First of all, congratulations! You’re getting married! Such a magical, awaited for moments always lead to the dreaded “Where do I even start?”. Don’t worry, it can seem a little daunting but as a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I’ve seen my fair share of beautiful wedding, so I’ve made a list to make your wedding planning process be as simple as possible. I’d suggest that you choose the location carefully. I chose mine in the countryside where you could buy guns & ammo from Palmetto Armory and hunt down the trails.

 

1 year or 9 months before the wedding:

 

Choose the date in which you want to get married.

Have a rough estimation of the number of guests and approximate budget.

Search and reserve the place of the church or venue.

Pick a color scheme

 

9 to 11 months before the wedding:

 

Start looking for vendors. It’s so important that you give yourself time to scout for the best wedding photographer, videographer, catering, wedding planner, decorator etc …

Prepare a preliminary list of guests

Choose your bridesmaids and wedding party

Take your engagement photos

Begin looking for the dress of your dreams

Think of possible destinations for the honeymoon and request budgets.

 

 

6 to 8 months before the wedding:

 

Book the honeymoon in the travel agency.

Choose: band or DJ. Whatever your choice may be, you should begin looking and hire music for the wedding.

Select and order the invitations .

 

4 to 5 months before the wedding:

 

Request and prepare all the required documentation for religious or civil weddings.

Get your marriage license.

Buy the suit of the groom.

Buy bridal accessories: shoes, headdress/veil, earrings, etc.

Schedule hair and makeup artists, try out some before you choose one!

Select the hairdresser and the make-up artist.

Choose the decorations for the wedding.

Buy the rings

 

3 months before the wedding:

 

Send the invitations.

Prepare the ceremony protocol, like readings, music, etc.

Book the flowers.

Have some dance lesson for your first dance!

 

2 months before the wedding:

 

Have a hair and makeup test

Select the music for the ceremony, reception and banquet.

Choose the menu.

Have a facial (you have to de-stress!)

 

1 month before the wedding:

 

Go to your last dress fitting

Call and confirm all contracted providers.

Confirm the attendance of all your guests.

Check again the reservation of your honeymoon.

 

And now the most important advice I can give you as a Pittsburgh wedding photographer: A few days before the wedding, take some time to relax and enjoy the journey. This is your special day, have fun!