Just Engaged? Here’s When to Book Wedding Vendors in Lake Tahoe

If you are newly engaged, you may be wondering when to book wedding vendors for your big day. Planning a wedding can be hard work and raises questions like, “How far in advance should I book a wedding venue?” and “How do I reach out to potential vendors?” Fortunately, we’ve been in this industry for a long time and are full of valuable tips and great advice for couples about when to book wedding vendors. Read on as we answer these common wedding questions and detail a timeline for when you should book vendors for your special day.

How Far Ahead Should You Book a Wedding?

While it may seem a bit far in advance, the industry standard for planning a wedding is 12-14 months. This gives you enough time to research the perfect venue, decide on your date and budget, fine-tune your guest list, and confirm all other vendors needed for your big day. Knowing when to book wedding vendors can be tricky. But as long as you give yourself time and don’t wait until the last few months, you’ll experience smooth sailing when wedding planning.

How Far in Advance Should You Book a Wedding Venue?

When it comes to how far in advance to book a wedding venue, it’s a smart move to lock in your dream venue at least 12 months ahead of your big day. This isn’t just a random number; it gives you ample choice and flexibility, especially if you’re eyeing a date during peak wedding seasons like spring or fall. Now, you might be asking, “How far in advance can you book a wedding venue?” The earlier, the better — although we don’t recommend booking beyond 24 months. Popular venues, particularly those in sought-after locations like Lake Tahoe, tend to get snatched up quickly. Keep in mind that factors like the venue’s popularity, location, and even your chosen date can impact when you should book a wedding venue. And while you might get away with a shorter booking window for more intimate or off-peak weddings, early planning is your best bet to snag the perfect spot without breaking a sweat.

How Do You Reach Out to Potential Wedding Vendors?

There are various ways to get in touch with wedding vendors to find out if they are a good fit for you. You can get in touch with some via their social media accounts or by sending them an email. However, the most common way to get in touch with a potential vendor is through their website. Most vendors provide a form you can fill out with information about your wedding. Then, they will reach out to you by phone or email to discuss the details and answer any questions you may have.

Here’s When to Book Wedding Vendors 12 Months Out

For engaged couples, determining when to book wedding vendors can be tricky. Too often, couples find they’ve waited too long, and their preferred vendors aren’t available on their wedding day. To help mitigate this inconvenience, we’ve created a 12-month timeline for when to book wedding vendors in Lake Tahoe. Continue reading for a monthly breakdown for planning your wedding and securing the best vendors to bring your dream celebration to life.

12 Months Before Your Wedding

• Choose a date for your wedding
• Book your wedding planner to help facilitate your big day
• Plan your wedding budget, both overall and specifically for each vendor
• Research and tour wedding venues and book your favorite
• Consider creating an email address for wedding-related things so you don’t bog down your personal account
• Start a rough draft of your guest list
• Begin thinking about wedding style, colors, and overall vibe
• Plan an engagement party for you and your fiancé

11-9 Months Before Your Wedding

• Hire an engagement and wedding photographer–remember, booking the same professional for your engagement and wedding photos often results in a discount
• Have engagement photos taken to use for your save-the-date cards
• Reach out to your desired wedding party and invite them to stand beside you on your big day
• Create a wedding website with information for guests and photos from your engagement session
• Begin the search for wedding attire, and purchase outfits at least 9 months before your wedding date
• Have save-the-date cards made with your new engagement photos
• Determine whether you will hire an officiant or have a friend or family member take that role 
• Begin research for your florist, caterer, DJ, and additional services you’ll need

8-6 Months Before Your Wedding

• Book your florist, caterer, DJ or band, and other wedding vendors 
• Determine wedding attire for your wedding party, and ensure it’s purchased at least 6 months before your wedding date
• Fine-tune your wedding decor and rent or purchase any desired items for decoration
• Book additional venues, such as a rehearsal dinner space or morning-after brunch location
• Solidify your guest list and research accommodations and attractions for them in the area
• Send out save-the-dates with your gorgeous engagement photos
• Order wedding invitations to be sent out 
• Register for gifts, and update your wedding website now that people will be visiting it

5-3 Months Before Your Wedding

• Send your wedding invitations
• Book your officiant or confirm the friend or family member who will be performing the ceremony
• Write your vows or determine vows with your officiant
• Plan a final tasting with your caterer and secure the menu items
• Organize transportation for yourself and your guests if necessary
• Pick out your cake or desserts for your wedding reception
• Purchase wedding bands to be exchanged during your ceremony

2-1 Months Before Your Wedding

• Make sure all vendors are booked and on the same page
• Create a seating plan for your wedding reception
• Do a final walkthrough of your wedding venue
• Do a final fitting of your wedding attire
• Select specific songs to play during your reception
• Assemble any gifts for your wedding party
• Get your marriage license–remember to be mindful of any necessary dates for signatures and returning paperwork to the court
• Last but not least, get excited–your wedding day will be here before you know it!

Wondering When to Book Wedding Vendors like North Tahoe Event Center?

Now that you know all the details about when to book a venue for a wedding and when to book the rest of your wedding vendors, you’re ready to dive into wedding planning like a pro! If you’re considering North Tahoe Event Center as your wedding venue, reach out today! We are always willing to work with couples to help them host their dream wedding on the beautiful shores of North Lake Tahoe.