Getting married in 2027? Here’s a month-by-month supplier booking timeline that works backwards from your wedding day, so you know exactly who to book, when, and when each balance falls due.
Every couple’s timeline is slightly different, and if you’re planning on a shorter run-up, don’t panic: just work through the list in the same order, faster. The principle is simple. Book the people who can only do one wedding a day first, and leave the things you can buy off the shelf until later.
24 to 18 months before: the foundations
- Agree your budget and a rough guest count.
- View venues and book your favourite. This sets your date.
- Book your ceremony (registrar, celebrant or church) as soon as the date is fixed.
- Book your photographer and, if you want one, a videographer.
If you’re getting married on a summer Saturday, this is also the window to secure your evening entertainment. Popular dates go early for DJs and bands.
18 to 12 months before: the suppliers who sell out
This is where the photo booth and DJ usually sit. Couples typically book us 12 to 24 months ahead, and the earlier end of that range is wise for June to September Saturdays.
- DJ or band. Our sister company EventsDJ offers a five-hour Evening DJ package.
- Photo booth. Choose between the black and white Glam Booth, the oak Vintage Booth, our AI Photo Booth or a self-service pod.
- Caterer, if your venue doesn’t provide one.
- Florist, especially for peak-season dates.
Booking your DJ and photo booth together as our Wedding DJ & Photo Booth package saves you money, and it means one team is coordinating the evening.
12 to 9 months before: the look of the day
- Wedding outfits. Many bridal shops quote several months for orders and alterations, so ask early.
- Hair and makeup artist.
- Cake maker.
- Stationery designer, and send save the dates.
- Transport for the couple and bridal party.
9 to 6 months before: the details
- Order invitations.
- Book any extras you’ve been umming and ahhing over: a sax player for the drinks reception, cold spark fountains for the first dance, or Guest Book Management for a photo guest book.
- Plan your evening food.
- Start a draft of your wedding day timeline.
6 to 3 months before: confirm and refine
- Send invitations, typically around three months out (earlier for destination-style weekends).
- Check in with each supplier: is there anything they need from you?
- Decide on your photo booth print design. We create personalised print borders to match your wedding, so share your colours, fonts or stationery with us.
- Start your must-play and do-not-play lists for the DJ.
The last 8 weeks: the money and the paperwork
This is where couples get caught out, not because anything is difficult, but because lots of small deadlines land at once.
- Chase RSVPs and give final numbers to your venue and caterer.
- Finalise the timeline and send it to every supplier, plus the venue coordinator.
- Pay balances. Each supplier will have their own due date. With us, the balance is due 14 days before your wedding.
- Confirm extras, such as extra booth hours or Guest Book Management, while there’s still time to add them.
The week before
- Send a final run sheet with timings and a day-of contact who isn’t you.
- Give suppliers’ contact numbers to your best man, maid of honour or coordinator.
- Pack your own bits: the guest book and pens if you’re using one, any cash for tips, and the things you’ll want handed back at the end of the night.
Keep one tracker for every payment
The simplest way to stay on top of this is a single spreadsheet with a row per supplier and these columns: booked on, booking fee paid, balance amount, balance due date, contact. Set a calendar reminder a week before each balance is due. It takes ten minutes to set up and saves a lot of late-night panic.
If you’re still at the very start of the journey, our guide to what to do first when you’re just engaged covers the steps before this timeline kicks in.
Read more: what to do first after getting engaged and why couples get let down by suppliers at the last minute.
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Get your free plannerFAQs
How much is the booking fee for wedding suppliers?
It varies by supplier, so always check the contract. We take a booking fee to secure your date, with the balance due 14 days before the wedding. Our price guide explains what’s included.
Is 12 months too late to book a photo booth?
Not necessarily. Plenty of dates are still free a year out, but peak Saturdays go first, so check availability as soon as you can.
Should we book the DJ before the photo booth?
Book them around the same time. If you book both with us and EventsDJ, you can do it in one go and save money.
If your 2027 date is set, now is a great time to lock in your booth. Request a quote or fill in the form below and we’ll check your date.
