to-do unchecked for too long, as many other couples are reserving photographers and videographers early on as well. For that reason, you want to make sure you book your Sioux City wedding photographer and videographer at least a year in advance.
When to Book a Wedding DJ in Sioux City
Since every reception needs one, don’t sleep on reserving this key ingredient to getting the party started! Book your Sioux City wedding DJ at least nine to ten months out from your wedding day. Same as photographers and videographers, DJs are also one of the most highly sought-after wedding services. They bring your party to life! DJs don’t just play music, but will also be the host of your night to take the stress away from you.
When to Pick Colors or Theme
Picking out your wedding theme and colors has to be one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. If you manage to not even think about it as soon as that ring is slipped on your finger, we recommend finalizing the color scheme by ten to twelve months out from your wedding date. This is because your wedding colors play a role in a lot of different aspects that go along with your wedding. From bridesmaids’ dresses, decorations, stationery, florals, etc. Your color scheme and theme will determine a lot of these choices.
When To Order & Send Invites
When choosing to send your invitations and save the dates, the most important thing to keep in mind is where your guests live. If your guests live in the same country, two to three months out is a safe bet for sending invites. Save the dates are best to send six months out for these guests as well.
Now, it’s much different if your guests live internationally. You want to send save the dates to international guests as soon as you know your wedding date. Yes, that means a year or more out. This ensures that you give your guests plenty of time to save up money and look for plane tickets.
That goes along with invitations. If you have international guests, your timeline speeds up and you’ll also want to send those six months out. This gives plenty of time for them to receive the invite in the mail and for you to receive their RSVP back to you if you’re not doing online RSVPs.
When to Reserve a Hotel Block
When touring and booking your wedding vendor, it’s good to first ask the venue manager for their suggestion on nearby hotel options (if your venue isn’t already a hotel). You’ll want to then reserve your hotel block right after reserving your wedding venue or at least a year before the big day.
This twelve-month guideline is especially true if your venue is in a popular location or part of town that draws in tourists. If you have more flexibility and availability with nearby lodging, you’ll still want the hotel block booked at least seven months ahead of time to be able to share the information with your save the dates and wedding website.
When to Reserve Catering
If your venue has one required catering option, you can rest a bit knowing that the caterer already has your date saved when you reserve your reception space. You do still need to pick out your menu, but this can happen in the final three to four weeks before the event.
If you have multiple options for catering, you’ll want to finalize your choice six to eight months before your wedding day. Typically caterers have multiple menu options (some dozens!), so you then still have plenty of time to select the actual meal you’re providing for guests.
Securing a Florist: Essential for Atmosphere
The aesthetic appeal of your wedding is greatly enhanced by floral decorations. To ensure you have the most beautiful arrangements, engage a florist around six to eight months before your big day. This lead time is crucial for choosing your preferred flowers, which can be dependent on seasonal availability, and aligning them with your wedding’s theme and colors.
Scheduling Hair and Makeup Appointments
Hair and makeup are pivotal in making you look and feel stunning on your wedding day. It’s wise to book these professionals about six months ahead. This timeframe allows for trying out different styles to find the one that resonates with you the most. Also, consider how many people will need these services, as it impacts the scheduling for the day.
Dress and Suit Selection Timeline
For brides, the journey to find the perfect wedding dress should ideally start nine to twelve months prior. This duration accounts for browsing, fittings, alterations, and any unexpected adjustments. Grooms, on the other hand, should aim to begin their suit or tuxedo arrangements six months in advance, ensuring adequate time for fitting and coordination with groomsmen.
Transportation Arrangements
Don’t overlook the importance of booking transportation for your wedding. Whether it’s a classic limousine, a quaint vintage car, or buses for guests, arranging this about five to six months in advance is advisable. This is particularly important during peak wedding seasons or if you’re eyeing unique vehicles.
Finalizing the Wedding Day Itinerary
Around three to four months before the wedding, it’s time to finalize the itinerary. This detailed plan should include timings for the ceremony, reception, and any additional events. Distributing this schedule to all vendors ensures a harmonious and well-coordinated day.
In summary, wedding planning is a complex yet rewarding journey. By tackling each task methodically and well in advance, you’ll pave the way for a seamless and memorable celebration. Enjoy every moment leading up to the day when you say ‘I do
Complete Weddings + Events – Wedding Coordination Sioux City, Iowa
Complete Weddings + Events Rapid City offers multiple services to make it easy to reserve your wedding date for the vendors you still need! Contact Complete for availability on needs for your wedding day!