relive forever. Right after you get engaged (Week 1–2) Celebrate + breathe. (Seriously—take a moment.) Talk about your Top 3 priorities (photos, food, party, intimacy, travel). Decide your rough guest count range. Set a starter budget + “must-spend” categories. Pick a season + general location. Start a planning hub (Drive + notes + one spreadsheet). Make a short “dream vendor” list (venue, planner, photo/video, music). Photo tip: If photos matter a lot, check your photographer’s availability before you lock your date. 12–10 months out (Foundation decisions) Book your venue (ceremony + reception). Hire your planner/coordinator (full, partial, or month-of). Book photographer + videographer (if desired). Book catering/bar. Book DJ/band. Choose your officiant. Start your wedding website + wedding email. Start attire shopping (especially if custom). 9–7 months out (Design + guest experience) Pick your “three words” vibe (ex: coastal / timeless / warm). Book florist, hair + makeup, rentals, cake/dessert, transportation. Choose ceremony details (vows, readings, music). Start collecting guest addresses/emails. Send Save the Dates. Photo tip: If you want glowy portraits, plan a sunset photo window. 6–4 months out (Logistics phase) Book honeymoon (or mini-moon). Order attire + schedule alterations. Plan tastings (catering + dessert). Choose rentals + décor direction (linens, chairs, lounge, candles). Draft your first day-of timeline. 3–2 months out (Invites + timeline + final picks) Send invitations + set RSVP deadline (~4 weeks before). Choose key music + reception moments (dances, toasts, flow). Finalize hair/makeup schedule. Write vows + speeches. Decide unplugged ceremony or not. 6–4 weeks out (Final counts + confirmations) Track RSVPs + follow up. Create seating chart. Send final headcount to venue/caterer. Confirm vendor arrival times + payments/tips. Finalize day-of timeline (prep → ceremony → family → reception → sunset → exit). Check marriage license timing for your county. Photo tip: Make a short family photo list (names + groupings). It saves stress and time. 2 weeks out (Pack + protect your peace) Final fitting + break in shoes. Pack an emergency kit (fashion tape, stain pen, safety pins, snacks, water). Gather photo details in one bag (rings, invite suite, vow books, heirlooms). Assign one person to handle questions day-of (not you). Wedding day essentials Marriage license + IDs Rings Vows/speeches Vendor tips/envelopes Timeline printed/shared Snacks + water Comfort shoe option After the wedding Return rentals/borrowed items. Thank-you notes (10 a night keeps it painless). Back up photos/videos in 2 places. Order prints + albums (your photos deserve to live off your phone). Leave vendor reviews. Want a photo-first wedding timeline? Tell me your date (or season), venue/city, guest count range, and your Top 3 priorities — and I’ll help map a calm, realistic timeline that protects the moments you’ll want forever. Let’s Connect
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