The Wedding Planning List
Hey there friends!
Whether I am your coveted wedding photographer or not, I believe all brides need to have the simple resources they need to easily maneuver through their wedding planning process!
Why am I giving you this detailed timeline? Because I've seen firsthand how overwhelming wedding planning can be. Those tiny details that seem insignificant now can become major stress points later. By breaking everything down into manageable steps, I'm helping you breathe a little easier. And trust me, when you're relaxed and enjoying the process, that's when the most magical moments can happen – both in your planning and in your photographs.
- ONE YEAR OUT
- Establish your budget
Get real about finances. Who's contributing? Create a flexible spending plan
- Begin researching wedding vendors
Find vendors who feel like friends. Chemistry is everything in creating your perfect day
- Begin planning the guest list
Start broad. These are the people who will surround you with love and memories
- Narrow down potential wedding dates
Pick a date that tells your story. Consider season, meaningful dates, and photography potential.
- Select and book your venue(s) based on available dates.
Choose spaces that reflect your personality. Think about how your love story will unfold here.
- Hire a local wedding planner
I highly recommend this step and hire them asap!
- 10-12 MONTHS BEFORE
- Select wedding party
Pick your ride-or-die squad. These are the people who'll make your day unforgettable.
- Destination/Holiday weekend? - Mail Save-the-Dates ASAP
This is mainly for those with destination weddings or holiday weekend celebrations
- Choose your wedding photographer
Find someone who sees your love's unique magic. This is your visual storyteller.
- Meet with and finalize decisions for your team of vendors
These book up quickly, so the sooner you decide the better. Priorities might include, Floral/Decor, Caterer, Videographer, and Photographer
- Take engagement photos
Want a specific way to tell your love-story? Reach out to me here, I'd love to be apart of your day!
Let's talk engagement photos for a second, at this point you're probably wanting to get photos for your invitation cards, and maybe also to hang on your wall for the treasured memories. These photos should be true to you and your story together as a couple and choosing a photographer that not only encapsulates that but they should also give you the value of being a close friend and support, that trait is just as important as the photos themselves.
The couples that I serve will be given the support and value they invest in, and you should not only expect that, you deserve that. When you choose me as your photographer you get all of that and more, from resources to help you plan month by month to the simple Pinterest swapping for inspiration for your engagement session (I know some amazing spot for just about any scenario). Your engagement story is more important to me than just the photos you receive, but the location, outfits and experience should be a direct pre wedding example of who you are and the joy you share to live life together.
- 9 MONTHS BEFORE
- Purchase wedding dress, schedule fittings, plan groom & groom's attendants attire
Doing this as soon as possible will create ease of mind for everyone involved and who doesn't love that!
- Book Catering
Food is love. Choose a menu that tells your story and delights your guests.
- Choose a cake designer
Find someone who can make your cakes taste and look bomb!
- Select Hair and Makeup vendors
Find artists who make you feel gorgeous and confident—your photos will thank you!
- Create your gift registry and wedding website
This allows your wedding guests to access important information and sends gifts!
- Reserve any rental equipment
The behind-the-scenes magic that makes your day look effortless.
- Plan entertainment options and book a trusted DJ/Musicians.
- 6-8 MONTHS BEFORE
- Mail save-the-dates
Allows enough time for everyone involved to plan and take off work if needed
- Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
This intimate gathering sets the tone for your celebration weekend—make it uniquely yours
- Purchase grooms attire
Finding the perfect look helps him feel confident and camera-ready for those forever photos
- Book your officiant, meet & confirm any premarital requirements
The person who pronounces you married should connect with your love story and values
- Insure all wedding vendor hires are booked
Your dream team creates wedding magic together—secure everyone early for peace of mind
- 3-5 MONTHS BEFORE
- Meet and finalize menu choices and tasting with your caterer
Taste-testing is the most delicious part of planning—pick flavors that'll make guests rave
- Plan welcome bags and day of stationary like signage and menus
These little personality touches show guests your thoughtfulness from arrival to goodbye
- Choose ceremony music and reception music, discuss with your DJ/Band
The soundtrack to your love story deserves songs that capture every emotion perfectly
- Order formal invitations and book calligrapher (if applicable)
First impressions matter—beautiful paper goodies build excitement for your big day
- Schedule hair and makeup trials
Experiment now so you'll feel absolutely stunning when the eyes are all on you!
- 2 MONTHS BEFORE
- Mail your invitations along with RSVP's one month before your wedding
Getting these out punctually gives guests time to plan and you time to follow up
- Send rehearsal dinner invitations
This intimate pre-wedding celebration deserves its own special invite moment
- Begin planning your wedding vows
Start crafting those heart-melting promises that'll become treasured memories
- Embark on bachelorette/bachelor parties
One last hurrah with your besties makes for fantastic pre-wedding stories
- Confirm details for rehearsal dinner, ceremony & reception
Triple-checking now prevents day-of stress when you should be basking in joy
- Do research for marriage license and name change requirements
Different counties have different rules—knowing them avoids last-minute panics
- 1 MONTH BEFORE
- Pay wedding vendors in full
Clearing finances early lets you focus on emotional preparations instead
- Apply for your wedding license
This magical piece of paper makes your "I dos" legally binding—don't forget it
- Break in those wedding shoes
Your dancing feet will thank you when you're still comfortable at midnight
- Have a trial run with makeup and hair vendors
Perfecting your look ensures you'll feel like royalty when all eyes are on you
- Confirm details with caterer, florist, entertainer and officiant
Quick conversations now prevent miscommunications when it matters most
- Prepare a final shot list for your photographer
Tell me your must-have moments so I can preserve every special memory
- Decide who will do readings and toasts,
Pick people whose words will bring both tears and laughter to your celebration
- 2 WEEKS BEFORE
- Finalize seating arrangements
Strategic placement creates magical connections and conversation flow
- Give caterer and venue your final guest count
Your vendors need this number to create the perfect experience for everyone
- Practice those wedding vows
Rehearsing helps calm nerves so genuine emotion shines through on the day
- Confirm all RSVP's
Follow up on missing RSVPs - gentle nudges ensure you'll know exactly who's celebrating alongside you
- Touch base with all your wedding vendors
Quick hello calls build excitement and confirm everyone's on the same page!
- Schedule final meeting with your planner/coordinator
One final strategy session to ensure your vision becomes beautiful reality
- 1 WEEK BEFORE
- Give assignments to your wedding party and remind them of rehearsal details
Clear instructions help your support squad keep things running smoothly
- Confirm Timelines and details with all vendors
Synchronized schedules mean perfectly timed moments from start to finish
- Prepare gratuities for vendors and arrange for someone to distribute them the day of the wedding
Pre-arranged tip envelopes show appreciation to your wonderful team
- Designate various point people- who is taking care of what on your big day
Delegating tasks frees you to float through your day without worries
- 1 DAY BEFORE
- Get a manicure and pedicure
Gorgeous nails complete your look and photograph beautifully in detail shots
- Eat safe and clean - Let's keep the time for new ingredients to the honeymoon!
Now's not the time for culinary adventures - stick with what makes you feel great
- Stay hydrated- Starbucks doesn't count!
Hydration is your secret weapon for glowing skin in every photograph
- Give your ring one last cleaning
That sparkler deserves to shine its brightest in all your close-up shots
- Host the rehearsal dinner and give out special gifts to wedding party and family
This intimate gathering kicks off your celebration with heartfelt moments
- Ensure dress, shoes, jewelry and accessories are ready to go
Having everything ready prevents morning stress and starts your day peacefully
- Pack an overnight bag for a hotel stay the night of your wedding (if necessary)
Your first-night bag should have everything needed for post-celebration comfort
- Practice those vows out loud and take it in
Final practice makes your promises flow naturally from heart to lips
- THE WEDDING DAY
- Relax and take in the day, knowing you planned everything the way you dreamed!
Your only job today is soaking in every beautiful moment—I'll capture them all
- AFTER
- Write thank-you notes
Personal gratitude makes guests feel valued for sharing your special day
- Change your name (optional)
This administrative task creates your new identity as a married couple
- Write online reviews for all of your vendors (if available)
Your reviews help other couples find the amazing team that made your day perfect
If you're ready to not only have amazing photos but an unforgettable experience, the click here to inquire and check off one more vendor for your very unforgettable day!
