“Houston, We Have a Wedding Plan”
The Top 3 Wedding Vendors You Should Book First (and Why)
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting seasons of your life—but let’s be honest, it can get overwhelming fast. Between Pinterest boards, venue tours, and family opinions, it’s hard to know where to start.
As wedding professionals who’ve been part of a lot of “best days ever,” here’s our biggest piece of advice: book your core vendors early. Like, as soon as you have a date early. The best ones often book a year or more in advance, especially for prime weekends.
So who are the top three vendors you should secure first? Let’s break it down.
1. Venue: The Foundation of Your Day
Your venue determines everything—from your date and guest count to your style and vendor availability. Popular venues can book up 12–18 months in advance, especially during spring and fall.
Once your venue is locked in, everything else can fall into place. You’ll have a confirmed location, timeline, and the ability to start booking your dream team.
Quick Tip: Ask what’s included (tables, chairs, rain plan) and if they have a preferred vendor list—this can help streamline your planning process.
2. Photographer: The One Who Freezes Time
Once the flowers wilt and the cake is eaten, your photos are what last forever. A great photographer captures the real moments—those in-between glances, laughter, and joy you didn’t even notice in real time.
Photographers with a strong style and solid reputation can book up quickly. Whether you want light and airy, moody and romantic, or documentary-style candids, you’ll want to get on their calendar early.
Pro Tip: Ask to see full galleries from real weddings, not just highlight reels on Instagram. You want to make sure they consistently capture everything—not just the pretty parts.
3. DJ: The Vibe Creator
Here’s where the energy comes in. Your DJ sets the tone from “I do” to the last dance. A great DJ knows how to read the room, build the vibe, and keep guests on the dance floor all night.
(Spoiler: it’s about so much more than just pressing play.)
The best DJs are also part of the flow of the night—they help with announcements, timeline coordination, and keeping things moving without ever feeling rushed.
Hot Take: If you want your reception to be unforgettable, invest in your entertainment. It’s one of the most talked-about parts of any wedding day.
Final Thought: Book Early, Stress Less
Once you’ve locked in your venue, photographer, and DJ, the rest of your vendor team can start to fall into place. These three create the foundation of your day—and give you peace of mind knowing your biggest elements are in good hands.
