You’ve dreamed about this day forever, so let’s make it happen seamlessly.
FIRST THINGS FIRST.
*Take a minute right now. Seriously. Breathe it in. You’re marrying your bff, and getting to plan a wedding is a privilege. Also, if you’re not exactly on these timeline markers, it’s gonna be okay. This is meant to be a guideline to help set you up for success – not freak you out more. Also – THIS IS EXCITING!! You finally get to hire those vendors you’ve been eyeing and make all the dreams come true. Alright, let’s get to it.
(And a PSA to all my couples planning a wedding in less than 12 months, you’re totally fine. Just take this timeline and condense it however it makes sense for your timeline).
Choose a date (or a few you’re interested in)
Chat about budget + reflect on what the most important pieces of your wedding will be
Make a Pinterest board and decide on a wedding style (Boho, editorial, natural, etc.)
Make your first draft of a guest list
Research ceremony + reception venues
Start gathering a team of wedding pros
Engagement photossss hello!!
Choose your wedding party if you’re doing one
Create wedding website
Browse Save the Date designs
Order samples, then full order
Start swooning over dress and veil styles if you’re a dress-wearer
Hire those dream vendors!! Don’t let ‘em get away!
Reserve ceremony + reception venues
Purchase dress, veil, undergarments, etc.
Choose bridal party attire so your squad looks fire (click here for some inspo!)
Book officiant
Send Save the Dates
Find hotel options at different price points for out of town guests + put it on your wedding site
Browse official invitation stationary
Refine the guest list (sorry great aunt Linda twice removed)
Create registry! Did somebody say Targét?!
Start planning honeymoon (the real reason we’re doing all this)
Reserve rentals
Book transportation to and from venues
Research hair and makeup styles
Meet with officiant/discuss ceremony
CAKE TASTING 🙂
Order official invites and thank-you notes
Purchase wedding bands
Place order for wedding cake
Meet with florist/go over vision
Schedule dress fittings
Book honeymoon flights + hotels
Book room for wedding night
Prepare playlist for DJ/band (all bangers, please)
Finalize guest list
Make rehearsal dinner guest list
Book rehearsal dinner venue
Order rehearsal dinner invitations (or invite them the old fashioned way of texting)
Hair + makeup trial
Finalize ceremony details (any readings or special elements)
Final honeymoon planning/get documents in order
Plan reception seating
Purchase serving pieces, guestbook, flower basket, ring bearer pillow if needed
Finalize your menu with caterer
Order menu cards
Order prints of your engagement photos if you want to have them on the wedding
Mail invitations
Start drafting vows
Review ceremony details with officiant
Finalize seating arrangements
Buy wedding party gifts
Final fittings for wedding party and parents
Create timelines and send to vendors, officiant, and wedding party
Start getting excited!!!
Final dress fitting!
Pick up marriage license
Confirmations with all vendors on timing
Confirm honeymoon details
Pick up wedding bands
Order wedding programs
Start writing thank-you’s as the gifts start coming in
Make sure you’re adding in lots of self-care this month. Yoga, baths, journaling and reflecting. Remember, all of your vendors and people got you.
Start breaking in your wedding shoes!
Make arrangements for care of plants + pets while honeymooning
Follow up with guests that have not RSVP’d
Final guest count to caterer
Final playlist-calls to DJ/band
Get haircut/freshen up color if you need to
Update registries
Send directions to wedding day drivers
Delegate someone to return tuxes, rentals, and tend to wedding dress
Prepare wedding day emergency kit
Give photographer + videographer “must have” shot list
Prepare final payments and cash-tips to vendors
Lay out wedding clothes and accessories/pack for honeymoon!
Treat yourself to mani/pedi (massage even??)
Enjoy your rehearsal dinner and all the love around you
Go to bed early (and try not to drink toooo much to avoid feeling puffy and hungover the next day
Eat a nutritious breakfast with your pals
Maybe do an early morning jog or workout class with your friends to get the wedding jitters out (plus that endorphin glow ayy!!)
Drink water
Lay out all items/trinkets you want captured by photographer
Steam dress
Give officiant fee and wedding bands to best man/whoever is appropriate
Exchange notes with fiancé
Relax. Smile. Breathe. Take mental snapshots throughout the day. And soak it all in.
Ensure all rentals have been returned
Send thank-you notes
Talk to your photographer about designing an album + ordering prints!
That wasn’t too bad, was it?! Okay yeah, it’s still a little overwhelming. But don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to family and friends that want to help, and to split the tasks fairly between you two. You got this. And it’s all gonna be so worth it.
Pssst, Pin this to your wedding planning Pinterest board to reference again and again!
Emma Studley Photography | Pacific Northwest Elopement Photographer
Brand & Web Design by Kyla Studio
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Emma Studley Photography |
Brand & Web Design by Kyla Studio
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