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
