Wedding Will they think I am crazy?!?!

[Keepingthefaith21]

So far, despite my wedding being over a year away, I have booked my venue and have an appointment with my caterer who is also the rental company for my linens etc. as well as an appointment in November to check out a DJ and photographer. For the most part, I feel like I am a little too ahead of the game but my vendors seem to be pleased that we are contacting them with plenty of time.

My mother suggested calling the florist we like to try and schedule a consultation for the middle/end of October. Her rationale is that we would be able to see what flowers are avalible this time of year. I wanted to wait a bit longer but have a hard time arguing with her logic.

Will a florist think I am insane if I am looking to make an appoinment for a wedding consultation in October 2008 for an October 2009 wedding?

 

[~*Snow*~]

It makes perfect sense to me... see what''s available now, and what the cost is when its in season rather then out of season and need to be flown across an ocean.

 

[kittybean]

I really don''t think they will think you''re crazy. And if they do--who cares? Your approach seems to be a very logical one. Why not get things done while you have time? I think vendors really like having a lot of time, and I''m sure they''re very used to today''s brides planning way ahead.

 

[basil]

No. I booked most of my vendors in the spring of 2007 for my September 2008 wedding. I explained that I was planning from out of town, etc., and no one seemed to care.

On the other hand, my photographer mentioned that she had recently gotten an inquiry for 2011. She did think that person was crazy.

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Definitely not too early. If they''re a decent vendor, they''ll probably even be excited about meeting you and if you sign a contract because it means they have a guaranteed income!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I think it sounds like a great idea!! I see no downside at all!

 

[oobiecoo]

The only downside I can see is that prices may change between now and your wedding. But if you have a flexible budget or are just looking to see whats available, then it should work fine!

 

[Sabine]

I think it''s fine, and your mom''s logic totally makes sense. I booked all my major stuff a year in advance because I teach, so I was planning one summer, for my wedding the following summer. None of the vendors seemed to mind.

 

[marchswallowbird]

I am interviewing florists now for a Sept. 09 wedding. They are all VERY happy to assist me (they want my business!).

 

[Gypsy]

Nope. About half of the florists we called were booked 9 months out. So I'd say you're fine.

ALSO, my florist kept my prices the same as my original qoute. I wouldn't let them change prices on me.

 

[Sparkalicious]

I think that they will think that you are on top of everything and smart to get your key vendors booked early. Hopefully, this will afford you the opportunity to lock in this year''s rates instead of next year''s and will ensure that your desired vendors are available to work with you.

I had all of my key vendors and venues booked 12 - 17 months in advance of our September 2009 wedding, as well because I didn''t want to miss out on vendors that book up early. Besides, booking early gives you a longer period of time to work with people and for them to truly understand and execute your vision.

Good luck!

 

[KimberlyH]

As a planner, I think it''s a great idea to get as much done now as you can so you can enjoy being engaged instead of having to worry about what else is left to do. And if you negotiate contracts now you''ll hopefully lock in 2008 prices which is to your benefit. Plan away!

 

[Morgie44]

As pp''s said, I booked my florist about 1 year and 1 month out, and after booking she told me that she was only taking one or two more weddings for 09 because she is so booked already!

 

[CNOS128]

Nah. I planned most of my big stuff about 10-11 months before the wedding date, and vendors were thrilled that they had so much time. I think it also allows them some repose, knowing that at least they''ll have one paying job that month!

The only thing is that I got the dress a couple of months ago, and I have already forgotten what it looks like on me...

 

[Keepingthefaith21]

Thanks ladies! You are all the best! I love when I come here and feel LESS insane

I am a planner and a worrier so I want to try and get as much booked and out of the way as soon as possible.

I will admit that going to the florist is one of the vendor visits I have been dreading

I''m pretty scared to see the total they come up with