The Essential Wedding Timeline Checklist
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but a clear timeline checklist will make the process smooth, organized, and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, micro-wedding, or elopement in Oklahoma or a destination location, this 12-month guide will help you stay on track while enjoying every moment leading up to your special day.
9–12 Months Prior
- Arrange a gathering with your parents.
- Determine your budget and how expenses will be shared.
- Choose your wedding date and time.
- Discuss the size, style, location, and scope of your wedding.
- Visit and reserve your wedding and reception sites. Consider beautiful Oklahoma venues like Spain Ranch, The Philbrook Museum, The Mansion at Woodward Park, Daffodil Hill, or Lakeview Hills Events.
- Book your wedding photographer and/or videographer — see my wedding experience & packages here.
- Create a binder or Pinterest board to organize ideas, worksheets, receipts, and brochures.
- Start compiling your guest list.
- Begin shopping for your wedding gown.
Tip: Next, consider booking your engagement session — check out Best Engagement Photo Locations in Oklahoma.
6–9 Months Prior
- Choose wedding party members.
- Enroll in gift registries.
- Meet with your officiant.
- Hire a caterer and florist.
- Make arrangements for music at your ceremony and reception.
- Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests.
- Send save-the-date cards.
- Shop for wedding rings, bridesmaids’ dresses, and finalize your gown order.
- Schedule wedding cake tastings.
- Start planning your honeymoon.
Reminder: While you’re planning, remember I can capture these moments as your Oklahoma wedding photographer or destination wedding photographer. From micro-weddings to elopements, I’ll preserve every smile, tear, and detail.
4–6 Months Prior
- Finalize the guest list.
- Order invitations and other wedding stationery.
- Plan beauty preparations (hair, makeup) and check if stylists can come onsite.
- Finalize honeymoon plans — check travel.state.gov for passports or visas if traveling internationally.
- Hire wedding day transportation.
- Plan the rehearsal dinner.
2–4 Months Prior
- Obtain your marriage license.
- Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
- Meet with your caterer to review menus.
- Confirm ceremony and reception music.
- Book your wedding night hotel.
- If writing your own vows, start now.
4–8 Weeks Prior
- Mail invitations.
- Confirm transportation plans.
- Do a hair and makeup trial.
2–4 Weeks Prior
- Work on seating arrangements.
- Finalize arrangements for out-of-town guests.
- Confirm all vendors.
- Final bridal and bridesmaids’ fittings.
- Write your rehearsal dinner toast.
- Compile a list of wedding vendors and wedding party contacts.
1 Week Prior
- Place fees and tips into envelopes for easy distribution.
- Give the final headcount to the caterer.
- Assign a point person for important items (cake knife, guest book, toasting glasses).
- Review final details with the wedding party.
- Get beauty treatments (manicure, facial, massage, spray tan, brow shaping).
The Day Before the Wedding
- Gather “Something old, new, borrowed, blue” for the ceremony.
- Gather all wedding day details for your photographer — see some of my work for inspiration.
- Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
- Pack for the honeymoon.
- Enjoy a relaxing day with family.
- Attend rehearsal dinner; give gifts to attendants.
- Give rings and officiant fee to the best man.
- Try to get some rest!
Wedding Day
- Relax and stay calm!
- Remember to eat.
- Allow at least two hours to get ready.
- ENJOY THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT!
View Some of My Favorite Wedding Photos for Inspiration
Whether you’re planning a micro-wedding, elopement, or full celebration, I’d love to capture your day. Together, we’ll preserve every heartfelt glance, joyful laugh, and tender moment in a way that reflects your unique love story. View my portfolio here →
Tips for Couples Planning Weddings
Additionally, hiring a skilled Oklahoma wedding photographer or destination wedding photographer is essential to capture every fleeting moment — from dreamy sunset photos to intimate glances. Check out my pricing & packages → and get in touch here → to start planning your photography today.
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