The stress of wedding planning is mostly about sequence — not knowing what has to happen now versus what can wait. Here’s a realistic Long Island booking order.
12–18 months out: the date-limited vendors
These book one couple per date, and the good ones go first — especially for Saturdays from May to October.
- Venue — everything else is scheduled around it.
- Photographer — one wedding per day; popular studios book 12–18 months out.
- Band or DJ — same constraint.
- Videographer / film — book alongside the photographer, ideally the same studio so coverage is coordinated.
- Officiant, if you have someone specific in mind.
9–12 months out
- Florist and event designer
- Caterer (if not through the venue)
- Dress — ordering plus alterations can take 6–9 months
- Ceremony live streaming if you want it — easy to add to an existing photo/film booking
- Save-the-dates, and your engagement session
4–8 months out
- Cake, hair and makeup trials, transportation
- Invitations (mail ~8 weeks before)
- Rentals, rings, favours
- Room block and honeymoon
The last 8 weeks
Finalise the guest count, build the photography timeline with your photographer and planner, write the family shot list, confirm every vendor’s arrival time, and hand out a one-page schedule. Then stop planning and go get married.
Frequently asked questions
We booked late — is our date lost for a good photographer?
Can film and streaming be added after we’ve booked photography?
Richard Black Studio covers weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 15 & 16 celebrations and special events across Long Island and New York — photography, films and professional live streaming from one team. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll send availability and a quote.