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!
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
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
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
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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
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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
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!
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