Planning your dream wedding can feel like a whirlwind, but with the right guidance, I promise that it can be a lot of fun too. In this blog post, I’m sharing some of my favorite tips for booking vendors and making the most of planning timelines for weddings in 2025. Whether you’re just starting to think about venues or already deep into the details, my hope is that this will help you prioritize your time and ensure nothing important slips through the cracks.
First, are you engaged and ready to start planning your wedding? Don't forget to check out our portfolio to find more Long Island wedding inspiration and see if we might be the perfect fit to plan your wedding! When you’re ready, contact us and we would love to help.
First, Let’s Talk About Why More Couples Are Now Choosing Longer Timelines
The wedding industry saw a bit of a breather in 2024, with fewer weddings taking place across the country than we have seen in recent years. Whether it’s because of the economy or just a natural result of the wedding boom we’ve seen over the last couple of years, there’s not denying that this shift inspired many couples to consider longer timelines for their 2025 weddings.
If you’re on the fence between a shorter or longer engagement, here are some pros and cons of a longer timeline!
Pros of a Longer Timeline:
More Time for Decision Making: A longer planning period means you can thoughtfully choose each vendor without feeling rushed.
Better Vendor Availability: With more time, you're likely to have your pick of top-notch vendors who may book up quickly during peak times. With that in mind, some vendors don’t open up their availability too far in advance, so you may need to wait before booking some vendors.
Reduced Stress: In some cases, spacing out your planning tasks can lead to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Cons of a Longer Timeline:
Prolonged Planning Phase: While I just said that a longer planning timeline reduces stress, I’ve also found that some couples feel that an extended timeline drags out the process. When you feel like you have a lot of time to make a decision, it can sometimes lead to indecisiveness and overwhelm.
Changing Trends: Wedding trends can shift, and what you fall in love with today might change by the time your big day arrives.
Once You Are Ready To Start Planning, Book Your Wedding Vendor and Wedding Planner
When it comes to planning your wedding, there are two key players you’ll want to secure right from the start: your wedding planner and your venue. Trust me, while every timeline is unique, but these two should almost always be your first steps.
Why the Planner Should Be First:
Think of your planner as your wedding's project manager—having them on board from the start means you get expert guidance tailored to your vision and budget.
While I understand the desire to book a venue right away, a wedding planner will help you navigate through venue options, ensuring you choose a location that perfectly fits your style, guest count, budget, and any other logistical needs. With insider knowledge and vendor connections, we help our couples secure the best options and avoid any potential pitfalls that could arise later.
Booking Your Venue
Next, you need to book your venue (because without a venue, you don’t have a date!). I know some of you might be wondering, “how far in advance should I book a wedding venue”. Well, popular venues in New York can book up fast, often over a year in advance. Securing your venue early ensures you get the location of your dreams and provides a concrete date to work around.
Other Vendors
Once you have your planner and venue locked down, it’s time to focus on some of the other major players: catering, photography, and florals. These vendors also tend to book up quickly, so it’s wise to secure them shortly after your initial two.
Catering: Good food makes for happy guests. You do not need to lock down your menu yet, but it’s a good idea to discuss your vision and budget with potential caterers early to find the perfect match for your tastes and needs.
Photography: Your wedding photos will be cherished memories, so choose a photographer whose style resonates with you, and whose personality feels like a good fit (because let’s face it - they’ll be with you the entire day!).
Florals: I might be biased, but flowers bring beauty and life to your wedding day. Next, you’ll want to collaborate with a florist who understands your vision and can create arrangements that complement your overall design.
Take Time to Relax and Enjoy Your Engagement
I know it can be tempting to “go, go, go” but you don’t need to rush through all of your wedding planning tasks right away. With the major vendors in place, it’s time to take a breather. Enjoy this special period of your engagement without the pressure to have every detail figured out right away.
Pro Tip: Many vendors can give you more personalized attention once the hectic wedding season winds down. Use this to your advantage to refine the finer details of your big day.
Tips for Booking Vendors and Prioritizing Your Time for Your 2025 Wedding
To recap, starting your wedding planning journey with a solid timeline and prioritizing key vendors can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a wedding planner or need vendor recommendations, I have connections with the best wedding vendors in New York and would love to help make your dream wedding a reality. Reach out to us to see how we can bring your vision to life!
