Phase 2 of Wedding Planning: Prioritizing Your Vendor Search

Now that your venue is booked, you are officially in Phase 2 of wedding planning—which means it’s time to focus on sourcing your vendors. But with so many vendor categories to choose from, where do you start?

This week on 52 ‘Til I Do, we’re breaking down a force ranking exercise with the help of our free downloadable. This will serve as a guide, helping you decide which vendors to book first, based on your preferences and priorities, and how they impact the rest of your planning.

This phase is where couples move from big-picture decisions into securing their trusted vendor team who will bring their wedding day to life. At the core of it all–all you truly need to get married is a legal document and the love you share with your partner. Keep planning manageable by tackling just three tasks at a time and focusing on what matters most to you.

Step 1: Yes, No, Maybe

Using our free downloadable, review the list of commonly sourced wedding vendors and ask yourself:

"Do I want this type of vendor at my wedding?"

Mark each vendor with a yes, no, or maybe to start shaping your vendor list.

A few things to consider:

• Only focus on vendors you still need to hire. If your venue includes catering or already provides rental items like tables and chairs, you can mark those vendors as “no.
• This is not about finalizing decisions—just indicating what needs to be sourced. In Phase 3, we’ll dive deeper into vendor contracts and final details.
• Make notes as needed. If you already know your older brother will officiate or you prefer a DJ over a band, jot that down next to the vendor name.

Step 2: Prioritize

Next, using our free downloadable, assign a priority level to each vendor you marked as a “yes.” Use three categories:

• High Priority – Vendors that are time-sensitive or crucial to your wedding experience
• Middle Priority – Important vendors but not as urgent
• Low Priority – Vendors that can be booked later without much impact

This step ensures that you’re focusing on what matters most to you while managing the potential overwhelm.

Step 3: Create a To-Do List

Look at all of the vendors you marked as yes and focus on the ones categorized as high priority. Now, choose three vendors to focus on first.

Your personal preferences will impact this list. If you have a vendor you’re really excited about, securing them early will give you peace of mind.

Other Time Sensitive Tasks To Consider Now

In addition to vendors, some planning elements require an early start. If any of these are a priority for you, they might be worth adding to your initial to-do list:

• Attire – Wedding dresses often take ten to twelve months to arrive, even if they are not custom gowns. 
• Save-the-Dates – If you want engagement photos included on your save-the-dates, you’ll want to book your photographer first.
• Invitations – This is dependent on how quickly your wedding date is coming up. Invitations should be sent about three months in advance. 
• Officiant – If hiring a professional, check their availability early.
• Custom Jewelry – If you’re designing rings or other pieces, start the process now.

By following this vendor booking strategy, you’ll be set up for a more structured and intentional planning experience in the months leading up to your wedding.

For a full breakdown of the force ranking exercise and how to prioritize vendors based on your unique wedding vision, listen to the full episode of 52 ‘Til I Do on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. 

Have more vendor-related questions? Send us a message at hello@marryment.com or get in touch on our social media—we love helping couples navigate wedding planning!

Photo Credit to JNA Visuals

‍Marryment proudly serves couples all across Chicago and the surrounding Chicago Suburbs including popular areas such as Schaumburg, Elmhurst, Naperville, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, Skokie, Barrington, Downers Grove and Northbrook, to name a few. We also love destination weddings. We'd love to be a part of your wedding day! Schedule your free planning call with us today.