So you found your partner on one knee, proposing they spend the rest of their lives with you... CONGRATS (cue the happy screams and ugly crying)
This is officially one of the best times of your entire life -- also arguably the most stressful. Wedding planning is no easy feat. The good news is you're not alone.
We may be a little biased, but we believe the most important part of your wedding should be what you wear! Your bridal gown is the most important dress you will EVER wear. Your future grandchildren will see these photos from your wedding day. Bottom line, we need to be looking fabulous.
The ideal time to begin shopping for your dress is 12 - 14 months before your wedding date. DO NOT postpone shopping for your gown. 12-14 months is the sweet spot -- styles will still be trending for your wedding day, but you won't have the stress of paying rush fees to ensure your dress is delivered on time. Once you find yourself under 12 months to the wedding date, it's crunch time. Keep in mind, you need the dress in time to do alterations (at least 2 months before your wedding)! Some designers are even unable to produce and ship a gown in that time frame. Be ahead of the game and avoid unnecessary stress when it comes to shipping delays.
Luckily for you, we created the ultimate timeline to your wedding day. Utilize our timeline below to make sure you are on track to the best wedding ever.
Official wedding planning timeline:
Immediately after the proposal:
Celebrate your engagement!
Start thinking about the ideal wedding date.
Create a wedding specific email address
Join a wedding planning community (check local Facebook groups!)
Gather some wedding inspiration and be prepared to show it during Vendor meetings (Pinterest comes in handy!)
Take time to visit a few venues
Look into ring insurance
12-14 months before:
Solidify your venue and wedding date
Book your band/ DJ
Book your photographer/ videographer
Book your florist
Reserve your hair & makeup
Say yes to your wedding gown, dress or suit!
Start building a guest list
Begin proposing to your bridal party
Take engagement photos
Build your wedding website
Create your Save the Dates
Choose your wedding party
Plan your engagement party
Find a hotel near your venue and book blocks for your guests
Start a spreadsheet of guests names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.
Begin thinking about where you would like to travel for your honeymoon
6-8 months before:
Begin booking honeymoon flights, hotels, excursions, etc.
Make wedding website visible to guests
Research invitation designs and options
Book trials for hair and makeup!
Add gifts to registry
Enjoy bachelorette/ bachelor parties
Food/ cake tastings
Book rehearsal dinner Venues
Book transportation to and from the ceremony location, venue, and hotels.
Renew your passport!
Meet with your venue to discuss lighting
5 months before:
Send out finalized invitations
Pick out suiting for groomsmen
Book hair, makeup and nail appointments for bridal party
Pick out wedding bands
4 months before:
Start organizing venue decorations and signage
Organize wedding favors
Organize seating chart by table
Design seating chart board
Create welcome bags for guests
Get together a day-of timeline
Buy bridal accessories
3 months before:
Book a local photographer for your honeymoon
Confirm date, time, and location with ALL of your vendors
Meet with officiant and begin writing vows
Start collecting RSVP's
Take dance lessons
Confirm menus
Confirm wedding cake design and flavors
Create a playlist of songs for your DJ
Confirm first dance song
Order "getting ready outfits" for you and your bridal party
2 months before:
Create menus for each table
Send invitations for rehearsal dinner
Order Thank You cards
Begin alterations for your bridal gown
Write a honeymoon packing list
Apply for your marriage license
Create a list for your photographer of everyone you want pictures with
Finalize outfits for all upcoming wedding events
Finalize payments for venue and all vendors
Set aside money for tips for all vendors
1 month before:
Finalize seating chart
Pack for honeymoon
Finalize day-of timeline
Get manicure & pedicure
Treat yourself to a facial and massage (at least 5 days before the wedding day)
Final gown fitting
Deliver all decorations to the venue
Plan and write your wedding toast
Finalize vows and practice speaking
Invite friends/ family to write out a toast
Day of:
Celebrate, enjoy, and remember to take in every moment
Have you gone dress shopping yet? If yes, please share with us your experience! DM us @ivory_and_main on Instagram. Your shopping story could be featured on our podcast!
If you haven't gone dress shopping just yet, check out our full website and book an appointment! We are a curvy bridal boutique that is all inclusive. No matter your size, you will fit into our gowns and look absolutely beautiful. Our stylists are excited to meet you and help you find 'The One'.