How long before the wedding do you book your suppliers?
In 2023, the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths reported over 24,000 marriages. The majority of these are celebrated between June and September. As you can imagine, the various suppliers required during this period are in great demand:
- Reception hall;
- Caterer for the meal and wedding cake;
- Celebrant or church;
- DJ, orchestra, duo or singer;
- Crowd and children’s entertainer;
- Decorator and florist;
- Professional photographer or videographer;
- Etc.
So, when should you make your reservations, so as to have a choice and maintain a quality service? In this article, we’ll help you select your service providers in order of priority.
Firstly, booking the venue and caterer - 9 to 18 months in advance
Your entire celebration depends on the venue you choose. The theme, the ambiance, the style, the amenities, the various rooms at your disposal, the caterer and accommodation on site or nearby, and so on.
Some venues require reservations 1 to 2 years in advance. As a general rule, you have a reasonable choice in the current year, but you need to do your research. Make a list of everything you want, so you don’t forget anything before making your calls and requesting bids.
This is the heart of the project! Although the websites show photos of the rooms, make an appointment to visit and get a feel for the place. Take the opportunity to visit all the rooms you like. If you have a crush, don’t hesitate!
Bear in mind that the busiest season lasts 5 months (June to October), which means between 20 and 21 Saturdays. It’s gone fast! Otherwise, off-season weddings, whether in spring, autumn or winter, are perfect for completely different themes.
The caterer
At La Distinction, catering is included on site. That’s a huge headache for you. Not only are our menus very varied, but we have 11 different meal formulas for you to choose from.
In addition to a 3 to 7-course banquet, for example if you’re renewing your wedding vows, you can choose a succulent brunch on a Sunday morning. Or, on a beautiful summer or autumn day, our chef can grill up a sumptuous BBQ.
See our articles for more ideas.
Secondly, choose and reserve your church - 8 to 10 months
It’s essential to reserve your church as soon as possible¹ as it may not be available on your wedding date. We usually ask you to come up with 3 dates to be sure.
If you’ve already set a date for your big day, it’s best to set your sights on more than one church. However, you should be aware that a written request is required if the church is not part of your parish. The request must also be approved, but it may be that no priest is available and the task of finding one falls to you.
Sometimes, the alternative of a celebrant, who can be anyone you know, is a very attractive solution. Among other things, it allows you to celebrate this memorable day on the spot.
Thirdly, booking the DJ and photographer - 9 to 12 months
As with the reception hall and caterer, musical entertainment and photography top the list. But it’s not just weddings that keep these suppliers busy. There are :
- Association events;
- Chambers of commerce and other professional gatherings;
- Benefit dinners and cocktail parties;
- Graduation balls;
- Baptisms;
- Family celebrations;
- etc.
So, the more specific you add to your wedding day, the more you’ll need to do your research with experts who have a reliable portfolio. It’s all about the ambience of your day and the memories that will remain. Never skimp on quality.
Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from your main supplier, the one who will be hosting the reception. They can give you suppliers they trust.
NOTES
If you want to book musical groups, a small orchestra or songwriters, you may need to book at least 18 months to 2 years in advance.
Fourthly, booking the decorator, flowers and entertainment - 4 to 6 months
Search locally, as close as possible to the reception venue for decorations and flowers if you want to avoid transportation costs and focus your budget on your entire theme. These specialists will guide you in bringing your vision to life, while offering various options to suit your wallet.
As for animation, if you choose to hire a firm to entertain the children invited to your wedding, take the time to evaluate at least two providers to compare activities and prices. The same goes for all suppliers. Always get 2 or 3 quotes.
I'm getting married quickly. How can I book good suppliers?
The best solution, as mentioned above, is an off-season wedding. Most professionals have a much less busy schedule between November and May. So, even within a few months, high-end suppliers will be able to meet your needs, without the additional costs of summer.
What it does allow you to do is add little extras that you might otherwise have cut. Think about it! For example, a buffet at the end of the evening is always an eye-catcher for guests, and keeps the festivities going by re-energizing everyone.
