Congratulations! You're recently engaged!... Now what? Whether you've had your wedding day all planned out since you were a little girl, 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 wedding.
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
- Select a wedding planner/day-of coordinator (And read this post about why you should have one!)
- Secure a photographer, videographer, DJ, caterer, Hair & Makeup Artists (H/MUA), & cake artist
- Initial consultation with event rental company & selections made for tents, tables, chairs, linens, etc.
- Choose colors & overall theme
- Start shopping for your wedding dress
- Take engagement photos
- Gather addresses for invitations
6-9 Months Out
- Purchase wedding dress
- Decide on bridesmaids' dresses/groomsmen's attire
- Look into an officiant, transportation & any other day-of vendors
- Book the honeymoon
- Contact hotel for guest 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 (read these tips for favors your guests will love!)
- 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, pack for your honeymoon...)
- Practice your vows
- Write your fiancé a note
- Pack for honeymoon
- Put together a "bridal tote" full of all the important little details for your wedding day - your photographer will want to photograph these! (shoes, jewelry, something borrowed/blue/new, perfume, garter, copies of invitations & any other wedding stationery including envelopes, wedding ring boxes, and 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
Special thanks to our local professionals:
Kayla Brim (Idaho Stylists), Carli Hobson (Carli + Beau Photo & Cinema), Diana Blaylock (Mama's Best Bakery), Taylor Bulkley (Bulkeez Blossoms), Tyler Jones (Porked Out Catering), Christa Hannold (Christa's Dress Shoppe & Tuxedo), and Shelly Gill (Party Center) for your input!
