This checklist/timeline is based on a 1-year engagement season, but can be adjusted to fit any couple and what would work best for them. Feel free to contact us with any questions!
ONE YEAR BEFORE
[] Get inspired! Visit our Pinterest Board to gather ideas that you'd like to incorporate into your own day! Save what you like to your own Pinterest Vision Board.
[] Choose a color palette.
[] Work out your budget with your partner.
[] Select your wedding party. {a list of fun ways to ask your friends to be apart of your bridal party is coming soon!}
[] Start creating your guest list.
[] Reserve your date at your dream venue.
[] Hire a Planner.
[] Research photographers, officiants, live music, DJs, caterers, florists, rentals, etc. Contact us for a list of references for the vendors we LOVE working with.
8 MONTHS BEFORE
[] Hire your Photographer + Videographer
[] Take your engagement photos.
[] Buy your dress.
[] Create a wedding website (The Knot is our favorite)
[] Meet with your caterers (ask to do a tasting).
[] Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
[] Create a registry and include this information on your website + invitations.
[] Book your officiant.
6-7 MONTHS BEFORE
[] Finalize your guest list and request addresses.
[] Purchase your invitations.
[] Start planning your honeymoon.
[] Choose bridesmaid dresses.
[] Reserve rentals (tents, linens, chairs, tables, lighting, tableware, fun furniture + signage, etc.)
[] Book your florist.
[] Arrange transportation for the night.
[] Send out Save-the-Dates. Vistaprint has lots of fun options!
4-5 MONTHS BEFORE
[] Time to order your cake + go cake tasting!
[] Send your bridal shower guest list to your host.
[] Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues.
[] Book your hair + makeup artists.
[] Choose music (processional, recessional, first dance, etc.)
[] Go to your first dress fitting.
[] Purchase/rent groom's attire.
[] Book accommodations for your wedding night.
[] Provide guest list to maid of honor and best man for bachelor + bachelorette parties.
3 MONTHS BEFORE
[] Work with your caterer to finalize the menu for the cocktail hour + reception.
[] Print menu cards.
[] Meet with your florist to finalize the florals.
[] Purchase the rings.
[] Finalize the event schedule and start creating the day-of-timeline. (we totally take this on if you would like ĐEERLY ĐETAILED to plan your day!)
[] Print programs.
[] Order your wedding favors.
[] Meet with your officiant and go over the ceremony details.
2 MONTHS BEFORE
[] Meet with your photographer to discuss day-of plans along with any specific family portraits/couple portraits you want.
[] Review the music playlist with the Band and DJ.
[] Send out invitations.
[] Submit your announcement to the local newspaper.
[] Let loose at your bachelor/bachelorette parties.
[] Send out as many final payments as your can.
[] Touch base with all vendors (again we take this on along with your day-of timeline!)
[] Make sure groomsmen attire has been purchased/rented.
[] Create your seating chart for the reception, if needed.
1 MONTH BEFORE
[] Get your marriage license.
[] Attend your last dress fitting.
[] Send out rehearsal-dinner invitations.
[] Purchase alcohol and finalize signature cocktails needed.
[] Confirm arrival and departure times for all vendors and send out your day-of timeline to vendors.
[] Check on hotel room blocks.
[] Call guests who have not RSVP'D for final head count.
[] Make sure members of the wedding party know their roles and duties come the wedding day.
1 WEEK BEFORE
[] Touch base with all vendors one last time.
[] Outsource any small day-of tasks to friends and family.
[] Ensure everyone in your family and wedding party has your day-of timeline.
[] DE-STRESS and do something fun and relaxing! (Spa day? Hiking?)
[] Send the final guest list to the caterer.
[] Have extra checks ready for day-of payments.
[] Dance around in your wedding shoes to break them in.
[] Pack for your honeymoon.
[] Go on one last date night with your partner before the big day.
POST WEDDING
[] Enjoy your honeymoon!!!
[] Pay all remaining balances to vendors.
[] Clean and preserve your wedding gown.
[] Write "thank you" cards.
[] Officially change your name {5 easy steps to do this is coming soon!}
[] Order prints and albums from your photographer.
Remember, this day is meant to honor and commemorate the couple, their families, and the new life/adventure they are about to begin together. The details are a way to share part of your life and your likes with the people you care about, but they aren't what make a wedding. In other words, the checklists are important. The celebration is important (and FUN). Sharing it with the ones you love is important. But the wedding, the celebration, all of it comes down to a few simple things: two people, their commitment, and the joy that follows. The details may seem overwhelming at first glance, but hopefully this blog helps break them down into manageable steps, plus we (or whoever your planner is) has your back! Trust them. Enjoy this season.
Let me know it the comments below if you found this helpful!