Congratulations on Your Engagement!

What an incredibly exciting time this is for you both! I’m absolutely thrilled for you, as there’s nothing more special than building a life with your best friend.

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting experiences, but it can also feel overwhelming. After being in the wedding industry for years, I’ve created a wedding checklist to help guide you all the way from engagement to your big day with ease. This general overview will keep you on the right track until you find your professional wedding planner.

12+ Months Before the Wedding

Set Your Budget

Your budget will shape every aspect of your wedding. It’s crucial to first establish what you value most as a couple. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and allocate funds to different areas.

Choose a Date & Venue

As you go into your wedding venue tours, you should consider the season, rain plans, and guest count. What else should you look for in your wedding venue? I’ve compiled a list of things I think are important for you to consider, and you can read over that here.

Hire a Wedding Planner

A professional and experienced wedding planner will hands down likely be your favorite investment at the end of the day. No regrets, just do it. If you’re planning your wedding in Eastern NC along the Crystal Coast, New Bern, or Raleigh areas, I’d be more than happy to send wedding planner recommendations your way!

9-12 Months Before

Secure Key Vendors

Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, hair and makeup, and entertainment. Wedding vendors book up fast, often a year (or more) in advance. Booking your preferred vendors in advance will ease your mind knowing your top priorities are secured.

Dress Shopping & Wedding Attire

Coastal Knot, Carolina Bridal World, and Thornbury Brides are a few bridal boutiques my North Carolina brides love shopping at.

You’ll want to allow plenty of time for ordering, fittings, and alterations. This rule of thumb not only applies to your wedding dress, but also goes for bridesmaids’ dresses as well as the groom and groomsmen suits or tuxedos.

Schedule Your Engagement Photoshoot

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite things ever!

I recommend scheduling 6-12 months out from your wedding if you’re wanting to use your engagement photos for Save the Dates. Your engagement photos are also perfect to use on your wedding website and as decoration at your wedding shower.

Choose Your Wedding Party

Think deeply about who you really want to be by your side to celebrate this moment with. After intentionally selecting your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other attendants, ask them to be a part of your big day.

Create a Wedding Website

Your wedding website will serve as the “go-to” place for your guests to refer back to over and over leading up to your wedding day.

Finalize Guest List

Choose a Wedding Stationery Artist

Send Out Save the Dates

You don’t need all the fine details to send out save the dates – simply the date and location will do! You’ll want to get these out as soon as your wedding date and location are confirmed, so your guests can mark their calendars and make travel arrangements.

6-9 Months Before

Design Your Wedding

How do you envision your dream wedding? This is when all the inspo pics filled with wedding color palettes, florals, and tabletop decor start turning into reality.

Book Florist

Book Rentals

Book Transportation

Plan Your Honeymoon

3-6 Months Before

Send Out Formal Wedding Invitations

Finalize Menu with Caterer

Wedding Signage

Register for Gifts

Plan Rehearsal Dinner

Schedule Hair & Makeup Trials

1-3 Months Before

Final Dress Fitting

Create a Detailed Wedding Day Timeline

Apply for Your Marriage License

Curate a Playlist

Confirm Vendor Details

Create Seating Chart

2-4 Weeks Before

Make Final Payments

Review Final Timeline

Pack for the Honeymoon

Wedding Week

Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner

Ensure everyone knows their role for the big day to keep things running smoothly!

Relax & Enjoy!

Relax. Trust in your wedding vendor team along with all of your work leading up to this special day. Soak in every moment and enjoy celebrating your love surrounded by all of your closest friends and family!

A well-organized wedding is the key to a stress-free and beautiful celebration. By following this checklist, you’ll be well on your way to being fully prepared for your wedding.

If you’re still searching for a photographer to capture your love story in a timeless, candid, and genuine way, let’s chat! Reach out here and I’ll be in touch soon!