Step-by-Step Vendor Booking Checklist for Weddings in Greenville South Carolina

We don’t want you to stress planning your wedding. Here’s a detailed timeline to help you stay on track while booking wedding vendors for your midrange wedding in Greenville, SC. This guide ensures you secure the best vendors and avoid last-minute stress.

12+ Months Before the Wedding
Start with the essentials that determine your wedding date and overall logistics.
Venue
Decide on your ceremony and reception locations.
Book early, as venues in Greenville fill quickly, especially for popular seasons like spring and fall.
Example: The Venue at Falls Park or The Old Cigar Warehouse.
Wedding Planner (optional but highly recommended)
Hire a full-service planner or day-of coordinator to manage logistics and vendor coordination.
Photographer/Videographer
Book a professional whose style matches your vision. Photographers are often booked 12-18 months in advance.

10-12 Months Before the Wedding
Secure vendors for key services that set the tone of your day.
Caterer
Many venues offer in-house catering, but if not, book an external caterer.
Schedule tastings to finalize your menu.
Florist
Choose a florist familiar with Greenville’s native blooms (e.g., magnolias, gardenias).
Discuss centerpieces, bouquets, and any ceremony or reception floral installations.
Entertainment
Decide between a live band, DJ, or solo musician.
Book early to secure your top choice and allow them time to plan your playlist.

8-10 Months Before the Wedding
Focus on personal details and design elements.
Hair and Makeup Artist
Book a team experienced in wedding styling.
Schedule a trial run to ensure you’re happy with the look.
Stationery Designer
Order save-the-dates to send out by the 6-8 month mark.
Begin designing invitations if you plan to mail them 3-4 months in advance.
Wedding Dress and Attire
Purchase your wedding dress and schedule fittings.
Plan groom and groomsmen attire rentals or purchases.

6-8 Months Before the Wedding
Secure vendors for additional details and finalize plans.
Baker
Book your cake designer and schedule a tasting.
Decide on a design and flavors for your cake or dessert table.
Decor Rentals
for the newlyweds.
Favors and Gifts
Order wedding favors, welcome bags, and gifts for the bridal party.
Lighting and Special Effects
Book lighting experts to enhance the ambiance of your venue.
Consider extras like a fog machine or sparklers for the reception.

2-3 Months Before the Wedding
Fine-tune everything and confirm plans with your vendors.
Final Vendor Meetings
Meet with all vendors to confirm timelines and details.
Provide your venue’s floor plan and schedule.
Music Playlists
Provide the DJ or band with your preferred songs for the ceremony, first dance, and reception.
Seating Chart and Signage
Work on your seating chart and send it to the stationery vendor for printing.
1 Month Before the Wedding
Ensure everything is ready to go.
Final Dress Fitting
Complete your final fitting and pick up the dress.
Timeline Distribution
Share a detailed timeline with vendors and your wedding party.
Emergency Kit Preparation
Create a wedding day kit with essentials like sewing supplies, first aid, and snacks.

1 Week Before the Wedding
Last-minute tasks to ensure smooth execution.
Confirm Vendor Arrangements
Check arrival times, setup details, and payment schedules.
Pack for the Honeymoon
Prepare all travel essentials and confirm reservations.
Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Conduct a ceremony walkthrough with the officiant and bridal party.
Day-of Coordinator Check-in
Review all plans with your coordinator to ensure a stress-free wedding day.