A Wedding Planning Timeline by Grimes Creative
I know that wedding planning can get pretty overwhelming. It feels like there’s so much to do and not enough time to do it! Today, we're thrilled to share with you a roadmap that will guide you through the exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey of planning your dream wedding. From "Yes!" to "I do," we've got you covered.
12-18 Months Before the Big Day: The Dream Phase
Dream and Discuss: This is the fun part! Sit down together and dream about your perfect day. Discuss your priorities, style, and budget. Begin brainstorming themes, colors, and the overall feel of your wedding.
Create a Guest List: Start creating your guest list, keeping in mind the size of your celebration and your venue's capacity.
Set a Budget: Determine your budget and allocate funds to different aspects of your wedding, such as the venue, catering, photography, and more.
Book Your Venue: Scout and secure your dream wedding venue. Popular venues book up quickly, so don't procrastinate!
9-12 Months Before: Planning Mode Activated
Hire Your Vendors: Begin booking your essential vendors, including your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and wedding planner, if you choose to have one.
Save the Dates: Send out save-the-date cards to give your guests ample time to plan.
Dress Shopping: Start the search for your wedding attire. Allow time for fittings and alterations.
Create a Wedding Website: Design a wedding website to keep guests informed about details like accommodations, registry, and the schedule.
6-9 Months Before: The Details Unfold
Choose Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Ask your closest friends and family to be part of your wedding party.
Pick Invitations: Design and order your wedding invitations, and start addressing them.
Select Your Cake and Catering: Taste test your way to deliciousness and finalize your catering choices.
Plan Your Honeymoon: Begin researching and booking your honeymoon destination.
Reserve Accommodations: Secure lodging options for out-of-town guests.
3-6 Months Before: It's Getting Real
Order Wedding Bands: Select and purchase your wedding bands.
Finalize the Menu: Lock in your catering choices and finalize the menu.
Arrange Transportation: Book transportation for the wedding party and guests if needed.
Plan Rehearsal Dinner: Organize and plan the rehearsal dinner.
Apply for Marriage License: Check the requirements in your state and apply for a marriage license.
2 Months Before: The Countdown Begins
Finalize Details: Confirm all details with vendors, including your photographer and videographer.
Purchase Favors and Décor: Buy wedding favors and any decorative elements needed.
Start Seating Plan: Begin working on your seating plan and finalize reception details.
1 Month Before: The Home Stretch
Final Fittings: Attend final fittings for your wedding attire.
Confirm Timeline: Review the wedding timeline with your photographer, videographer, and other vendors.
Pick Up Marriage License: Retrieve your marriage license.
Pack for the Honeymoon: Prepare for your honeymoon and pack your bags.
1-2 Weeks Before: Crossing T's and Dotting I's
Confirm Details: Check in with all vendors and confirm final details.
Rehearsal: Attend the wedding rehearsal to iron out any last-minute kinks.
Prepare Vendor Payments: Prepare payment envelopes for vendors.
The Day Before: Relax and Rehearse
Relax: Take some time for self-care and relaxation before the big day.
Rehearse: Attend your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Prepare Essentials: Pack an emergency kit and gather all necessary items for the wedding day.
The Big Day: It's Finally Here!
Enjoy: Let go of stress and soak in every beautiful moment of your wedding day.
Trust Your Vendors: Trust your professional team, including your photographers and videographers, to capture all the magic.
Congratulations, you've made it! Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind, but with careful preparation and the right vendors by your side, your big day will be everything you've ever dreamed of. We can't wait to be a part of your journey and capture every precious moment for you to treasure forever.