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Book your ceremony and reception venues. Select and inform your attendants. Begin developing your budget. Start your guest list. Interview and book the following: • Planner • Band/DJ • Caterer • Photographer • Videographer • Officiant
During this time period you should:
These are the items you should deal with immediately because in most cases, there are limited options depending on the size of your wedding.
From a practical perspective if you are not an organized person, you should immediately hire a planner or a consultant to help guide you through the process. Many planners on the Coast also do full- service design so you can have your cake and eat it too by telling the designer what you want and letting them assist you with all of the details. In some cases, a caterer or reception venue coordinator can help you with some details (linen choices, rental items, room layouts or seating plans). But generally, you want your chosen vendors to focus on what they are good at.
This timeframe is the most critical when it comes to planning your wedding.
10 - 12 MONTHS
M eet with the officiant and then plan your ceremony. If you are required to attend counseling or attend classes related to your particular faith, begin these as soon as your officiant says to. A rrange transportation for yourself and any guests. O rder your cakes. S tart your day-of timeline. Work with your planner and other vendors (DJ, photographer) to schedule any special moments you want to be sure are documented.
5 - 6 MONTHS
Purchase your dress. S elect your wedding party’s attire. Dress availability and alterations can take up to six months, so start this item as soon as possible. Have your guys fitted for their tuxedos as soon as possible as well. S et up your wedding website, hashtag and handles. R egister at a minimum of three major retailers with online offerings and at least one local gift registry store. P lan for your out-of-town guests. Reserve a block of hotel rooms at several different hotels with varying price points. These hotels should be as close to reception location as possible. S ettle on an invitation design and begin the proofing process. Your invitation may go through several renditions before it’s just right, so give yourself plenty of time. If you are planning on having your invitations hand addressed, hire a calligrapher now. S tart planning the honeymoon. Make sure your passport and any necessary shots are up to date if you will be traveling out of the country.
7 - 10 MONTHS
checklist
Wedding Planning
