By Terry Meadows
Are you a bride-to-be with a heart full of dreams and just nine months to turn those dreams into a dazzling reality?
Feeling the excitement of your upcoming wedding but also a hint of overwhelm?
Look no further because, in this comprehensive guide, we'll answer those questions and more, providing you with a meticulously crafted 9-month wedding timeline.
At Zion Springs, we have helped over 400 brides through the wedding planning journey and understand the stress and anxiety intrinsic to making your wedding day the best day ever.
Download this timeline and check each item as you complete it.
Getting Ready for a Wedding in 9-Months
Before starting your 9-month wedding planning journey, ask yourself these questions:
Booking a Wedding Venue as Soon as Possible
Choosing the right wedding venue is is one of the first major decisions in the wedding planning process, often requiring booking months in advance to secure your desired date and setting. If you are struggling to find somehwere, you might consider alternative venue types or non-traditional days like weekdays or Fridays for the event.
Creating a Wedding Budget
Setting a budget is a critical early step in wedding planning. It helps you focus spending on what's most important to you, preventing financial surprises and allowing you to invest in your wedding's key aspects.
Is a Wedding Planner Necessary?
Wedding planners can greatly reduce stress and time spent by offering their expertise, connections, and creative ideas, ensuring your day runs smoothly. However, they do come with extra costs and may lead some brides to feel they have less control over their wedding details.
Month-by-Month Wedding Timeline
This checklist gives you hints and suggestions for each item. Use our downloadable timeline for a simplified version.
| 9 months | Set your wedding budget and priorities list |
| Start your guest list with names and contact information | |
| Narrow down what venues appeal to you | |
| Research venues | |
| Choose and reserve a venue | |
| Set your wedding date and time | |
| Hire a wedding planner | |
| Book your wedding officiant/celebrant | |
| Select your wedding party | |
| Start shopping for dresses for the bride and bridesmaids | |
| 8 months | Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests |
| Reserve your wedding night accommodation | |
| Set your theme and color scheme for your wedding | |
| Start shopping for groom and groomsmen attire | |
| Create a wedding website | |
| Choose and order your wedding invitations and Save the Date notices | |
| Hire a catering vendor | |
| Apply for destination wedding travel documents (if required) | |
| Select your vendors (if they are not included all-inclusive venue package) | |
| Purchase wedding insurance | |
| Set up a gift registry | |
| Plan and book the honeymoon | |
| 7 months | Research wedding ring designs |
| Reserve transportation | |
| Wedding dress fitting | |
| Take engagement photos | |
| Send Save the Date notices | |
| Set up a tasting date and hire a cake vendor | |
| Rent bathroom trailers (if required) | |
| Research and order wedding favors | |
| 6 months | Book the rehearsal dinner venue |
| Send bridal shower and bachelor party guests’ contact information to the maid of honor and best man | |
| Purchase the wedding rings | |
| 5 months | Check in with your florist |
| Decide on a playlist and share it with your DJ/musicians | |
| Check in with your sound and lighting vendors | |
| Purchase thank-you gifts for the wedding party | |
| 4 months | Schedule make-up and hair appointments |
| Groom and groomsmen suits and schedule alteration fittings | |
| 3 months | Organize childcare arrangements and activities if required |
| Send wedding invitations | |
| 2 months | Choose ceremony readings and write the vows and reception speeches |
| Apply for the marriage license | |
| Finalize the menu with the caterer | |
| Bachelor & Bachelorette party | |
| Create and share the run-sheet with vendors | |
| Buy day-of accessories | |
| Order the wedding programs, menu cards, and thank you notes | |
| 4 weeks | Start creating the seating chart |
| Follow up tardy RSVPs | |
| Confirm the ceremony running order with your celebrant/officiant | |
| Confirm the shot list with your photographer and videographer | |
| Confirm your song list for the ceremony and reception with your musicians/DJ | |
| Schedule hair and make-up test run | |
| Purchase wedding decor | |
| Finalize your full-day timeline | |
| 3 weeks | Finalize your seating arrangements |
| Confirm your honeymoon bookings | |
| 2 weeks | Give a final headcount to your caterer and rental vendors |
| Finalize with your vendors | |
| Print the seating chart table and cards | |
| Confirm your rehearsal dinner booking | |
| Assign somebody to collect your gifts and belongings after the reception | |
| Assign somebody to oversee the return of rental items, including tuxes, the day after the wedding | |
| Set up your support team | |
| 1 week | Give your wedding planner a final timeline |
| Break in your wedding shoes | |
| Begin packing for the honeymoon | |
| Pack emergency kit | |
| Confirm transportation arrangements | |
| Review contingency plan with the venue in case of bad weather | |
| Make gratuity envelopes for vendor staff if not included in the invoice | |
| Day before | Pick up rental tuxedos (if required) |
| Deliver special items to the venue and the wedding planner | |
| Check the weather report and pack essentials for inclement weather | |
| Have your marriage license and rings ready and in a safe place | |
| Ceremony rehearsal | |
| Rehearsal dinner |
Reflecting on Your Wedding Planning Journey
We’ve guided you through the key steps and insights for planning your wedding. From the initial planning stages to those magical moments, we've covered essential tips and advice to ensure your day is unforgettable.
At Zion Springs, with our experience of hosting weddings since 2010, we understand the intricacies of wedding planning. Our commitment to educating couples stems from a genuine passion for helping you create the perfect wedding day.
For more in-depth advice and tips, explore our articles on the Answers and Advice page of our website.
All photographs in this article are courtesy of Zion Springs' in-house photographer
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