You’ve said yes or popped the question, the ring is sparkling, and the excitement of a lifetime with your partner is just beginning. But what comes next? It’s time to plan the big day, and while it might seem overwhelming, don’t fret. We’re here to help with our comprehensive wedding planning timeline and checklist, featured in the 2023 issue of Weddings in Houston Magazine.
Many dream about a fairytale wedding their whole lives, and now it’s time to make it a reality. You’ve got to pick the perfect venue, send out those gorgeous invitations, choose your aisle-worthy attire, and ensure you’ve booked the best of the best vendors.
Before you know it, you’ll be ticking off tasks and counting down to the days till you say “I Do”. Remember, this is your love story, your celebration…let’s make it enjoyable, shall we?
12+ Months Before
- Get engaged!
- Start envisioning your wedding theme/design
- Pick a wedding date
- Draw up a budget
- Hire a wedding planner
- Book your venue
8-10 Months Before
- Create your gift registry
- Shop for and order your gown
- Work with your wedding planner to narrow down your design
- Choose and invite your wedding party
- Choose and book your wedding vendors (photographer, videographer, florist, wedding entertainer)
- Reserve guest accommodations
6-8 Months Before
- Send out save-the-dates
- Order your invitations
- Order your wedding party attire
- Meet with your officiant
- Start planning your honeymoon; get or renew passports if needed
4-6 Months Before
- Taste cakes and hire a baker
- Purchase your wedding bands
- Schedule hair and makeup professionals
- Give your shower host your guest list
- Book your rehearsal dinner venue
- Start your fittings for your wedding day attire
3-4 Months Before
- Finalize your flowers
- Finalize your menu
- Rent or purchase formalwear
- Order wedding favors
- Make your toast list
- Attend your shower
1-2 Months Before
- Print your wedding program
- Mail your invitations
- Do your final wedding gown fittings
- Confirm all of your vendors
- Meet with your photographer
- Finalize your music and give the playlist to DJ or wedding band
1-2 Weeks Before
- Review the RSVP list and do last follow-ups
- Finalize your seating chart (or do without!)
- Give caterer a final headcount
- Salon visit or spa day
- Print place cards
- Give a must-have shot list to photographer
1-3 Days Before
- Press wedding gown
- Pick up formalwear
- Make sure every member of your wedding party have attire ready
- Arrange for guests to be picked up from airport and brought to hotel
- Give marriage license to officiant
- Write checks to vendors
Wedding Day
- Present gifts to parents, wedding party and each other
- Give wedding bands to maid of honor and best man
- Give MOH or best man the check to give officiant after the ceremony
- Make sure the photographer knows who are family members and members of the wedding party
- Get married!
Post Wedding
- Write thank-you notes
- Return any attire rentals
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Check-in for your flight
- Rest, relax and enjoy your first newlywed adventure together!
“The Wedding Planning Timeline & Checklist Every Couple Needs” Spotlight WiH Partners- Photography: Kate Elizabeth Photography | Amy Maddox Photography | Venues: Julia Ideson Library | Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa | The Bell Tower on 34th | Tabletop + Registry: Bering’s | Cake: Susie’s Cakes | Wedding Entertainment: Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band | Planning + Design: The Events Company
Contributing Vendors- Photography: Amelia Soegijono Photography / Stephania Campos / Kate Robinson Photography / Mackenzie Reiter Photography / Kacie Q Photography / Wandering Woo Photography / Bottega 53 / L’atelier de Veronica Halim / Chateau de Santeny / LXE Moments / Vivienne Paris Bride / Reina Kim Artistry
