I’m going to get right to business because, as you plan your wedding, you’re going to hear a lot of noise and we only want to be clear and helpful. The only disclaimer I will give is: this is a basic and general to-do list and timeline for planning your wedding. It may not cover all you have planned but it gives you the idea.
Also, if you look at this list and realize you’d rather hire a wedding planner, visit our Kansas City Preferred Vendor List to see a list of top notch wedding planners and all the other Kansas City wedding professionals we love!
9-12 Months
– Announce Engagement
– Select wedding date
– Hire a Consultant/Coordinator
– Determine type of wedding: location, theme, # of guests, formality, time of day
– Buy a binder to keep track of appointments and events
– Develop a record keeping system for payments
– Create an approximate number guest list
– Decide if you’ll be inviting children or not
– Select and reserve ceremony site
– Select and book photographer
– Set a date for your engagement shoot
– Select and book reception location
– Select and order bridal gown
– Determine color scheme
– Obtain passports and visas if necessary
6-9 months
– Select and book Videographer
– Select and book Florist
– Select and book DJ/Band
– Select and book ceremony musicians
– Take engagement photos
– Order Save the Dates
– Register for wedding gifts
– Select and purchase bridesmaid and flower girl dresses
– Select and purchase Groomsmen and Groom suits
– Give wedding party a list of their responsibilities
4-6 months
– Schedule fittings for all attire
– Arrange marriage prep courses, if necessary
– Reserve wedding rental items
– Select and book decorator
– Finalize and A & B list of guests
– Select and order invitations and other wedding stationary
– Set date, time and location for rehearsal dinner
– Select and book wedding night suite
– Arrange accommodations for out of town guests
– Start planning your honeymoon
– Shop for your wedding gifts for each other
– Shop for your wedding gifts for your wedding party
– Shop for your wedding gifts for your parents
– Buy shoes, lingerie and accessories for the bride
– Buy shoes and accessories for the groom
– Buy shoes and accessories for the bridesmaids and groomsmen
– Select and order wedding bands
2-4 months
– Select and order wedding cake
– Order party favors
– Select and order decorations
– Purchase honeymoon attire and luggage
– Select and book wedding day transportation
– Start addressing your invitations
– Plan activities for out of town guests
– Book wedding day hair and make-up
– Have hair and make-up trial
– Send out your invitations
– Select ceremony readers
– Select ushers
– Select guest book attendant
– Mail bridal shower invitations
6-8 weeks
– Record RSVPs and early wedding gifts
– Record shower gifts and send Thank you cards
– Purchase ceremony and reception accessories: Guest book, Toasting glasses, cake knife, cake forks, ring pillow, etc.
– Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner
– Plan bridesmaid luncheon
– Select something old, new, borrowed, blue if that’s your thing
2-6 weeks
– Finalize food and beverage choices
– Finalize ceremony details with officiant or priest
– Finalize rehearsal arrangements
– Final dress fittings
– Make wedding day itinerary and give a copy to your wedding party and vendors
– Finalize timeline with photographer
– Send vendor/detail information to photographer
– Pick up wedding rings
– Finalize reception seating plan
– Print out seating cards
1 week
– Give Caterer the final tally of guests
– Pack for your honeymoon
– Finish reception favors
Rehearsal Dinner
– Drop off all wedding accessories and decor off at ceremony and reception locations
– Hand out rehearsal dinner gifts to parents and wedding party
– Have final payments in envelopes
– Pack overnight bag for wedding night
– Check in with wedding party
– Give ushers VIP seating instructions
Wedding day
– Eat
– Pack anything remaining on your list
– Check for rings!
– Make sure you have your marriage license
– Put your engagement ring on your right hand
– Take a moment to enjoy the day
When we work together, you get a handy little Pocket Wedding Planner in your Welcome Kit. If you like a list, the best part is checking it complete!
Click here for a free printable version of this checklist.
As a wedding photographer, our first step together is planning your engagement session.
Check out our 7 tips for choosing what to wear to your engagement session.
Still choosing your wedding photographer? We’d love to get to know you! Call Heather at 913-948-3918 or email heather@heatherbrulez.com
