Need some helpful tips? check out my blogs which are filled with some awesome advice!

Panoramic view of an elegant wedding reception venue with exposed brick walls, chandeliers, and blue-accented table settings.
A sequence of images showing increasing motion blur through window panes with blue flowerpots and orange decorations visible.
a blog by Emma Wenham Photography


When to Book Your Wedding Suppliers: A Stress-Free Timeline


Because "shit, am I too late?!" panic is not the vibe we're going for here.


Planning a wedding and genuinely have no clue when you're supposed to book everything?


I've got you.


I'm Emma, your Leicester-based wedding photographer who got married in 2022, so I've been through this absolute chaos myself! After planning my own wedding (and having a few minor breakdowns along the way) and shooting countless others, I've seen the stress that comes from booking wedding suppliers too late. Or way too early and blowing your entire budget on the first supplier you find because you panicked.


This wedding supplier booking guide will tell you exactly when to book each vendor so you get the best choice, the best prices, and can actually sleep at night without stressing about timelines.

Minimalist line drawing of delicate flower stems with blooming buds and leaves in a simple, elegant style.
Book your venue ASAP!

They can be the most costly part so booking as soon as you have found the one is best. It may feel like forever away, especially if you're having a 2 year engagement but honestly they can book up the fastest, particularly if you are tying the knot in peak season.


Your wedding venue basically dictates everything else, your date, guest count, the whole aesthetic. Saturday wedding dates disappear faster than prosecco at a hen do, so get in fast for the venue!


book a CELEBRANT/REGISTRAR next

This dictates what time you are getting married, and these do go super fast as they only do a certain amount a day. A celebrant is not legal so you'd also need to book a civil ceremony before or after the wedding.

A panoramic view of a rustic brick venue with multiple outdoor spaces lined with trees and white gravel paths.
Minimalist line drawing of delicate flower stems with blooming buds and leaves in a simple, elegant style.
Book these 12-18 months ahead


Photography

Good photographers book up ridiculously fast, especially for summer dates. You want someone whose style you love and who puts you at ease, so don't leave this to chance. *Cough cough* check my availability, I'd love to capture your day.


Videography

Often work with photographers, so book as a team if you want both. No one ever regrets having a wedding film to watch back but do wish they had if they didn't.


Planning/styling

Get these legends involved early, they'll save your sanity and probably your relationship. Worth every penny for the stress they take off your shoulders.


Catering:

If your venue doesn't include food, this becomes a priority pretty quickly. 3-course meal or burgers?

 

 

Dark nighttime movie still shows someone in street illuminated by bright headlights in tense cinematic scene.
Minimalist line drawing of delicate flower stems with blooming buds and leaves in a simple, elegant style.
Book these 9-12 months ahead


Hair & makeup

Weekend dates and trials disappear quick. You want time to perfect the look and feel confident on the day.


Flowers

Popular florists need time for those Pinterest-worthy blooms and seasonal planning. Plus they book up for peak season dates. Faux or real too? They're both incredible.


DJ/band

Nobody wants cousin Dave with Spotify running your reception. Good entertainment books up, especially for Saturday weddings.

 

 

Elegant wedding reception venue with wooden beams, exposed brick walls, and tables set with white linens and centerpieces.
Minimalist line drawing of delicate flower stems with blooming buds and leaves in a simple, elegant style.
Book these 6-9 months ahead


Transport

Those cute vintage cars get snapped up fast. Whether it's classic cars or busses for guests, book ahead for the good stuff.


Cake

Talented ones who make cake that tastes amazing have limited slots. Plus they need time for design planning and tastings.

People dancing and celebrating with raised arms at a nightclub party with colorful lighting.
Minimalist line drawing of delicate flower stems with blooming buds and leaves in a simple, elegant style.
Book these 3-6 months ahead


Stationery

Time for design, printing, and actually getting invites to people before your wedding date. Send save the dates even earlier if you're having a destination or weekday wedding.


Entertainment extras

Photobooth, magician, illustration artist, garden games, whatever takes your fancy!

Illuminated LOVE sign glows on dance floor inside elegant room with white columns and arched windows during evening event.
Minimalist line drawing of delicate flower stems with blooming buds and leaves in a simple, elegant style.

Your cheat sheet


ASAP: Venue & Celebrant/Registrar

12-18 months: Photography, Videography, Planning/Styling, Catering

9-12 months:  Hair & Make-up, Flowers, DJ/Band

6-9 months: Transport, Cake

3-6 months: Stationery, Extras


Peak season = Book Earlier.

Weekdays = More Availability

 

 

Wedding reception guests gather in a rustic brick venue with a pink neon sign glowing on the wall during speeches.
Hope this saves you from a few "oh shit" moments!

 

 

 

Photographer wearing olive jacket and graphic t-shirt smiles while holding camera against grey background.
Much Love,
Emma xx


contact

lets chat about your day

gallery

see previous love stories

pricing

your vibe, your package