WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST - The Commons

 
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WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST - The Commons
WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST
18 - 12 months before
In-between pinterest searching and constant Googling - give your partner a hug. It’s time to get into the details,
how exciting! Focus on getting some of the big elements out of the way, these will all tie into your theme, vibe
and goals of your wedding.

start                              Tour wedding venues - have a look at our incredible wedding venues here

the wheels                         Interview and book wedding planner or day-of coordinator

in motion                                  Do you need one of these? What is the difference?
                                   Start thinking about decor and colours (well - if you are like us you’ve been thinking
                                   about this for awhile!)
                                   Confirm date
                                   Choose wedding party - big or small, that’s up to you!
                                   Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
                                   Research dresses and suits and get a style board started. Buy the dress if you find the
                                   perfect one!
                                           Hint: book an entire day off with a group of, it is perfectly acceptable to
                                           drink a little champagne!

vendors                              Get quotes from other key vendors
                                     Interview and book officiant
                                     Book tastings and confirm vendors
                                             Caterer
                                             Cake/dessert if this won’t be provided by the caterer
                                     By the end of this time we recommend you at minimum have the following booked
                                     to avoid disappointment as these vendors often book up fast:

                                             Venue                                  Music and Entertainment
                                             Catering                               Officiant
                                             Florist                                Wedding planner / day-of coordinator
                                             Photographer & Videographer            Hair and make-up artists
9 months before
You’re really in the swing of things now, and you’ve likely accomplished a lot already! Next step is working on
some of the details that will tie the theme throughout your wedding, from invites to wedding party outfits - these
elements will take your wedding to the next level.

building                           Confirm colour palette

the                                Start thinking about rentals (chairs, tables, linens) and put in an order.

foundation                                 Hint: You can always amend/cancel the order but it is best to make sure your
                                           items are available, especially specialty items such as soft seating, arches etc.
                                   Confirm any specialty vendors or equipment that will help make your day unique
                                           Hint: Specialty food vendors like coffee carts, or food trucks, or entertainment,
                                           or candy bars, special bartenders or late night snacks)
                                   Set up gift registry
                                   Plan + reserve honeymoon if planning on right after wedding
                                   Launch your wedding website

dress &                              If you haven’t already bought the wedding dress, try and nail one down now.

wedding                                      Hint: Don’t overthink it!

party                                Have your wedding dress altered
                                     Begin searching for wedding party dresses and suits
                                     Shop for any accessories such as shoes, socks, jewelry

invitations                          Choose, design and order invitations
                                             Hint: if there are budget constraints, find an email service like Paperless
                                             Post
                                             Don’t have everyone’s address? We suggest starting a google form and
                                             sending everyone the link
                                     Send out save-the-dates
                                             Hint: need a budget and eco-friendly option? Email or digital invites are
                                             just as good these days!
6 months before
It may seem like it will never arrive, but things are starting to fall into place - you and your partner are getting
so close to your big day.

connecting                          Send out your invites

the dots                            Research + order any wedding favors or decor element
                                    Sit down with all your vendors and go over the day
                                    If rentals aren’t included - starting booking anything else needed
                                            Table
                                            Chairs
                                            Linens
                                            Plates, cutlery, serving dishes
                                            Glassware
                                    Order any other decor items required

details for                          Purchase wedding rings

success                              Plan rehearsal dinner
                                     Confirm person in wedding party that is planning bachelor/ette parties
                                              Are you just having a wedding shower? Jake and Jill parties? What would
                                              make this extra special?
                                     Book cars or transportation for wedding day

                                   tip from the pros:
                                            If this is starting to feel like your fulltime job and the never-ending list
                                            of to-do keep you up at night – ask for help, take a break and come back
                                            re-inspired!
4 - 2 months before
Details, details, details - they may seem endless, but everything is taking shape! You are on track! Keep up the
incredible work!

4 month                           Book any accommodations needed for wedding night

countdown                         Meet with florist + discuss colours within your theme
                                  Decide on specific songs for special moments:
                                           Walking down the aisle
                                           Entrance for reception
                                           First dance
                                  If you are doing any DIY elements for your day, start working on them
                                           Hint: Make it fun and invite friends to help!
                                  Reserve any extra tech items not included with your venue (lighting, video or sound)

2 month                             Obtain a marriage license

reality                             Finalize menu and catering plan
                                            Hint: Plan for a late night snack, your guests will be hungry from all the
                                            dancing and celebrating!
                                    Design and order menu cards
                                    Draft a run-of-show, confirming all the big things to hit during your ceremony and
                                    reception. If you have a wedding planner they will walk you through the process,
                                    however if you are doing everything yourself reach out to your vendors as they have
                                    done this many times and are a wealth of information about what works best.
                                            Hint: this ensures all vendors and additional staff are on the same page and
                                            takes the stress off you! No one wants to project manage on their wedding
                                            day
                                    Begin writing vows
                                    Order any gifts needed for wedding party, parents or each other
                                    Design and order any specific rehearsal dinner invites needed
1 month before
Yes, you heard correctly - only ONE month left till your wedding!

30 days and                      Confirm final seating arrangement

counting!                        Finalize day-of time-line with all vendors (or if you have a day-of coordinator have
                                 them reach out)
                                          Confirming all details with each vendor used
                                          Share inspiration with photographers and videographers to ensure you get
                                          all the shots you want!
                                          Schedule hair and make up test run
                                          Confirm the number of centre pieces needed. Bouquets and boutonnieres
                                          too!
                                 Design and order thank you cards
                                 Confirm any honeymoon bookings
                                 Track your RSVPs and follow up with non-responders
                                 Discuss any contingency plans
                                          Snow, rain, and hail happen - even on your wedding day!
                                 Extras
                                          Organize guestbook
                                          Small decor like battery powered candles
                                          Cake servers

                                 wedding day survival kits
                                          Anticipate issues will come up. Make sure you have things on hand to fix
                                          any situation, things like: advil, stain remover, bobby pins, deodorant,
                                          tampons, sewing kit, breath mints, wet whips, nail file, granola bars, etc.
                                          These little things will save the day!
1 week - day of
Can you believe it? You’ve made it, and now you get to sit back and ENJOY getting married!

7 days out                       Share the final day-of schedule with all parties
                                 Give the final guestlist count to the caterer
                                 Confirm delivery/load-in times with all vendors
                                 Connect with your vendors on any other details needed
                                         Hint: choose and confirm your point person and let them know who it is so
                                         you are not bothered by little details on the day of your wedding
                                 Break in your shoes!
                                 Waxing, hair cut/colour, etc
                                 Finalize vows

day                                Give rings to best man

before...                          Make sure any vendor cheques are in hand (either to your event curator, point
                                   person or the best man)
                                   Nails - mani + pedi
                                   Attend rehearsal dinner
                                           Hint: Drink lots of water ;) Don’t stay up all night!
                                   Finish packing for honeymoon

DAY OF!                            Get some SLEEP!
                                   Practice your vows
                                   Drink lots of water
                                   Eat something!
                                   Get Married!!!
thank you
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU
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