The Essential Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do and When
Are you ready to say "I do" but feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning your dream wedding? Don't worry, we've got you covered! This essential wedding planning timeline will help you navigate this exciting journey with ease and joy. From setting your budget to dancing the night away, we've broken down the process into manageable steps to keep you on track and stress-free. So grab your partner, take a deep breath, and let's get started! And be sure to scroll to the end for a bonus gift that may help you along the way!
12-18 Months Before: Setting the Stage
The first step is to set a budget with your partner. Take into account any contributions from family members and decide on a realistic spending limit. Remember, weddings tend to add up! Most couples I've known were not at all prepared for the investment that a wedding demands. In fact, one friend of mine had saved 30k...and ended up spending 50!
While that may seem like a lot, it all comes down to what you prioritise in terms of vendors. You don't need to go all out on everything-- instead, focus on the things that are most important to you. For example, if you're a foodie and love to eat out at fancy restaurants, then it might be worth splurging on a caterer who can provide an amazing meal. If you're more of a DIY-er and want to save money by doing some of the work yourself (like making your own centrpieces), then go for it! Just make sure that whatever you decide to spend money on is something that will make both of you happy in the long run. The truth of the matter is that you're only planning one wedding in your life, so don't cut corners. You want to make sure that your wedding is everything you've ever dreamed of, so don't be afraid to spend a little extra on the things that matter most. You won't regret it!
Once your budget is set, you can move on to choosing your wedding party. Who will stand by your side on your big day? Whether it's your best friends or close family members, pop the question in a fun and memorable way.
Next up, it's time to choose your date and venue. Consider the season, the style of wedding you envision, and the guest list when selecting a date and venue that speak to your hearts. A special tip for New England couples: use the beauty of the region as a backdrop for your big day, whether it's the stunning fall foliage, a charming historical building, or a picturesque coastal location.
To ensure your dream team of vendors is secured, start researching and booking your photographer, caterer, DJ, florist, and other essential vendors. After all, the early bird gets the worm, and you want to secure the top professionals who can bring your vision to life. These days, it's more and more important to secure the main vendors farther out. This is because many of the best professionals are booked up to a year in advance, so you want to make sure you get on their calendars early. If you're not sure where to start, ask friends who have recently gotten married for recommendations, check out wedding resources (The Knot, Zola, The Wed, Style Me Pretty, Carats and Cake), and do a quick Instagram search!
Pro-tip: As a wedding photographer, I highly recommend using Instagram as your first go-to, and here’s why: if you already have an account, it doesn’t cost anything to sign up and you don’t have to share your information with any wedding sites right away. You can also get a super up-to-date idea of a vendor’s recent work, versus on these sites listed above where a vendor may not change their info as often.
9-12 Months Before: Gowns, Guest Lists, and Save the Dates
This is the perfect time to start the wedding dress shopping adventure. Gather your dearest friends and family, and explore bridal shops in search of the gown that makes you feel like a beautiful, blushing bride.
As you continue to build the foundation for your celebration, begin compiling your guest list. While this may seem like an easy task at first glance, the back-and-forth of narrowing down the guest count can bring unexpected challenges, so remember to stay flexible.
Once your date and venue are secured, don't forget to send out save the dates to your guests. Whether you choose a classic card or an innovative digital version, this crucial step will give your loved ones ample time to mark their calendars and make travel arrangements. I'm a big fan of Papier and Artifact Uprising for print materials! They each have a ton of different designs that are customisable, and what better way to show off your gorgeous engagement photos than sending them to all your loved ones?!
6-9 Months Before: Nailing Down the Details
Now that the major components of your wedding are in place, it's time to start finalising the details. Conduct a thorough check-in with your vendors to ensure everything is proceeding according to plan. As a wedding vendor myself, I always reach out to my clients at the 6-month mark to see how they're doing and if they need any help as everything starts coming together. Anything from the floral arrangements to the menu should be covered during these conversations, so you can rest assured that your vision is being respected and brought to life.
The world of registries opens up at this stage, and it's time to curate a collection of items that speak to both you and your partner's desires. Whether it's kitchen gadgets, travel experiences, or charitable donations, this creative process will ultimately bring you joy and cherished memories.
One of the most treasured keepsakes of your wedding is the invitation. Invest time in choosing the perfect design that suits your wedding style and personality. Remember, guests often keep the invitation as a memento, so make it a beautiful reflection of your special day. And as a photographer, I usually document your invitation on the wedding day itself in your flat lays and detail images, so if you're having specific colours for your day, I highly recommend that your invitation matches.
4-6 Months Before: Blocking Out the Honeymoon and Setting the Mood
As the countdown to your wedding day continues, it's imperative to take an intentional approach to planning your honeymoon. Whether it's an adventurous escape, a serene beach vacation, or a cultural exploration, now is the time to book your flights and accommodations. It's a chance to create a memorable experience that's perfectly tailored to your unique personalities and desires.
When it comes to your wedding day soundtrack, it's time to work with your DJ to compile a list of must-play and don't-play songs. This can be a fun exercise for you and your partner, as you reflect on the music that has shaped your love story and select the tunes that will set the mood for each part of your celebration. Remember: it's not just what you'll be dancing to at your reception, you can also select what you'll both walk down the aisle to, what will play for your guests as they settle into your ceremony, and of course, what you'll play as you walk back down the aisle as newlyweds!
2-4 Months Before: Final Countdown
As the final months unfold, it's crucial to double-check all contracts with vendors and make any necessary adjustments. Stay proactive in your communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Attention turns to the bridal gown with the scheduling of your final dress fittings. This is the opportunity to make any necessary alterations and ensure that your dress fits like a dream on your special day.
1 Month Before: Dotting the I's and Crossing the T's
With just one month to go, it's time to give your caterer, venue, and other vendors a final headcount for your wedding. This allows them to make the necessary preparations to provide an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Don't forget to obtain your marriage license! While it may seem like a small detail, it's a crucial one, and ensures that your big day is legally recognised and binding.
2 Weeks Before: The Countdown Begins
As the excitement builds, it's essential to touch base with all of your vendors to ensure that everything is in place for your big day. The best of wedding vendors will be proactive enough to reach out to you first, so keep an eye on your inbox! This serves as a final reassurance that everything is on track and ready to unfold seamlessly.
1 Week Before: The Sweet Anticipation
With the wedding week upon you, it's time for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Cherish this opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of your wedding party, and look forward to the coming days with excitement and joy.
Remember, amidst the whirlwind of tasks and preparations, take moments to breathe, relax, and savour the magical season of anticipation as you count down the days to your wedding. Being engaged tends to disappear in the planning process, so really soak in this time with your partner--it's irreplaceable!
Wedding Day: The Grand Finale
At long last, the day you've been dreaming of has arrived! On this day, remember to embrace every moment, from the joyful preparations to the heartfelt ceremony, to the thrilling celebration with your loved ones. Savour each second, take a deep breath, look around at all the people who are here to celebrate with you, and let it sink in: this is your wedding day!
By following this thorough wedding planning timeline, you can mitigate stress, stay organised, and maintain a sense of joy and warmth throughout the entire process. Although the journey of planning your wedding may have its challenges and surprises, focusing on the love and excitement you share with your partner will always keep you centred. It's a time to embrace laughter, cherish special moments, and create beautiful memories that will shape the foundation of your married life.
This is why I'm gifting you a custom checklist+timeline that keeps you on track as you plan your day, which you can download below!
In the end, your wedding day is about love, laughter, and the exhilaration of embarking on a shared lifetime of adventure with the person you hold most dear. It's a celebration of the extraordinary love that you and your partner share, and the flowering of a beautiful new chapter that awaits. So, go forth, brave couples, and let your journey through this essential wedding planning timeline be filled with warmth, tenderness, and joyful anticipation. Onward to the most beautiful day of your lives!
Still looking for your dream wedding photographer? Book a free consultation call with me and scratch that off your to-do list!