9 to 11 Months Before Your Wedding
11 Months
Tour Venues:
Start checking out your favorite venues and be sure to ask plenty of questions. Find out if each venue is available on your desired date and ask about pricing. As you tour your few favorite spots, take note of how each one fits with your vision, budget, and guest list size. Consider other essential elements like parking lot size, location, catering restrictions, and overall vibe.
Research and Interview Caterers:
If your venue does not offer a caterer, you'll have to hire one. Think about the type of food you want and research caterers--you might want to ask the venues you're interested in to provide a list of recommendations.Once you find a few caterers, meet with them to ask questions and explore options that fit in your budget. If possible, schedule tastings so you can get a better feel for their catering style. It really helps to have a solid idea of how many guests you plan to invite because it'll affect your budget for catering.
Plan an Engagement Party:
Consider if you want to have an engagement party, and decide if you want it to be a casual occasion or something more formal. Either way, your engagement party should be all about having a great time with loved ones!
Pick Your Color Theme:
Think about colors as you tour different venues. Have fun with it, and remember that everything doesn't have to match perfectly.
10 Months
Secure Your Venue:
You don't want to wait too long to book your venue. It sets your wedding date and will also determine how many people you can invite.
Book Your Caterer and Start to Plan the Menu:
It's time to make a final decision about your caterer. You'll need to think about your budget when making your selection, but you also want to choose a caterer who's flexible with menu items, responsive to your inquiries, and happy to meet your needs.
Hire Your Officiant:
Research potential officiants and get to know them a little before you make a decision. The officiant should be someone you and your partner feel comfortable with. If you and your fiancé want to have a friend or family member perform the marriage ceremony, know that it's pretty easy to get ordained online!
Research and Reserve Vendors:
Think of the type of professionals you want to hire for your special day: such as photographers, videographers, bands, DJs, and florists. Research professionals and look for those who match your vision and budget. Schedule appointments to meet with them and don't wait too long to book.
Shop for Your Dress, Shoes, and Accessories:
It's time to make an appointment at a bridal shop and start your wedding dress search! Ideally, you'll want to start shopping for your dress soon after you book a venue, so you have time to choose a gown you love that goes with the overall tone of your wedding. A bridal consultant can help you select a dress that suits your dream design and looks gorgeous with your wedding theme.
Create a Wedding Website:
Your wedding website will keep guests updated and should include information like travel details, itineraries and, eventually, registry info. You also want to print the URL on your save-the-dates, so it's best to start your site sooner rather than later. There are plenty of easy-to-use online tools and templates available to make the process a piece of cake--a few popular options include Wix, Zola, and Minted.
9 Months
Finalize Your Guest List:
It's time to make a final decision about who you want to invite to your big day. Once you and your partner narrow it down to your key friends and family, you'll want to organize their information--create a spreadsheet that includes contact info, RSVPs, gifts, and other important details. You'll need to complete your guest list before you can send out save-the-dates.
Take Engagement Photos:
Once you book your photographer, it's time to take engagement photos--especially if you want to use them on your save-the-date cards. Don't be afraid to get creative and let your personality shine.
Explore Invitations:
You want to start this process early if you plan to work with a graphic designer to create custom invitations. Otherwise, you can wait until six months before your wedding to order invitations.
Choose Your Bridal Party:
Wait until the excitement of your engagement calms down a little before you decide who will be in your bridal party so you don't make a rushed decision. Once you know who you want to be your wedding VIPs, you can have fun popping the question. For example, you might host a casual dinner party to ask your closest companions to be part of your big day, or give them each a special treat and a note that asks them to be your bridesmaid.
Book Hotel Blocks:
Hotel blocks are an excellent solution for out-of-town guests, as well as for anyone who doesn't want to worry about transportation after celebrating. You'll want to book hotel block accommodations as soon as your date and venue are confirmed, especially if you live in a larger city.
Order Your Gown:
Depending on the customization needed for your dress, it could take several months to create your dream gown. You won't be left to navigate the gown-ordering process alone, bridal consultants will help you every step of the way. Now's the time to work with them to finalize your gown and order it.