First off, congratulations on your engagement! YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED! I am beyond excited for you. Seriously, planning is one of my favourite parts of getting married (obviously) this is where you can be creative, expressive, and traditional (or non-traditional).

A lot of couples find this part to be the most time-consuming, and even stressful part of getting married. They aren’t wrong. Planning will take a lot of time, (over 200 hours) and schedules won’t always be your friend (inquiries aren’t always answered immediately, sometimes taking up to a week to be responded to), which is why I HIGHLY recommend hiring a Wedding Planner, even if it’s JUST for managing the day-of details. The last thing you want to think about is to remember to give that final payment to the bartenders or to bring the decor to the ceremony. So here are some tips + tricks on what to do next.

18-12 Months Before
→    Get inspired! 
→     Choose a color scheme
→     Workout your budget
→→ Remember to prioritize what is more important to you two on your wedding day
→     Pick your date
→     Hire a planner
→     Buy your dress
→     Start a wedding binder
→     Place quotes and notes here to keep them organized

10-8 Months
→     Hire your wedding photographer
→ Videographer if you’re thinking so as well
→     Create a wedding website
→→ This can keep your guests up to date with what’s going on
→     Begin your gift registry
→     Book the officiant
→     Choose caterers

6 Months
→     Finalize your guest list and address requests
→     Purchase your invitations
→     Choose bridesmaid dresses
→     Reserve rentals you require
→     Book a florist
→     Book transportation services
→     Send out save-the-dates*

4-5 Months
→     Cake Testing
→     Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
→     Send your Bridal Shower & Bachelorette/Bachelor invite list to your Bridal Parties
→     Check on invitations status
→     Book rehearsal dinner venue
→     Schedule hair and make-up artist
→     Choose the music, have fun and create playlists!
→     First dress fitting
→     Look for accessories
→     Groom’s attire
→     Book accommodations for the wedding night

3 Months
→     Finalize menu with caterers
→     Print menu cards
→     Print programs
→     Meet with Florist
→     Purchase rings
→     Finalized event schedule and begin creating day-of-timeline
→     Order wedding favours
→     Meet with the officiant
→     Decide on readings and timeline for the ceremony

2 Months
→     Meet with your photographer
→     Review the playlist with the band/DJ
→     If you are not wanting anything played, it’s a good time to provide them with this
→     Send our invitations
→     Check in with vendors
→     Enjoy your Bachelorette/Bachelor parties!

1 Months
→     Get your marriage license
→     Attend your last dress fitting
→     Send out rehearsal dinner invitations
→     Confirm times with all the vendors
→     Create your seating chart
→     Enter all RSVPs into your guest list
→     Purchase Bridal party favours
→     Write vows
→     Check on hotel room block
→     Call guests who have not RSVP’d yet for the final headcount
→     Ensure the wedding party knows their roles and responsibilities

1 Week
→     Touch base with all your vendors to ensure they have day-of timelines
→     Outsource any small day-of tasks to friends & family
→     Ensure your Bridal Party has the day-of timeline
→     Send final numbers to the caterer
→     Double check final payments/fill envelopes for the final day-of payments
→     Wear your shoes – a great way to break them in
→     Plan a spa day with your mom!

After
→     Don’t forget to write Thank-you cards
→     Officially change your name!
→     Honeymoon time…