A good rule of thumb is to book the items that are hardest to replace first: the venue, then catering, tents and furniture, then photography and sound. For popular months, three to six months ahead is safer, and for weddings many families start earlier. Smaller items such as cakes, balloons and printing can usually be booked four to six weeks before.

Whatever the timing, put each booking in a written agreement with the date, times, price and payment schedule. The Papohapo Journal has a full week-by-week checklist.