The 5 Most Important Things to Book First When Planning Your Wedding

Brynn and Katrina Planning
Jul 14
2 min read

Start Strong with These Must-Haves from an Indiana bridal shop near Fort Wayne.

Just engaged? Congratulations! 🎉

Now comes the part where everyone starts asking, “So… have you set a date yet?”

It’s exciting. It’s overwhelming. And if you’re not sure where to start - don’t worry. At Columbia City Bridal, we meet brides at all stages of planning, and one of the biggest stress relievers is knowing what to book first.

Here are the 5 things we recommend tackling early - straight from our Ultimate Wedding Organizer:

1. Your Wedding Venue

Why it comes first: Everything else depends on it - the date, the vibe, and the guest count. Venues in Indiana often book 12–18 months out, especially for popular seasons like fall.

💡 Tip: Don’t just look at availability - also consider the theme or vibe you are going for for your big day

2. Your Bridal Appointment

Yes - early dress shopping is key! If you plan to order a gown, you'll want 8–10 months before the wedding for ordering and alterations. At Columbia City Bridal, we also carry off-the-rack wedding dresses in Indiana for quicker timelines.

📝 Bonus: When you become a CCB bride, you get our preferred vendor list!

3. Your Photographer/Videographer

Great photographers and videographers book just as fast as venues -sometimes faster. You'll want someone whose style you love and whose vibe makes you feel comfortable.

📷 Pro tip: Ask to see full wedding galleries (not just highlight reels) to get a true sense of their work. These are the photos you will be viewing and sharing for years to come so make sure you would be happy with them.

4. Your Wedding Planner or Day-Of Coordinator

Even if you’re doing most of the planning yourself, a day-of coordinator is a game changer. They handle the details while you enjoy your day and they book quickly, especially for peak weekends. Sometimes your venue provides a coodinator for the day.

🧠 Need help organizing before that? Our Ultimate Wedding Organizer is a free tool to keep you on track.

5. Your Officiant

This one’s often forgotten early on but if you’re getting married in a church, or want a family friend to officiate, you’ll want to secure them early. Some officiants book out well in advance, especially during wedding season.

💡 If you’re using a friend or family member, check Indiana’s laws to make sure they’re legally able to perform your ceremony.