Weddings are seasonal events…..  there are times of the year many brides would like to have their weddings, and the inevitable jockeying for dates can oftentimes test the patience of the most laid back personalities.  The most obvious advice for brides looking at weddings in the Spring and early Fall is to start booking your top vendors as soon as you have your date nailed down.  April, May, and June are your most popular months in the Spring, and October is the most popular in the Fall.  Knowing this, you may be able to get a head start with vendors like reception venues, churches, bands, caterers, florists, and wedding photographers.  Vendors like cake designers and limousine services usually handle more than one event per weekend, so it’s not as critical to book them immediately. 

I realize it may not sound very romantic, but as soon as you say “yes” to your fiancee…. start doing your research.  If you are one of the lucky brides who get a proposal for Christmas, (or any time during the holiday season), please don’t wait for the January and February bridal shows to start looking for vendors – especially if you have picked a date in one of the months I mentioned above.  Many vendors who exhibit at these shows may already be booked by that time, as many brides start planning their weddings six months to a year in advance.  Bridal shows are good places to get ideas and meet vendors you are willing to be flexible on, but if there is someone specific you’d like to meet and work with, I suggest you go ahead and book them before the show, and then focus on the smaller details and have fun once the show comes around.  I know this may seem a little counterproductive for many brides who want to see all their options, but believe me when I tell you that all your options will not be at a bridal show.  I myself do not attend bridal shows because I simply don’t have the extra time, and I’m not the only one.  Several of my photography colleagues, who are all fantastic photographers, don’t do bridal shows for various reasons…. the result being that you, the bride, may miss out on some wonderful options by limiting your search to bridal shows.

Spring weddings are some of the first dates wedding photographers book each year.  In my experience, June is the first month I start booking in – and often it’s a year in advance.  May is next, with Memorial Day weekend the first to go – it’s the most popular weekend because couples can get married on Sunday and guests don’t have to travel home that night because Monday is a holiday.  Next comes October… it’s the month brides dream of a perfect Fall themed wedding – especially if they live in a region with all four seasons.  It’s also the month where temperatures start to fall, leaving the hot summer months behind and ushering in the beginning of the holidays.  Just be aware of what date you choose and the popularity of that time of year.  If it’s one of the more popular months, book the vendors that are most important to you immediately.  This will reduce stress and leave you with decisions you’re willing to be flexible on.