WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
Let's Get This Planning Party Started!
It truly means the world to be invited into such a meaningful milestone in your lives. Being trusted to document this season for you and your fiancé is something I never take lightly. And while it’s a beautiful season, I also know it can feel overwhelming. There are so many decisions, there can be many opinions, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to tackle first. After more than ten years in the wedding industry — and currently planning my own wedding — I’ve gathered a lot of insight (and yes, learned a few things the hard way!) I hope to make this process smoother, more enjoyable, and a whole lot less stressful for you.
Inside this guide, I’ll walk you through the general planning process and the big-picture items to consider, share my favorite Colorado vendor recommendations, provide wedding day timeline examples (plus what to keep in mind when building yours), and offer practical tips and tricks along the way.
This isn’t a rulebook; it’s simply a resource, as there’s no one “right” way to plan a wedding. At the end of the day, this is your celebration, and it should reflect you and your relationship in every way. I’ll always be in your corner, cheering you on and supporting you as you plan a day that feels completely and beautifully yours!
xoxo, Megan
"You're not planning a wedding, you're planning a marriage and throwing an epic party."
(a quote that I read during my wedding planning season that really resonated with me)
"So, where do I even begin??"
Is this you right now? Don't worry, I'm here for you!
FIRST -
Take a deep breath. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. When wedding planning starts to feel overwhelming, the best place to begin is actually simple: zoom out. Start small by thinking big picture.
NEXT -
Before you book vendors or build a Pinterest board, ask yourselves a few honest questions: What part of the day matters most to us? When we look back in 20 years, what do we want to remember most? How do we want this day to feel?
For some couples, the ceremony is the heart of everything and for others, it’s the reception and the party of the year! Maybe it’s creating intentional time with family and friends. Maybe it’s an unforgettable dinner experience. There’s no wrong answer, but there is clarity that comes from choosing your priorities. Start with what you value. The rest will begin to fall into place. And I can help you build it from the ground up!
MY ADVICE FOR YOU
PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU WANT
This is your wedding — not anyone else’s. While advice from friends and family can be helpful, don’t let “Aunt Sally” or anyone else dictate what matters most to you. Focus on the elements that reflect your personalities, values, and what will make the day feel truly meaningful for you and your partner, and what you'll look back on and smile at in 30 years.
START SMALL
Big plans can feel overwhelming, so give yourself permission to start with one piece at a time. Begin with the broad strokes — your must-haves, your priorities, your overall vision — before getting lost in the details. Small, intentional steps make the planning process feel joyful instead of stressful.
BE PRESENT
Your engagement season and wedding day will move quickly, so give yourself permission to slow down and truly experience it. Take a few quiet moments together, look around at the people you love most, and soak in the feeling of the day. The more present you are, the more meaningful those memories will be.
GENERAL TIMELINE FOR PLANNING
When it comes to planning your wedding, it can feel like there’s so much to think about and yes, there are a lot of decisions to make! But before your brain hits full-on decision fatigue, take a step back and break it into manageable sections. Here’s a simple timeline I recommend to help you stay organized and keep the process feeling fun instead of overwhelming. Every wedding and timeline looks a little different, but hopefully this can serve as a guide for you.
Twelve Months Out
- Set Your Wedding Budget
- Create Wedding Style/Vision Board (hello pinterest!)
- Book Catering and Bartending
- Book Wedding Venue (this will set your wedding date)
- Start Your Guest List
- Book Photographer (Hey, that's me!)
- Begin Wedding Dress Shopping (if applicable) - they recommend 6 months for alterations so allow yourself enough time.
Nine Months Out
- Book Florist
- Book Videographer
- Create Your Wedding Website
- Engagement Photos (this is dependent entirely on weather)
- Send out Save the Dates
- Book DJ or Band
- Reserve Hotel Block for out of town Guests
- Start Researching Cake/Dessert
- Start planning Bachelor/Bachelorette parties
Six Months Out
- Begin Dress Alterations (if applicable)
- Start Honeymoon Research
- Book Hair and Make-up (if applicable)
- Wedding Day Transportation
- Rehearsal Dinner/Welcome Party Plans
- Wedding Rings and Bands
- Start Creating Wedding Day Playlist (Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, Reception, etc)
- Rentals (tables, linens, decor, etc)
- Finalize Guest List and send out Wedding Invitations 3-4 months before the wedding
Three Months Out
- Book your hotel room (if applicable)
- Confirm catering menu
- Start writing wedding vows (if applicable)
- Figure out Decor and Signage like welcome signs and seating charts
- Dance Lessons
One Month Out
- Seating Chart
- Finalize Numbers for Catering (two weeks prior to wedding)
- Final Walkthroughs
- Finalize timeline with planner and/or photographer
- Final Dress Fitting (if applicable)
- Communicate Rehearsal plans to all who will attend
- Get a Marriage License!
- Finalize all logistics planning for wedding party: where they're going morning-of, how they're getting places, etc
- Find pet care (if applicable)
Week/Day Of
- Have ALL planning done 2-3 days in advance so you can be PRESENT and enjoy the days leading up to your wedding!
- DELEGATE! Don't put it all on yourself. Delegate errands, chores, or final to-do's. It takes a village and if you have one, use it!
- Gather and pack everything needed: Dress, Tux, Undergarments, Reception Dress, Jewelry, Shoes
- Gather all things for detail photos (if applicable): Invitations/Save the Dates, Jewelry, Perfume, Shoes, Florals, etc
- Put the planning down, be present, and ENJOY YOUR DAY!
VENDOR RECCOMENDATIONS
Who you have around you on your wedding day is everything. This is my detailed list of Colorado vendors that I've worked with or are highly esteemed in the area. Keep in mind that your venue might require you choose from their preferred vendors list for some of these. Working with vendors with strong relationships is extremely beneficial!
Your Wedding Day Timeline
Every wedding day looks a little different, and that’s the beauty of it. These sample timelines are meant to give you a helpful starting point as you begin imagining how your day might flow. These both have a 4pm ceremony, but depending on what time of year and what your timeline is, this might look different. I'm happy to build your timeline with you if yours will look different.
Sample Timeline 1 - With First Look
8am: Begin Getting Ready
12pm: Finish getting ready
1pm: First Look
1:15-1:45pm: Bridal Portraits
2-3pm: Bridal Party Portraits
3pm: Have time to chill, have a snack, and touch up makeup, hair, etc
4pm: Ceremony (guests arrive at 3:30-3:45)
4:30-5: Family Photos
4:30 - 5:30: Cocktail Hour
5:30 - 6:30: Dinner
6:15pm: Speeches start while guests finish eating. Couple takes golden hour photos (this will be timed with the sunset in mind)
6:45pm: First Dances
7:00pm: Party Starts!
Sample Timeline 2 - Without First Look
1:30pm: Finish Getting Ready
2pm: Photos with just the bridesmaids and just the groomsmen (if applicable)
3pm: Have time to chill, have a snack, and touch up makeup, hair, etc
4pm: Ceremony (guests arrive at 3:30-3:45)
4:30-5pm: Family Photos; photos with full bridal party
4:30 - 5:30pm: Cocktail Hour
5pm - Bridal Portraits
5:30 - 6:30pm: Dinner
6pm: Speeches start while guests finish eating
6:30pm: First Dances
7pm: Party Starts; Golden Hour Photos
THINGS TO CONSIDER
DETAIL PHOTOS
Detail photos of invitations, flowers, jewelry, shoes, and other meaningful pieces are a beautiful way to document the small touches you spent so much time choosing. These are typically captured during your getting ready time.
FAMILY PHOTOS
I recommend scheduling family photos immediately after the ceremony, when everyone is already gathered in one place. While this part of the day can feel a bit overwhelming, I’ll ask for a detailed list of names and groupings ahead of time so I can direct everything smoothly and keep it as seamless and efficient as possible.
GETTING READY
Your getting-ready morning can look however you want it to! I usually recommend having your photographer arrive about 1–2 hours before you’re scheduled to be finished with hair and makeup. This allows time to capture the final touches, candid moments with your people, and those important detail photos, without being there for too long.
BUFFER TIME
I always recommend building buffer time into your timeline. Hair and makeup can run late, someone might hit traffic, or something unexpected may pop up. A little extra cushion helps keep the day feeling relaxed instead of rushed, and often gives you a few extra moments to simply enjoy being with your favorite people.
FAQ
How much should we plan vs. go with the flow?
Having a thoughtful plan in place helps your day run smoothly, but some of the most meaningful moments happen when you leave a little room for the unexpected. I always recommend creating a solid timeline for the big pieces of the day, while allowing space to breathe in between. That way you feel organized and relaxed, free to soak in the moments that can’t be planned.
What should we prioritize if we’re short on time or budget?
Focus on the pieces of the day that will matter most to you years from now. Don't be afraid to get a little DIY with it, whether that be getting flowers from Costco, making your own decor, or playing a Spotify playlist at your backyard wedding.
How do we make our wedding feel uniquely “us”?
The most memorable weddings are the ones that reflect the couple. Think about the little things that represent your relationship: favorite foods, meaningful music, personal vows, or thoughtful details that tell your story. Anything that 'nods' to you as a couple, will resonate deeply with your guests. Protip: Include your furry friends by creating a Signature Cocktail in their name, or print them on cocktail napkins. The world is your oyster!
What questions should we ask vendors?
Beyond logistics and pricing, it’s important to understand how a vendor works and how they’ll support you throughout the process. Ask about their approach, communication style, and how they handle unexpected situations. You’ll be spending a lot of time with these people on a very meaningful day, so finding vendors who make you feel comfortable, supported, and excited is just as important as their work itself.
Lastly, I'm here for you.
Every Step of the Way.
Planning your wedding is such a special journey, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed along the way. Remember: this day is about you and your partner — your love, your priorities, and the memories you’ll treasure forever. I’ll be with you every step of the way as a guide, a cheerleader, a friend, and yes… probably crying happy tears right alongside you. Use this guide as a tool, take it one step at a time, and lean on the people who are here to support you. At the end of the day, you're marrying your best friend!
Reach out to me anytime with questions. I'll be your ear, sounding board, and advocate throughout this whole process. Can't wait to get started!
xoxo, Megan
