I'm Engaged! Who Do I Hire First?

Congratulations on your engagement! It is such an exciting, fun season of life. Many brides are eager to get started on planning right away. While it is tempting to jump to the “fun” things like colors, trying on dresses, and decor, there are important, time-sensitive decisions that need to be made early on in the planning process.

One of the first things you should do when you get engaged is hire your “core vendors”. Core vendors, also known as the vendors who only take one wedding per day, include your venue, photographer, videographer, entertainment (band/DJ), and planner.

Securing your venue should be your top priority because that gives you your wedding date! Without a date, you can’t hire the rest of your core vendors. It is important to hire these vendors before anything because their availability is limited due to taking on only one wedding each day. Many of these vendors' schedules are booked out months, and sometimes years, in advance. If you have a specific photographer or planner who you really want to work with, reach out to them as soon as you have a wedding date locked in.

We recommend the next vendor you hire is your planner, because they can help you through the process of hiring the rest of your vendors! We have a network of contacts, from DJs to wedding cake bakers, that we can share with our clients.

Waiting until the last minute to hire your core vendors can put you in a stressful situation that might result in settling for a vendor that wouldn’t have been your top choice. Each of these core vendors plays such an important role in the success of your big day, so it is important to choose carefully. Allow yourself the time to research, read reviews, and interview each vendor, or consult with your planner.

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming and like a full time job. It is important to prioritize the tasks and stick to a planning schedule. As your wedding planner, Classic Wedding Designs will help you to do just that so you can enjoy your engagement to the fullest! Interested in learning more? Schedule a free consultation with us today!