Congratulations! You're recently engaged!... Now what? Whether you've had your wedding day all planned out since you were in kindergarten, or you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of it all, we've talked with local Idaho wedding pros and put together a checklist of the important tasks you need to complete leading up to your big day.
This is a 12-month plan; make adjustments according to your length of engagement!
12 Month Wedding Planning Checklist
As Soon as Possible:
Determine your budget
Select a venue
Set your wedding date
Start thinking about design decisions
9-12 Months Out
Choose colors & overall theme
Select a wedding planner/day of coordinator
Announce/deliver Save-the-dates
Secure a photographer, videographer, DJ, caterer, Hair & Makeup Artist (H/MUA) & Cake Artist
Initial consultation with your event rental company & make selections for tents, tables, chairs & linens
Start shopping for your wedding dress
Schedule engagement photos
Gather addresses for invitations
6-9 Months Out
Start shopping for suit
Decide on bridesmaids/groomsmen's attire
Research officiant, transportation & any other day-of vendors
Book the honeymoon
Contact hotel for guest room availability
3-6 Months Out
Begin premarital counseling
Schedule fittings for groomsmen/bridesmaids
Schedule hair & makeup trial date
Consult with florist
Finalize menu with caterer & cake artist
Schedule rehearsal dinner (be sure to invite officiant)
Work on DIY projects
Create a gift registry
Print & address invitations
2 Months Out
Send invitations
Complete dress alterations
Research and pick up your Idaho Marriage License
Purchase any gifts (wedding party, bride/groom, parents, etc.)
Select tuxedos
1 Month Out
Work towards finalizing wedding timeline with involvement from your planner, photographer/videographer & DJ (no less than 2 weeks out)
Send music selections to DJ
Assemble favors, finish any DIY projects
Final headcount sent to caterer & event rental company
Final selection to florist
Pay all vendors in full
1 Week Out
Send follow-up emails to ALL your vendors finalizing schedules
Work on all the last-minute details (hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, mani/pedi...)
Practice your vows
Write your fiance a note
Pack for honeymoon
Put together a "Bridal Tote" full of all the important little details for your wedding day for your photographer to photograph (shoes, jewelry, something borrowed/blue/new, perfume, garter, copies of invitations & any other wedding stationery including envelopes, wedding ring boxes & any other important trinkets!)
The Day Before
Eat healthy and drink water!
Pack a small bag with personal items
Set out any boxes, totes, suitcases, etc. that need to go with you to the venue
Get a good night's sleep
Take a deep breath! You've got this!
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