The whole “first comes love, then comes marriage” statement is missing quite a few steps if you’re wanting 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 Falls, SD.
Sioux Falls Wedding Planning Guide
When to Book a Wedding Photographer and Videographer in Sioux Falls, SD
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 Sioux Falls wedding photographers and videographers early on as well. For that reason, you want to make sure you book your photographer and videographer at least a year in advance.
When to Book a Wedding DJ in Sioux Falls, SD
Since every reception needs one, don’t sleep on reserving this key ingredient to getting the party started! Book your Sioux Falls 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 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.
When To Buy Men’s Attire
Looking for suits or tuxes takes a little less time than a wedding dress. Lucky for grooms, they will be safe in getting their suit four to six months out from the wedding date. This gives them time to have the suits ordered and tailored. Even if both the groom and groomsmen plan on renting the suits or tuxedos, we’d still suggest checking this off at least four months before.
When to Book Your Florist
Floral arrangements and bouquets are a significant element in setting the tone for your wedding. The right time to book your florist is typically about six to eight months before your wedding date. This allows sufficient time for consultations, deciding on the types of flowers you want, and aligning these choices with your overall theme and color scheme. Remember, some flowers are seasonal, so booking in advance ensures you get the blooms you desire.
When to Plan Hair and Makeup
Don’t forget about booking a professional for hair and makeup. This should be done at least six months prior to your wedding. This timeline allows for trials to experiment with different styles and find the perfect look that makes you feel the most beautiful on your big day. It’s also important to consider the number of people requiring these services, as this can impact the time needed for preparation on the wedding day.
When to Start Dress and Suit Fittings
For brides, starting the wedding dress hunt can be a magical experience. Ideally, you should begin looking for your dress about nine to twelve months in advance. This gives ample time for fittings, alterations, and dealing with any unexpected delays. On the groom’s side, while purchasing or renting suits may require less time, starting at least six months in advance is advisable to ensure enough time for alterations and to coordinate with groomsmen.
When to Book Transportation
Transportation for you and your guests should not be an afterthought. Booking your transportation – whether it’s a limo, vintage car, or a bus for guests – should be done about five to six months before your wedding. This is especially crucial if your wedding is in a busy season or if you require special vehicles that are in high demand.
Finalizing Your Wedding Day Timeline
As your wedding day approaches, usually around three to four months before, it’s crucial to finalize your wedding day timeline. This includes the ceremony, reception, and any other events you have planned. This timeline should be shared with all your vendors to ensure everyone is on the same page and the day runs smoothly.
Remember, while planning a wedding can be overwhelming, the key is to start early and stay organized. Each of these steps plays a crucial role in creating the wedding of your dreams. Enjoy the process, and before you know it, you’ll be walking down the aisle on your unforgettable day!
Complete Weddings + Events – Wedding Coordination Sioux Falls, SD
At Complete Weddings + Events Sioux Falls, we offer 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!