Planning Checklist

This checklist is an overview of what you can you expect as you’re planning your big day, and will give you an idea of where you should be at different points in the planning process.  Please note that this is a generic checklist and serves as a guide, but may not precisely correlate with your specific wedding plans.   However, we know that having an overview of the planning timeline can be helpful at the start.  Feel free to copy it and make changes.

If this list looks overwhelming, we can help with a custom timeline. Let us know and we'd be happy to add that to your contract.

 

12+ Months Out

  • Determine wedding budget 

  • Choose wedding date 

  • Pick wedding color palette and aesthetic

  • Start guest list 

  • Choose ceremony and reception venues

9-12 Months Out

  • Determine bridal party – groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s)

  • Start gift registry

  • Choose photo and video vendors

  • Book engagement shoot

  • Determine officiant  

  • Begin wedding dress shopping 

  • Order wedding stationery

  • Choose florist and other important design vendors

  • Select design details including rentals, florals, lighting, linens, etc. 

6-8 Months Out

  • Choose hair and makeup artists  

  • Pick bridesmaids dresses

  • Create wedding website

  • Finalize the menu and catering details including cake

  • Choose wedding entertainment for ceremony and reception

  • Determine guest accommodations and book hotel blocks 

  • Secure transportation for the bridal party and guests

4-5 Months Out

  • Pick bridal party attire for groomsmen, flower girl(s), and ring bearer(s)

  • Send out save the dates

  • Go ring shopping and pick wedding bands 

  • Finalize ceremony (aside from personal vows)

  • Determine rehearsal dinner location and details 

  • Determine any post-wedding brunch location and details 

  • Schedule hair and makeup trial

2-3 Months Out

  • Purchase any wedding day accessories – veil, shoes, jewelry, etc. 

  • Finalize pre-wedding festivities (i.e., bridal shower, bachelor and bachelorette parties)

  • Find something borrowed and something blue (if you’re into that)

  • Send out invitations

  • Decide what your favors will be

  • Have your first dress fitting 

  • Finalize ceremony and reception music

  • Kick off call with Eastman Events.

  • Venue walk through with Eastman Events.

Less Than 1 Month Out

  • Plan review call with Eastman Events

  • Make final vendor payments 

  • Share timeline with bridal party

  • Schedule final dress fitting 

  • Finalize seating chart for reception

  • Obtain marriage license

  • Confirm final RSVPs and meal counts

  • Final Detail Meeting with Eastman Events.