Everything You Need to Plan Your Dream Wedding
First things first: YOU'RE ENGAGED! 💍
Cue the happy tears, the celebratory drinks, the ring selfies, and approximately 47 people asking when the wedding is.
This is such an exciting season of life, and we want you to enjoy every second of it. But let's be honest: wedding planning comes with a LOT of decisions. From choosing your venue to deciding what signature cocktail represents your relationship, there's plenty to keep track of.
That's why we've put together the ultimate wedding planning checklist to help you stay organized, keep your sanity, and actually enjoy being engaged.
Grab your favorite drink, open your notes app, and let's get planning!
12+ Months Before Your Wedding
This is the big-picture planning stage. It's time to dream, brainstorm, and start making those important decisions.
Celebrate your engagement! Seriously, don't skip this part.
Decide on a general wedding budget.
Create an estimated guest list.
Choose your preferred wedding date or season.
Decide what type of wedding you envision.
Research and tour wedding venues.
Book your ceremony and reception venue.
Research wedding planners or coordinators.
Start gathering inspiration for your wedding style.
Book your photographer and videographer.
Research catering options.
Start looking into entertainment and DJs.
Wedding bestie tip: Book your venue and high-demand vendors early. Kansas City has some beautiful wedding venues, and popular dates can fill up quickly!
9–12 Months Before Your Wedding
Now the fun details start coming together!
Book your caterer.
Book your DJ or entertainment.
Find your wedding dress.
Choose your wedding party.
Ask your wedding party to be part of your day.
Book your florist.
Book hair and makeup artists.
Research transportation options.
Create your wedding website.
Send save-the-dates.
Start researching wedding invitations.
Plan your engagement photos.
Start thinking about ceremony details.
6–9 Months Before Your Wedding
It's time to bring your vision to life!
Choose bridesmaid and wedding party attire.
Select groom and groomsmen attire.
Finalize your wedding color palette.
Meet with your florist about floral designs.
Plan your ceremony music.
Choose your ceremony readings.
Book your cake or dessert vendor.
Book rentals, linens, and specialty décor.
Start planning your reception layout.
Research honeymoon options.
Schedule dress fittings.
Begin building your wedding-day timeline.
Friendly reminder: Your wedding doesn't need to look exactly like Pinterest. The best weddings reflect the people getting married. Make decisions that feel like YOU.
4–6 Months Before Your Wedding
The details are starting to add up, but you've got this!
Order wedding invitations.
Plan your rehearsal dinner.
Choose wedding favors, if desired.
Finalize your floral selections.
Schedule hair and makeup trials.
Plan your signature cocktails.
Choose ceremony and reception décor.
Purchase wedding rings.
Finalize honeymoon plans.
Discuss photography shot lists.
Confirm vendor contracts and payment schedules.
Review your wedding-day timeline with your coordinator.
2–3 Months Before Your Wedding
We're getting close! It's time to make sure everyone knows where they need to be and when.
Send wedding invitations.
Track RSVPs.
Schedule final dress fittings.
Finalize ceremony details.
Confirm music selections with your DJ.
Create your seating chart.
Finalize menu selections.
Confirm transportation.
Purchase any remaining accessories.
Write your vows.
Create a list of important wedding-day contacts.
Confirm vendor arrival and setup expectations.
1 Month Before Your Wedding
ONE MONTH! It's officially countdown time.
Follow up on outstanding RSVPs.
Finalize your guest count.
Submit seating arrangements.
Confirm final vendor details.
Review the complete wedding-day timeline.
Confirm ceremony rehearsal plans.
Pack your wedding-day emergency kit.
Prepare vendor tips and final payments, as applicable.
Break in your wedding shoes.
Pick up wedding attire.
Make sure your marriage license plans are in order.
Schedule some time to relax!
The Week of Your Wedding
Deep breaths. Everything you've worked toward is almost here!
Confirm final details with your coordinator.
Drop off any décor or personal items according to the setup plan.
Confirm transportation and pickup times.
Attend your rehearsal.
Get your nails done.
Pack your wedding-day essentials.
Get plenty of rest.
Drink water.
Spend time with your favorite people.
Remember why you're doing all of this in the first place.
Your Wedding Day!
Today is THE DAY!
Eat breakfast.
Enjoy getting ready with your favorite people.
Take a deep breath before walking down the aisle.
Marry your favorite person.
Hug your people.
Eat the cake.
Dance like nobody is watching.
Soak up every single moment.
And most importantly? Let someone else handle the logistics.
The One Thing Missing From Your Checklist: A Wedding Coordinator
You can have the most detailed checklist in the world, but someone still needs to make sure all those plans actually happen.
Who is communicating with vendors? Who is keeping the timeline on track? Who is making sure your reception setup looks the way you envisioned? Who handles the unexpected moments?
That's where we come in!
At Invisible String Weddings, we want you to experience your wedding day instead of managing it. You have spent months planning this celebration. You deserve to enjoy it.
If you're planning a wedding in Kansas City or the surrounding areas, we'd love to be part of your team.
Let's take those wedding plans and turn them into the best day ever.
Your people. Your love story. Your dream day. We'll handle the details. 🤍
