After “Yes” | What Comes Next?

0–1 Month

1. Celebrate the Moment!
   • Enjoy being engaged! Share the news with family and close friends before making a public announcement.
   • Take engagement photos if desired.
2. Get Your Ring Sized and Insured
   • Ensure your engagement ring fits properly and is insured in case of loss or damage.
3. Discuss a Vision for Your Wedding
   • Talk with your partner about the kind of wedding you both envision (size, theme, formality, etc.).
   • Set a tentative date or season for the wedding.
4. Set a Preliminary Budget
   • Determine how much you’re willing to spend and discuss who will contribute financially.
5. Create a Draft Guest List 
   • Start drafting a guest list to estimate the size of your wedding.

12+ Months Before the Wedding

1. Choose a Venue
   • Decide on the location for your ceremony and reception.
   • Book early to secure your preferred date.
2. Hire a Wedding Planner 
   • If you want professional help managing details, now is the time to find a planner.
3. Set Your Wedding Theme
   • Decide on colors, themes, or any unique aspects of the wedding.
4. Start Assembling Your Vendor Team
   • Research and book key vendors, such as a photographer, videographer, caterer, and band/DJ.

9–12 Months Before the Wedding

1. Choose the Wedding Party
   • Ask close friends and family to be your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or part of your wedding team.
2. Shop for Your Wedding Attire
   • Start shopping for your wedding dress or suit and schedule fittings.
   • Coordinate attire for the wedding party.
3. Send Save-the-Date Cards
   • Especially for destination weddings or if your date falls during a busy season.
4. Plan Engagement Photos
   • Schedule a session with your photographer if you haven’t already.

6–9 Months Before the Wedding

1. Book Additional Vendors
   • Secure florists, bakers (for the cake), transportation, and any specialty services (e.g., photo booths).
2. Plan the Ceremony
   • Meet with your officiant to discuss the ceremony structure and any religious or cultural traditions.
3. Create a Wedding Website
   • Include key details like the date, location, and hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests.
4. Reserve Hotel Blocks
   • Arrange accommodations for guests traveling from out of town.
5. Register for Gifts
   • Create your wedding registry with items in various price ranges.

4–6 Months Before the Wedding

1. Finalize the Guest List
   • Work with your partner and families to confirm the guest list.
   • Send out save-the-date cards
   • Send out invitations .
2. Plan the Honeymoon
   • Book flights, accommodations, and any activities for your honeymoon.
3. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Should Begin scheduling Pre-Wedding Events
   • Plan the bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinner, brunch, spa retreat, and tea.
4. Menu Tasting
   • Confirm catering and finalize the menu.

3–4 Months Before the Wedding

1. Confirm Details with Vendors
   • Reconfirm bookings and details with all your vendors.
2. Order Wedding Favors
   • Choose and order favors for guests.
3. Organize the Ceremony and Reception Timeline
   • Plan the order of events for the day and share it with your vendors.
4. Prepare for Marriage License
   • Research requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your state.

2 Months Before the Wedding

1. Send Invitations
   • The formal Invitations (typically go out 6–8 weeks before the wedding).
2. Write Your Vows
   • IBride and groom should start writing personalized vows, now.
3. Create a Seating Chart
   • Begin organizing seating based on received RSVPs (don’t forget to leave a few empty seats at table for unexpected guests).
4. Final Fittings
   • Schedule your final wedding gown, bridesmaids dress and groom and groomsmen suit fittings.