Advice

Planning a Wedding in Dallas? Here Is the Ultimate Timeline and Checklist

Planning a wedding is not for the faint of heart, but it’s easier if you have a good game plan. We consulted the best in the Dallas wedding industry to come up with the ultimate 12-month timeline and checklist to guide you along the way.

12 Months Before:
 Determine your budget.
☐ Make your guest list.
☐ Hire a planner.
☐ Reserve your date and venues.
☐ Book your officiant.
☐ Research vendors.
☐ Ask your wedding party.

Eight to 10 Months Before:
 Book the entertainment.
☐ Hire your photographer and videographer.
☐ 
Buy a dress.
☐ Meet with caterers.
☐ Reserve hotel-room blocks for out-of-town attendees.
☐ Register.
☐ Create your wedding website.

Six to Seven Months Before:
 Send save-the-dates.
☐ Buy your invitations.
☐ Book a florist.
☐ Order bridesmaids dresses.
☐ Start planning your honeymoon.

Four to Five Months Before:
☐ 
Book the rehearsal-dinner venue.
☐ Order your cake and groom’s cake.
☐ Shop for menswear.
☐ Begin dress fittings.
☐ Select songs for first dances and work on song list for band or DJ.
☐ Get/renew passports if needed.

Three Months Before:
 Rent menswear.
☐ Finalize the order of the ceremony and the reception.
☐ Purchase wedding bands.
☐ Order favors.
☐ Print menu cards and programs.
☐ Book hair and makeup artists and complete trial runs.

Two Months Before:
 Mail invitations.
☐ Scout locations with photographer if needed.
☐ Purchase gifts for bridal party, parents, and each other.

One Month Before:
 Get your marriage license.
☐ Mail rehearsal-dinner invitations.
☐ Complete final dress fitting.
☐ Determine seating arrangements.
☐ Send in final payments.
☐ Confirm times with vendors.

Two Weeks Before:
 Give photographer your shot list.
☐ Give DJ or band your final song list.
☐ Complete any skin or hair treatments.
☐ Check with invitees who haven’t RSVPed.
☐ Send the final guest list to the caterer and venues.

Week Of:
 Reconfirm times with vendors.
☐ Send day-of timeline to the bridal party and family.
☐ Pick up your dress.
☐ Put together welcome baskets and distribute.

Illustration by Carrie & Seash.

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