When should you book wedding suppliers?

Short answer

Book your most important suppliers as soon as you have your date and venue, usually 9 to 12 months ahead. Popular suppliers can fill up quickly, so earlier is safer.

Start with your venue, then your photographer, caterer and entertainment, as these tend to be booked first. After that, work through your list in order of importance to you, such as flowers, transport and hair and makeup. If you are planning a wedding in peak season, which is usually late spring to early autumn, aim to book even earlier, around 12 to 18 months ahead. For a smaller or midweek wedding, you may have more flexibility and can book closer to the date.

Give yourself a simple timeline: once the venue is confirmed, contact your top choices for each supplier within a month. Ask them about availability for your date before you pay anything. If you are having a religious ceremony, check with your place of worship first, as their booking process may be separate and can affect your date. Remember that notice periods for the legal side, such as giving notice at the register office, run alongside your supplier bookings, so do not forget those dates.

Booking early also gives you time to compare options without pressure. You can always adjust details later, but the date is usually fixed once booked.