Planning a wedding is no small feat, but with the right timeline, you can turn your vision into reality with ease. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you navigate the journey to your perfect day in La Crosse, WI.
12 Months Before Your Wedding in La Crosse
At Wedding World, we recommend starting your wedding planning a year in advance. Begin by envisioning your ideal wedding day and setting a realistic budget. Assemble your planning team and consider whether a wedding consultant could be beneficial. Pick a wedding date and time, and check availability with venues, officiants, and key guests. As you start drafting your guest list, book your ceremony and reception sites. Don’t forget to ask friends and family to be part of your wedding party and begin shopping for your dream wedding gown. A visit to Charlotte’s can help you find the perfect dress and bridesmaid attire.
8-10 Months Before Your Wedding in La Crosse
By this time, focus on the finer details. Decide on the type of reception food and entertainment, whether it’s a pianist, DJ, or band. Consider floral décor and plan a shopping day for bridesmaids’ dresses at Charlotte’s, keeping in mind that these can take several months to arrive. Book your wedding professionals, including photographer, videographer, and florist, and look into wedding insurance to protect your deposits. Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests and register for gifts. If you need rentals for the ceremony or reception, such as chairs or tables, now is the time to contact rental companies.
6-8 Months Before Your Wedding
With about half a year to go, book ceremony musicians and start planning your honeymoon. Send out save-the-date cards, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or marrying during peak tourist seasons.
4-6 Months Before Your Wedding
Attend pre-wedding counseling if required. Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings, and decide on the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire. If you’re traveling abroad, renew or obtain passports. Also, start envisioning your wedding cake and book a cake designer to make it a reality.
3 Months Before Your Wedding
Order your wedding cake and arrange for transportation for the big day, whether it’s a limousine or another special ride.
2 Months Before Your Wedding
Mail out your invitations and write your vows. Purchase gifts for your parents, attendants, and each other. Book a stylist for a trial run of your wedding day hairstyle and makeup.
1 Month Before Your Wedding
Apply for your marriage license and ensure all men in the wedding party have sent in their tuxedo measurements. Have a final fitting for your gown, and bring your maid of honor to learn how to bustle your dress. Confirm that all bridesmaids have their gowns ready, make last-minute adjustments with vendors, and create a wedding program. Don’t forget to plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
2 Weeks Before Your Wedding
Review your final RSVP list and follow up with any guests who haven’t responded. Provide your photographer and videographer with a must-have shot list and your DJ or band with a final song list. Get your last pre-wedding haircut and color.
1 Week Before Your Wedding in La Crosse
Give the reception site and caterer your final guest count, including vendors. Provide the site manager with a list of vendor needs, plan your seating chart, and confirm arrangements with all vendors. Assign a family member or attendant as the photographer’s contact and ensure the groom gets a trim if needed.
2-3 Days Before Your Wedding
Pick up your formal wear and have any necessary alterations done. Confirm that all groomsmen have their attire, finalize wedding party positions and processional order, and hand off place cards and other items to the reception site manager. Reconfirm all details with vendors and arrange transportation for guests without cars. Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel concierge with instructions.
Day Before Your Wedding
Provide wedding professionals with an emergency phone number and settle any final balances with hosts or vendors. Conduct a rehearsal ceremony with the wedding party and family, and attend the rehearsal dinner where you can present gifts to your attendants.
Night Before Your Wedding
Take time to relax and enjoy the evening. Review all plans and prepare for the big day ahead.
Day Of Your Wedding in La Crosse
Exchange gifts with your partner and present gifts to parents and attendants. Ensure the best man has the wedding bands and fee envelope for the officiant. Introduce the reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor, and assign a contact for the photographer. Take a moment with your partner to reflect on the special day.
Post-Wedding in La Crosse
Once the celebrations are over, arrange for the return of any rentals and tuxedo rentals. Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy your honeymoon.
At Wedding World in La Crosse, WI, we’re here to help you through every step of your wedding planning process. With this comprehensive timeline, you can ensure that every detail of your big day is thoughtfully planned and executed. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
