The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide:

What to Book When

As you begin your wedding planning journey, your to-do lists will probably begin piling up. You may wonder what you should be doing when, what vendors to book first and what can wait, and how to do this whole wedding planning thing altogether. While we, of course, recommend hiring a wedding planner to help guide you through this adventure (see our services here!) we’ve put together an easy-to-follow general guide for what to book when. Consider this list your ultimate wedding planning guide!

12 Months Before the Wedding

Choose a wedding theme/color scheme

Work out your budget, remember to prioritize!

Select your wedding party

Start your guest list

Research vendors on wedwestslope.com!

Hire a wedding planner

Reserve your date at your dream venue

Start a wedding binder to keep all your pricing quotes, brochures, & notes in one place

8 Months Before the Wedding

Hire your wedding photographer & videographer

Take your engagement photos

Buy your dress!

Create a wedding website

Meet with caterers for tastings

Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests

Register with your favorite brands – include this info on your wedding website!

If you’re having a destination wedding, read up on getting married in that area

VanWinkle | Micro Wedding at Vista View Events

6-7 Months Before the Wedding

Purchase your invitations

Finalize your guest list & collect addresses

Start planning your honeymoon!

Choose the wedding party’s attire

Reserve the details: lighting, portable toilets, generators, etc.

Reserve your event rentals

Book a florist

Arrange transportation

Send out save the dates

Antler Ridge Wedding | Kasmira & Eddie

4-5 Months Before the Wedding

Go cake tasting! Order your favorite cake

Send your bridal shower guest list to your host

Check the status of your wedding invitations

Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues

Schedule hair and makeup artists

Choose your music for ceremony & reception

Go to your first dress fitting – pick up some accessories while you’re at it!

Purchase/rent groom’s attire

Book accommodations for your wedding night

Provide guest lists to maid of honor and best man for bachelor/bachelorette parties

Whispering Oaks Ranch Wedding | Moab Wedding Planner

https://www.emilyklarer.com/

3 Months Before the Wedding

Work with your caterer to finalize the menu

Print menu cards

Meet with your florist to finalize the florals

Purchase the rings

Finalize the event schedule & start forming the day-of timeline

Print programs

Order your wedding favors

Meet with the officiant to coordinate readings & anything else you’d like included

2 Months Before the Wedding

Meet with your photographer to discuss the timeline for photos and what shots you want

Review the playlist with the band/DJ – provide them with “don’t play” and “must play” lists

Send out invitations

Enjoy your bachelor/bachelorette parties

Send out as many final payments as you can

Touch base with all vendors

Make sure all attire is purchased/rented

April Marie Events | T Lazy 7 Wedding

Rouxby Photography | T Lazy 7 Ranch

1 Month Before the Wedding

Get your marriage license

Attend your final dress fitting

Send out rehearsal dinner invitations

Purchase alcohol & finalize signature cocktails if needed

Confirm times for all of the vendors & send out your day-of timeline

Create your seating chart for the reception

Purchase wedding party gifts

Write vows

Enter all RSVPs you have into your guest list

Check on hotel room blocks

Call guests who have not sent RSVPs for final guest count

Make sure wedding party know their roles & duties for the wedding day & reception

Amy's Courtyard Wedding by Cat Mayer Studio and April Marie Events

1 Week Before the Wedding

Touch base with all vendors and ensure they have the day-of timelines

Delegate any small day-of tasks you can to family and friends

Ensure your wedding party has the day-of timeline

De-stress at the spa

Have extra checks ready for day-of payments & tips

Dance around in your shoes to break them in

Pack for your honeymoon!

Relax and get married!

The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide: What to Book When

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