Service Venue and Officiator
At least eight months before the wedding.
Churches and other sites as well as the clergy / officiates are often booked up to a year — especially Saturday Weddings.
Reception Venue
At least eight months before the wedding.
Popular sites may be booked 1 - 2 years in advanced.
Attendants
At least six months before the wedding.
Don't: Make choices immediately after getting engaged. Choices made too quickly are often awkward to correct. The size and the formality of the wedding should be decided before you consider who and how many attendants will make up the bridal party.
Gown Purchase
At least six months before the wedding.
Most gowns are made out-of-country and require substantial lead time to be made and imported.
Photographer
At least four to six months before the wedding.
Photographers usually book one wedding per day and the best are booked early. Ask if your's is the only wedding or if they squeeze in a second wedding? Clarify this in your contact before you book!
Caterer
At least four to six months before the wedding.
Popular caterers are booked well ahead of time. Ask for a food tasting before you set the menu.
Invitations
Order four months before the wedding for formal invitations from a major printing company.
Attendant's Attire
At least four months before the wedding.
Bridesmaids usually pay for their own gowns and should have some input to the style. The bride selects the colour.
The Ushers usually pay for their tuxedos. The groom chooses the style.
Transportation
If using limos book four months before the wedding.
It depends on the time of year i.e. prom season.
Musicians / D J
Musicians and DJ's aren't in short supplier, as in everything the good are booked first — pin them down.
Rentals (if required) tents, tables, chairs and china
At least two to three months before the wedding.
These items are usually readily available.
Cake
At least two to three months before the wedding.
There is not big hurry but get the decision made to relieve your stress. Ask for a taste test!