Every wedding is unique, and every wedding planning process is unique. Your process will be custom-tailored to you based on your personalities and personal priorities, and the task list below is simply meant to give you a place to start. This is your wedding. Your Planner is here to guide you through this creative and fun adventure, to keep the process on track, and to get to know you well enough that we can make confident “game-day” decisions for you if any questions or concerns arise on your wedding weekend. We want you to be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy your wedding weekend as soon as you arrive on property for your Big Day.
the connect phase: eighteen to twelve months ahead
discuss and decide on wedding size, style, level of formality
discuss and decide with families, and your partner, everyone's financial contribution(s)
determine an overall budget
determine what your personal priorities are for your wedding
compile your guest list and organize all addresses
choose and ask attendants
choose and ask/book officiant
register for gifts
start designing save the dates
start planning your honeymoon
complete CVL onboarding questionnaire
complete consultation call with your planner
gain access to Aisle Planner and familiarize yourself with the tools
create wedding website
the budget & vendors phase: twelve to six months ahead
send out save the dates around 8-10 months ahead
complete budget meeting with your planner
book photographer, cinematographer
book hair and makeup artists
book entertainment (DJ, live band, etc.)
book caterer, schedule tasting if applicable
book bar service, schedule tasting if applicable
complete design meeting part 1: overall concept, with your planner
book florist
shop for and purchase wedding day attire
begin selecting your wedding party’s attire
book calligrapher, if applicable
complete invitation design with stationery designer
complete design meeting part 2: ancillary events & layouts, with your planner
book ancillary events vendors (caterer, florist, etc.), if applicable
secure wedding liability insurance, and secure cancellation insurance if you choose to do so
book any additional vendors (childcare services, outside rentals, etc.)
choose and purchase gifts for the wedding party
complete design meeting part 3: wedding day details, with your planner
the design & details phase: six to three months ahead
send wedding invitations around six months ahead (suggested RSVP deadline is 10 weeks ahead)
complete tasting with your caterer, if applicable
finalize reception dinner service and bar menu details
complete tasting with your bar service, if applicable
confirm cake and/or dessert details, choose flavors and book baker
confirm ceremony details with your officiant
have your makeup and hair trial with stylist
receive and review design proposal with your planner
review initial linen rental order and CVL rentals invoice, with your planner
confirm wedding day attire and schedule necessary fittings, if applicable
purchase wedding bands
purchase necessary DIY items assigned by your planner (candles, signage, etc.)
confirm final stationery order
complete timeline meeting with your planner
the production phase: three months ahead - wedding day
obtain marriage license, and request the necessary required copies (~ 90 days)
obtain final guest count, and finalize seating chart
confirm final guest count with vendors: venue, caterer, bar service, florist, etc.
finalize linen rental order with your planner
confirm and secure payment for final CVL rentals invoice, with your planer
obtain and secure payment for all final vendor invoices
confirm alcohol order
confirm all DIY items assigned by your planner have been purchased
confirm how and when DIY items will be brought to CVL
complete final walkthrough with your planner
write your wedding vows (if you will be writing your own)
send photography shot list to photographer, if applicable
compile song selections and send to band/DJ
schedule your final wedding day outfit fittings
finalize and organize vendor gratuities and confirm how they will be distributed
compile welcome baskets and confirm how they will be distributed
compile any VIP thank-you gifts and confirm how they will be distributed
complete alcohol & decor walkthrough with your planner, when you arrive at CVL