First up: food! After locking in your venue, catering is usually the next thing on the list. Some venues have preferred caterers, while others give you total freedom to choose, allowing you to craft the menu of your dreams. From that first bite of an appetizer to the last crumb of cake, this is the part of your wedding your guests will definitely remember!

Pro tip: book your caterer 6 to 12 months before the wedding for the best shot at securing your top choice. Planning last-minute? Don’t sweat it—most caterers can pull off an amazing spread even with less time, but booking early gives you more room for tastings and customizing the menu.

Bonus Tip: Turn your tasting into a date night! It’s a fun way to spend quality time with your fiancé while imagining the delicious meal you’ll share with your guests. 🍷❤️

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Next on the priority list: locking in your photographer and videographer. These two vendors will be responsible for preserving every special moment of your wedding day, and trust us—they book up fast. We’re talking up to two years in advance! 😱

After the holidays—also known as engagement season—there’s a serious rush to book vendors. If you’re planning a wedding during peak seasons like spring or fall, it’s even more critical to act quickly. Winter dates may give you a bit more wiggle room, but those prime weekends between April and November? They disappear fast. 💨

Bonus Tip: Booking early isn’t just about securing your date—it’s a smart financial move too. Many photographers and videographers offer payment plans, so the sooner you book, the more time you have to spread out those payments (and maybe even dodge a price increase!). 😉

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Now that you’ve got your venue and key vendors lined up, it’s time to let your guests in on the fun! Sending out save-the-dates is the next major step, making sure your favorite people are free to celebrate with you.

For most weddings, couples aim to send save-the-dates about a year in advance, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or tying the knot during busy travel seasons. But don’t panic if you’re on a tighter schedule—formal invitations can still go out 3-4 months before the wedding, and you’ll be just fine!

Bonus Tip: Get creative with your save-the-dates! Sites like Minted offer tons of customizable templates, so you can add a personal touch and make them feel uniquely you. 🖋️✨

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As the holiday lights come down and the new year kicks off, you’re not just counting down to a new beginning—you’re counting down to your wedding day! 💍 And while juggling holiday prep, travel, and planning can feel overwhelming (cue the endless questions from friends and family), don’t forget to breathe. Take some time to enjoy the season, relax, and soak up the excitement with your fiancé.

But now, with the new year ahead, it’s time to get back into planning mode. Let the Three C’s be your roadmap, helping you stay on track and ahead of the game. With these steps in place, you’ll be one step closer to making sure your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of—and more. 🎉

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You’ve locked in the venue and the date—huge win! 🎉 That’s the first major step in your wedding planning journey, setting the tone for everything from the season to the overall vibe of your day. Now that the contract is signed and you’ve browsed all the Pinterest inspo, you might be asking, “Okay… what’s next?”

And just when you’re getting into the flow, the holiday season kicks in with a wave of newly engaged couples also on the hunt for vendors. Yep, it’s go time, and the competition is heating up! 🔥

But don’t worry—staying ahead of the game is easier than you think. Enter the Three C’s of wedding planning! Let’s dive in and make sure you move forward with total confidence.