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Terry Meadows

Published by:

Planning

filEd in:

November 20, 2023

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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.

Quick Start Planning Guide Timlines, Checklists, Strategies, Tips

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.