When should you get in touch?
Twelve to eighteen months for peak season — but it is almost never too late.
The twelve-to-eighteen-month rule
Good agencies are booked early, especially for Saturdays in June, July and September. Twelve months ahead is a solid benchmark; eighteen if you are after a very popular venue or a destination wedding. Many agencies deliberately cap how many weddings they take a year, which fills their calendar faster than you would think.
Before or after the venue?
Before, if you can. It is the agencies’ main argument, and it holds: the venue sets the guest count, the logistics, whether the caterer is imposed, and much of the budget. An agency consulted before you book can save you from a choice that gets expensive later.
And if only three months are left?
It is still workable, especially for day-of coordination. Say so plainly in your brief: some agencies keep short-notice slots, others will decline. Be wary of a quick yes: always ask how many weddings the agency takes on the same weekend, and who will physically be with you on the day.