DJ/MC: John Wells, Director of The Event Connection, recommends that you hire your DJ/MC twelve to eighteen months prior to your wedding. He also adds, be sure to work with a professional wedding MC (Master of Cerimonies), someone who can help guide you through your reception. Another way to express yourself, through your entertainment, is to choose from a variety of entertainment packages that include everything; from props, lighting effects, guest interaction, or even a classic approach.

Justice of the Peace: Honorable Rev. John L. Wells Jr. suggests hiring your Justice of the Peace or minister approximately six to twelve months in advance, depending on the date of your wedding. He also urges couples to reserve their ceremony location as soon as they pick their wedding date.

Photography: The Event Connection Photography Studio, suggests obtaining your photographer twelve to eighteen months prior to your wedding. If you are looking for a special twist on your photography, inquire about signature boards, on-location engagement portrait shoots, or digital photography options utilizing the specific style of photography you prefer.

Jewelry: George Nasr, Owner of Nasr Jewelers in the Hanover Mall , suggests that you order your wedding bands two to three months before the wedding. For special orders or custom-made pieces, order three to four months prior to your wedding.

Florist: Phil Garcia and Larry Shering, Owners of The Galleria Florist, recommend obtaining your florist six to eighteen weeks prior to your event depending on the time of year. Judy Duffy, Owner of Judy's Village Flowers , recommends setting guest tables with a combination of centerpieces of varying heights. For example: using both shorter and taller centerpieces on every other table. Some tables with regular height centerpieces interspersed with topiaries on other tables. She also recommends meeting with your florist 6-9 months prior to your wedding to be educated in regards to seasonal flowers and arrangment styles.

Video: Richie Coury, Director of The Event Connection's Video Division, suggests you obtain your video services twelve to eighteen months before the wedding. Richie also recommends a Photo Montage/Engagement Short Film as a creative way to set your wedding apart. Either one or both can be shown at your wedding reception, and they can be a great way to have your guests share in your wedding experience.

Cake: George Montilio, of Montilio's Bakery, recommends setting up a tasting and ordering your wedding cake three to six months in advance.

Make-up: Mel Lambert, Owner of Tranquil Escape Day Spa, suggests booking your make-up artist for yourself as well as your bridal party, one to three months in advance. The bride should schedual her testing two weeks to a month prior to the wedding. Mona Zeita, Owner of First Look Expressions, says that the make-up artist should get to know her bride and discover what kind of skin type she has prior to the event.

Wedding Dresses: Lisa Bell, Owner of Gowns by Jane, suggests order your dress twelve months in advance to allow enough time for delivery (which can take up to six months) and to allow time for proper alterations.

Livery: Greg Marcus, Owner of A-1 Chauffeur Connection, recommends booking your limousine six to twelve months in advance. He also recommends booking any special transportation, i.e. antique car or trolley, six to twelve months in advance (all are available through A-1 Chauffeur Connection).
Sue of Sennett Limousine, recommends a great way to have fun with your wedding party is to book a bachelor/bachelorette scavenger hunt one to three months before your wedding. First Choice will send out two limo-vans, one for each party, complete with lists and cameras, and take the groups out-and-about to collect the pictures on the list. First team back wins. Its a great way to get your wedding party together prior to the wedding.

Hotel and Function Rooms: Tara Baldieri, Social Sales Manager for the Marriot Hotel in Quincy, suggests blocking off rooms for your out of town guests when booking your function room. She advises brides and grooms to ask what the server-to-guest ratio is at the function facility. For example, the Marriot Hotel, Quincy, boasts one server to every two tables. Danielle Mattera, Function Manager for the Four Points Sheraton Waltham, recommends booking your reception room twelve to eighteen months in advance. Food tasting should be scheduled three to four months in advance.