Wedding Planning Checklist

Today is the first day of December and my three year wedding anniversary. I have always loved winter and Christmas so what better time to get married? It may seem a little crazy being so close to Thanksgiving and Christmas. It can be overwhelming and hectic but it can definitely be done. And it can be absolutely beautiful.

If you are considering having a winter wonderland wedding here are some tips from a winter wonderland bride, yours truly!

 

Give yourself plenty of time to plan.

This Wedding Checklist is good to come back to for any wedding date!

 

10-12 months before the wedding :

Start a budget

Start working on that guest list

Compare calendars and select the date

Choose your wedding party

Hire a wedding planner/designer if applicable

Start visiting ceremony/reception locations and book if possible

 

 

6-9 months before the wedding:

Alert out of town guests of wedding date, possibly send out save the dates

Start meeting with caterers

Interview wedding photographers and videographers

Interview DJ

Select a florist

Order your gown and veil

Shop for bridesmaid dresses

Book your honeymoon

Choose your officiant

 

 

4-5 months before the wedding:

Look at wedding cake designs

Book your baker

Look for grooms tux and decide what the groomsmen will wear

Place your wedding invitation order

Confirm dates for bridal showers and bachelorette parties

Be sure to do your registry before bridal shower invitations are sent out

Reserve rental equipment such as tables, chairs, linens

Think about rehearsal dinner location

 

 

2-3 months before the wedding:

Finalize guest list and send invitations

Book makeup artist and hairstylist

Order favors

Flower girl baskets and ring pillows

Purchase wedding accessories

Find gifts for attendants and parents

Prep for honeymoon

Finalize rehearsal dinner plans

Mail invitations at least 8 weeks before the wedding day

 

1-2 months before the wedding:

Bridal gown fitting

Finalize ceremony readings and songs

Order liquor and beverages if not handled by the caterer

Begin writing your vows if applicable

Begin writing thank-you notes for bridal shower

Start thinking about getting your marriage license, typically no earlier than 30 days prior

 

If you are recently engaged and just aren't quite sure where to start I hope this helps!

 

 

Happy anniversary to my amazing supportive husband! I can't wait for the many many more years to come! Thank you for everything you do! I love you!

 

 

Photos by Lindsey Wilson Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

England Wedding

I am so grateful to Clyde and Lindy for allowing me to create and design their country wedding! They were a pleasure to work with and I know they will have a lifetime of happiness. Their wedding was a blast!

For the alter we used white columns wrapped in burlap, ranch ropes, and country bouquets

The guests sat on hay bales wrapped in burlap

We lined the aisle with tree stumps and mis-matched vases

The aisle runner had horse shoes down both sides to hold it in place

 

 

 

 For the centerpieces we used tall vases that we personally wrapped in burlap and twine, horse shoes, and candles

 We decided to use our gift cart as the cake table for this wedding giving it that extra country charm

 

Thanks for reading!

 

 

Location, Location, Location!

Choosing the perfect wedding location can be difficult. There are so many things to consider. First, you need to sit down with the groom and create a list of what you both want. It's his day too. Ask him what he wants. This may also be a good time to discuss budget. What is your budget? You don't need to have a set budget when you first begin planning but you do need to have an idea of how much you can spend before you start the dream venues list. Have a date picked when you start writing down venues.

How many guests do you plan on inviting? How many of those guests will actually attend? If relatives are elderly will they be able to travel comfortably to a long distance venue? If your closest friends have young children will it be possible for them to travel across the state? The day is most definitely about you, but you may consider making a concession or two if it means your closest friends and relatives are able to attend.

What is your style? Whether it's country, rustic, formal, the style you envision will play a big part in determining where to spend your special day.

Wedding ready venues will often have the linens, chairs, tables, lighting, set up/clean-up crew all available to you. If you are choosing a venue that doesn't offer these things then you will also need to consider hiring an event designer and chair/table rentals. Find out what each venue provides!

Consider what your catering needs are. Not every venue will allow you to bring homemade food or the caterer of your choice. Some may have in-house catering menus you are required to choose from.

Is there a kitchen and cooking facilities available to you?

If you are planning on having alcohol you will need to know if they have their liquor license? Can you bring in your own alcohol? Do you need to hire security if there is alcohol?

Consider weather. Is rain, snow or wind a possibility? What is the venues plan B if weather is a problem? Is the building air conditioned/heated?

 

Keep all of these things in mind and ask lots of questions! Happy planning!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 



I just love these French doors. Aren't they gorgeous?

They make a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony, head table or even a two door backdrop for your cake table!

Gomez Wedding

This simple yet beautiful wedding took place in Greer, AZ. The ceremony was at the White Mountain Lodge and the reception was moved to the community center due to rain. I loved working with this couple and their family.  Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Gomez! Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day.

Sherman Wedding

I was honored to be a part of the beautiful Sherman Wedding this past weekend in Pinetop, AZ. The wedding took place at Lazy Oaks Resort, beautiful scenery and weather. If you are looking for an outdoors destination wedding, this could be the place for you!