Countdown to your Wedding

Congratulations, you’re getting married!

Now what do you do? I’ve been asked by several brides to create an index for the series of articles I wrote to help you stay on track and when planning your dream wedding. It’s easy enough to spend hours on Pinterest choosing wedding flowers, dresses, cakes, and favors. It’s also the best way to plan a wedding that you won’t be able to afford. I’ve got a few tips to share to help focus on having the best day of your life.

I usually advise my brides to think of their wedding as a party, with pictures to last a lifetime. Think about what will photograph well and prioritize those things. And, if your dream wedding includes a harpist in a gauzy gown serenading you down the aisle, by all means- that is a priority!

Below is an outline of major wedding planning decisions you’ll make and when to make them. It’s okay if you’re starting a little late. You can easily get caught up and, with a little organization, enjoy your wedding!

To learn more, click on the link to read the details for each planning area:

11 Months

1. Set your budget
2. Save the date
3. Choose your color scheme
4. Search for venues

10 Months

1. Book your venues
2. Select your wedding party
3. Create your wedding website
4. Select and order Save the Date cards
5. Interview vendors

1. 1. • Planners
      • Caterers
      • Photographers/videographers
      • Florists
      • Bands
      • Djs

9 Months

1. Book your vendors
   1. • Caterer
      • DJ and/or band
      • Photographer/videographer
      • Florist
        

        Creatrix Photography

2. Set up your registries
3. Search for and book an officiant
4. Reserve room blocks for out-of-town guests
5. Send your Save the Date cards
6. Start shopping for your gown

8 Months

1. Select and order your wedding dress
2. Search for a wedding cake bakery
3. Finalize with florist
4. Search for wedding stationary
5. Book your stationary vendor
6. Start planning your rehearsal dinner

7 Months

1. Engagement photo shoot
2. Search for hair, make up, and general pampering
3. Select and order bridesmaid and flower girl dresses
4. Purchase accessories for your gown
5. Choose your partner’s attire
6. Rehearsal dinner host will finalize venue
7. Book your wedding night accommodations
8. Plan and book your honeymoon

6 Months

1. Finalize the menu and service details with your caterer
2. Order wedding stationary
3. Choose your bridesmaids’ accessories
4. Choose groomsmen and ring bearer attire
5. Purchase your wedding bands
6. Check and update your gift registry
7. Search for favors

5 Months

1. Showers and Bachelor, and Bachelorette Party planning
2. Get IDs for out of the country honeymoon travels
3. Select your ceremony readings
4. Schedule gown fittings
5. Party guest lists
6. Search for and book a transportation vendor

4 Months

1. Invite guests to your wedding
2. Set up a gift tracker spreadsheet
3. Check on room blocks
4. Programs and menu cards
5. Marriage license research
6. Shop for a guest book
7. Bridesmaid and attendant gifts

3 Months

1. Rehearsal dinner invitations
2. Obtain a marriage license
3. Make a must play/do not play song list
4. Accessory review
5. Wedding day timeline
6. Coordinate with officiant
7. Final wedding gown fitting

2 months

1. Verify reception venue arrivals and set up times
   

   Rachel Hall Photography

2. Confirm floral items, delivery and set up times
3. Final officiant consultation
4. Tuxedo fitting
5. Final photographer shot list consultation
6. Confirm videographer details
7. Confirm honeymoon travel plans
8. Shop and pack for the honeymoon
9. Receiving line order

1 Month

1. Check in with out of town guests
2. Write your vows
3. Pick up your wedding rings
4. Final head count
5. Create your seating chart
6. Toasts written
7. Confirm transportation date(s), time(s), and location(s)
8. Final vendor payments

1 week

1. Give final head count to the caterer
2. Check in with your florist
3. Check in with your wedding cake baker
4. Pick up your wedding gown
5. Transport items to reception venue
6. Assemble your emergency kit

Download this index as a .pdf- Countdown-to-your-Wedding