Wedding planning can be an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be that stressful. Think of it like planning an epic party (with a beautiful dress and a lot of cake). We’re here to guide you through every step, from that glorious moment you say “Yes!” to the moment you say “I do.” Buckle up, lovebirds. Let’s make this fun!
0-3 Months: The “I Can’t Believe We’re Getting Married” Phase
1. Celebrate the Engagement!
- First things first: Take a selfie with the ring. It’s a must. You’ll cherish that blurry, under-the-influence-of-excitement photo forever.
- Tell your tribe: Call your family, friends, and anyone who’ll be excited enough to cry. You’re starting a party, people!
2. Pick a Date
- Do you want a winter wonderland or a sunny summer wedding? Consider your venue options, weather, and any important dates (you don’t want your big day to clash with your bestie’s birthday… unless you want a “we’re both awesome” themed wedding).
- Pro Tip: Choose a backup date. Things get booked fast, and the best venues go faster than a donut at a wedding tasting.
3. Budget Breakdown
- Time to get real about money. Figure out how much you can spend and then… still try to stay within that budget.
- Prioritize your must-haves (the venue, catering, and cake) and your ‘nice-to-haves’ (a llama for the photo booth? Yeah, it’s probably a nice idea but maybe not necessary).
4. Guest List Brainstorm
- Start making a rough guest list. If you’re considering 200 people and your wedding budget is for 50… well, let’s just say it’s time for a chat about trimming down.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner (If You Need One)
- If you’re feeling like, “I’ve got this” and are cool with spreadsheets, then power to you! But if you’d rather sip wine and leave the stress to the pros, now’s the time to hire a planner. Your sanity will thank you.
6. Lock Down the Venue
- Visit a few venues. Think about your wedding vibe—romantic, modern, rustic elegance, or all of the above? Once you find the place where you’re like, “Yep, I could see myself in a white dress here,” sign the contract.
7. Start the Dress Search (and Groomswear!)
- Wedding dress shopping can be magical or magically overwhelming. Set a goal to find “the one” within the first couple of months. Same goes for the groom—let’s get him in that tux or suit.
3-6 Months: Getting Down to Business (And Cake Tastings)
1. Send Out Save-the-Dates
- If your wedding is destination-style or a holiday weekend, now’s the time to send those save-the-date cards. After all, your guests need time to book flights and cancel plans to “just hang out” that weekend.
2. Finalize the Guest List
- Have a serious sit-down with your partner and (maybe) your families to finalize the guest list. This will influence everything—like whether you’re serving gourmet meals or pizza. (Kidding, kind of).
3. Choose Your Wedding Party
- Pick your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and honorary roles (shoutout to the honorary flower girl who is definitely too old for the job but too cute to not be included). Let them know officially—there are gifts to be given, after all.
4. Book Vendors
- Photographer & Videographer: These folks are going to be around a lot, so choose wisely. Interview and book them to capture your best angles.
- DJ/Band: Get your party started before the party even begins. Book your entertainment early—your first dance deserves to be to the perfect song.
- Caterer: You want your guests to remember the meal fondly, not as “that time they served overcooked chicken.” Do a tasting, and make sure your choices are delicious.
- Florist: Flowers are essential to your wedding vibe. Chat with a florist to discuss bouquets, centerpieces, and whether you want flowers for every chair (seriously, some people do this).
- Something to note – The Whitewood Barn has retained the best in the biz when it comes to preferred vendors. They have honed their craft – we have utilized their expertise on multiple occasions and can PROMISE a flawless execution.
5. Wedding Attire (Keep it Moving)
- Brides, pick your dress by now if you haven’t already! Grooms, go suit/tux shopping. You’re going to look amazing, so start envisioning your first look now.
- Schedule your first fitting, and start thinking accessories—shoes, jewelry, veil, and cufflinks.
6. Set Up a Wedding Website –
- Let your guests know what to expect with a website. It’s a great way to share details about the day, registry info, and hotel accommodations.
- Bonus: This can also save you time answering the “What time does it start?” question 3,000 times.
6-9 Months: We’re Getting Close, Folks!
1. Book Hair & Makeup Artists
- Schedule trials so you don’t end up with hair that looks like a hot mess or makeup that doesn’t match your dress. A test run with your stylist can save you a ton of anxiety.
2. Finalize Wedding Day Details
- Start putting together a timeline of events for the big day. When do you get your hair done? When should the cake be delivered? Who’s in charge of herding the guests into their seats for the ceremony?
3. Secure the Cake (Yes, Please)
- Taste-test your cake! And we’re not just talking flavors—make sure it’s the look and size you want too. You’re going to be looking at that cake for a while.
- NOTE – Private intimate cake cuttings have taken over the industry! Keep that in mind!
4. Wedding Invitations
- Choose your invites (go ahead, pick the ones that match your wedding theme) and order them. They’ll take a few weeks to print and mail, so this is a good time to get them out.
9-12 Months: Almost There…
1. Invitations Go Out –
- Mail those invitations! Guests need to RSVP, and you’ll want to confirm your final numbers by 8 weeks out.
2. Final Fittings
- Brides, your final dress fitting is here. It should fit like a glove (or with minimal panic). Grooms, make sure you’ve got your outfit ready to go, too.
3. Finalize the Seating Chart
- Look at your guest list and decide who sits where. Do you want to keep Aunt Susan away from Cousin Jimmy? We’ve got your back.
- NOTE – Winter Wonderland options – if we are moving tables for your dance, put flexible guests at those tables. We sure dont want to cause a rucus!
4. Get Ready to Walk Down the Aisle
- Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Your wedding rehearsel is included in your wedding package with us. Walk through the ceremony with your wedding party so no one trips on their way down the aisle. Your ceremony is why you are here – personalize it! Also, go ahead and practice that kiss.
1 Month Before: Tying Up Loose Ends
1. Confirm Everything
- Call all your vendors, check in with your venue, and make sure everyone is still on the same page. There’s no room for last-minute surprises.
- We have our last meeting in person to finalize all details.
2. Break In Those Shoes
- You’re going to be on your feet a lot, so make sure those wedding shoes are comfortable. Break them in, maybe even wear them around the house. No blisters allowed! BRING YOUR FAVORITE COMFY SHOES!
3. Pack for Your Honeymoon
- Don’t forget the sunscreen! Pack everything you need for your honeymoon, and don’t stress over packing. You’ll be on a beach, after all.
The Big Day: Let’s Do This!
- Get up, get dressed, and enjoy every second of it! You’ve planned this for months—now it’s time to have the best day ever. Soak it all in, and let the love (and cake) flow.
Post-Wedding: (And Cake Leftovers)
- Enjoy your honeymoon and take a deep breath. You did it! You’re married!
