First things first, Happy early New Year to everyone! I know it’s a couple of days away, but since this is posting before New Year Eve, I wanted to say it now.  🙂 Also, congratulations to the new brides out there! This is such an exciting time in your life. Let the wedding planning begin!

Wedding Plan Timelines

Because I am sure there are a ton of brides just beginning their research, I thought it would be a good time to call on my past experience as a wedding photographer! I wanted to talk wedding planning timelines with you. This can vary so much between weddings. In general, though, this is the order with which you can start a plan.

1 Year Prior

• Work out a budget. Be sure to give yourself enough to plan your dream wedding!
• Book a venue. For some venues, one year out may not be enough time.
• Draft a guest list.
• Have your engagement party.
• Register for gifts.
• Hire your wedding planner.  I highly recommend Megan Rusch Soiree’s.
• Hire your wedding photographer. I recommend Laura Ann Miller, ImageClairity,  or Conner Photography!

10 Months Prior

• Pick an officiant.
• Choose your bridal party.
• Meet with caterers, Dj’s, etc.
• Take engagement photos.
• Launch your wedding website.

8 Months Prior

• Order your dress!
• Block hotel rooms for guests.
• Begin cake tastings and order your cake.
• Begin your makeup trials.  I highly recommend the Blowout Bar or Savanah Summer Beauty.

6 Months Prior

• Choose your invitations.  I really like On Three Designs in St. Louis!
• Send out your Save the Dates.
• Book your Honeymoon.
• Order your bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Purchase your wedding bands.  Check out The Diamond Family in STL. 🙂
• Book your florist.
• Arrange transportation.
• Begin planning your day of timeline.  I am actually planning to make an entire blog post about this in the next few months so stay tuned!
• Book your BOUDOIR SESSION!!! You knew this was going to be in here some where.

4 Months Prior

• Choose your groomsmen’ attire.
• Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
• Confirm vendors
• Confirm your hair and makeup.
• Choose your music.
• Finalize the menu and flowers.
• Order favors.
• Plan the readings during the wedding and a list of those giving toasts at the reception.
• Print menu cards and programs.
• Finalize the order of the ceremony and reception.
• Send a timeline to your wedding vendors.
• Have your boudoir session photographed.

 

2 Months Prior

• Mail the invitations.
• Write/decide on wedding vows.
• Purchase your day of accessories.
• Confirm the day of transportation.
• Meet with/touch base with your vendors.
• Pick up your BOUDOIR ALBUM!

6 Weeks to 1 Month Prior

• Get your marriage license.
• Send out final payments
• Have your bachelorette party!
• Have your bridal shower!
• Confirm times for hair and makeup and the other vendors.
• Give your shot list to your photographer.
• Review the music with the DJ.
• Purchase bridesmaids’ gifts.

Week of the Wedding

• Final head count of guests.
• Finalize the seating chart.
• Send a timeline to the bridal party.
• Pick up your dress.
• Check in one last time with your photographer.
• Pack for your honeymoon.

2 Days Prior

• Get a spray tan with Missy at Just Fakin Tans.
• Have your nails done.
• Wrap bridesmaids’ gifts and grooms gifts.

Then…

Get married!

I’m not gonna lie, even writing all that down stressed me out.  Be sure to have a planner and someone you can trust to help you keep on track! Planning a wedding can be so overwhelming and you don’t want to get behind. It’s a special day and you want it to be perfect. 🙂

Again congratulations to all the newly engaged girls out there! I really am so happy for you!