You have a bit of spare time, but don’t get too comfy! When you have over a year to plan, many things could change including your budget, guest list, and decor ideas. Try not to get into the nitty gritty details and just stick to the core planning.

Things that you can knock out right now would include the following:

1. Purchase your Cancellation Insurance. I suggest looking into your personal insurance company to see if they offer event cancellation insurance and if they do, what it will cover. If not, I’d recommend using one of the insurance brokers I require for your liability insurance.

2. Insure your engagement ring. While we hope that it never accidentally slips off your finger, don’t leave this precious heirloom uninsured.

3. Get organized. Create online file folders for each vendor and even sub-categories for inspiration and ideas. if you prefer to put pen to paper, order a wedding planning organizer. Keep important correspondence, phone numbers, addresses, contracts, photo inspo, etc in these folders. Add reminders or notes with an audio alert to your online calendar to remind yourself of deadlines and payments due.

4. Send info requests to vendors. Once you’ve got all the categories laid out, contact vendors in each of them to get a feel for what they provide (also what they don’t provide) and budget. Depending on the time of year, vendors can take a week or more to get back to you, so starting early will be helpful.

5. Go crazy on Pinterest. Since you have some spare time, create boards with inspiration for all aspects of your wedding, including the bachelorette/bachelor parties, rehearsal dinner, and honeymoon. The more you have the better - you can always delete later as you narrow down your vision and ideas.

Now is the time to get organized and determine what aspects of a wedding are most important to you. Is it the meal? The decor? The florals? Consider any traditions you want to incorporate.

During this quarter, you’ll need to complete the following:

1. Nail down your budget. Who is paying for what and how much is in the coffer? Figure out where you want your money to go. Remember, this is YOUR day, nobody else’s. So if you’d rather have fewer guests and a plated meal with an oyster bar, go for it! However, do have realistic expectations and think about what you consider to be most important on your wedding day.

2. Visit the websites of all required TRB vendors (caterers, coordinators, and DJs). Fill out their contact form and once you receive a reply, set up a consultation with them. You can narrow down the list based on preferences and price-point. I recommend booking your coordinator first, as they might have additional planning info to provide you with.

3. Complete your guest list. Easily one of the more difficult aspects of your wedding will be determining who makes the cut (and who doesn’t). Consider your budget and our max of 180 guests. Also, it’s worth noting that guest lists under 120 have the most options when it comes to reception layout and guest lists over 140 will need to either use family-style catering, or have the buffet table located outside the barn.

4. Determine your color palate and design. This can be simple or complex, depending on how deep you want to dive into the styling abyss! For design help, I recommend hiring a stylist, or just visit Magpie’s Nest’s styled collections for easily attainable inspiration.

5. Send your Save-The-Dates and work on ideas for your invitation suite (the invites don’t have to go out until 2 months prior.

6. Say yes to the dress or suit! If you haven’t already, make sure you get your wedding dress and custom tux/suit during this quarter to avoid rush fees and ensure you have time for alterations.

Complete this list and you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free wedding day!

Check these items off your “to-do” list:

1. Consider your wedding party attire. Based on time of year and your design, you may want to go with a comprehensive color palate, or mismatch dresses and suits, floral accents, etc.

2. Book your engagement photos. If you have a pet, this is a great opportunity to include them in your photos and wedding memories. Psst…those photos would look great in the barn’s white hutch!

3. Register for gifts. Or, if you would prefer an experience, get creative and create accounts for certain experiences you and your partner can have together on your honeymoon.

4. Speaking of vacation… Book honeymoon lodging and flights. Set up an itinerary “wish-list” of fun things you can do together (besides recover from the most amazing wedding day ever). Also - check your passport expiration date and order a new one, if needed, as it can take up to 2 months to receive.

5. Schedule consultations with potential florists. Have a color palate and Pinterest board to share with them. A picture tells a thousand words and your florals will do wonders in solidifying your design for the reception. Also, florists typically need a minimum of 3 months to order flowers, so do not delay on this one.

6. Book your location for rehearsal dinner. Suggestions are listed on the main page of the Client Portal. You can also consider a casual “meet-n-greet” for all out of town guests. Host happy hour for any guest who is in town the night before and then split off for the rehearsal dinner. It’s a great way to connect with people who may have traveled a long way to see you.

7. Order rental items. Consider necessary items such as linens, tableware and glassware. You may also want to incorporate some jaw-dropping installations, lounge furniture, and additional decor.

8. Hire an officiant, or find a friend who can be ordained online. Consider whether or not you want a First Look and how that may affect your timeline.

During this quarter, you may want to consider:

1. Book group transportation. Not just for the wedding party, your guests would appreciate a lift as well! I do not recommend the bus making two trips (ie, one at 9pm and one at 10pm) as very few guests will use the first one. You can always add a “yes” or “no” option on your invitations to find out how many people are interested in getting a ride, or just send a group email with the question.

2. Contact your caterer for final tastings and menu deadlines. If they offer final tastings, book the date. This is also a good time to find out if you have anything left in your catering budget for additional niceties such as passed or stationary appetizers and a late-night menu.

3. Lock down your bar. Do you have a budget for signature drinks? Is your caterer providing the hard alcohol and mixers? Garnishes? Napkins? When contacting your caterer about your menu, you can also find out how much glassware you will need to rent for the entire day - and the types of glassware required (ie, pint glass for beer, lowball for an old fashioned, coupe for a lemon drop, etc).

4. Order your invitations and consider a calligrapher. The ones on my list of vendors can also create any signs you may need for your bar menu, welcome sign, and art for the bar chalkboard.

5. Schedule a hair & makeup trial. Make sure you bring lots of inspo photos to ensure you get the look you want.

6. Come up with a list of things for people to do. You’ve likely been hounded by family and friends (with the best intentions) who want to help. You can put them to work effectively by giving them small tasks that can be taken off your plate (ex, unboxing/unpackaging decor and organizing it, becoming the day-of point person for your coordinator, ordering “getting ready” snacks, or picking up the desserts/cake, alcohol, and signs. Accept their help with gratitude because you’ve got enough to do!

It’s almost here! Now is the time to finalize evvvverything. No more waiting to make a decision, send a final payment, or hire that mariachi band. It’s go-time and it’ll be so worth it.

During this last planning month, complete these items:

1. Send your invitations. Ensure that the RSVPs are very obviously stated to be returned within 1 month.

2. Write your vows. Do not wait til the last minute for this. Schedule a time during a weekend where you can both take some time and thoughtfully consider how you want the other to know your commitment.

3. Purchase your marriage license. Instructions and directions to the nearest auditor are on the main page of the Client Portal.

4. Purchase your WA State Banquet Permit. If you’re serving alcohol, this is a state requirement. Be sure to sign the permit and then email it to me.

5. Finalize song details with your DJ. One of the more important aspects for the dance floor is what NOT to play. You know your taste in music, but your DJ doesn’t. Don’t be shy about letting them know what you want when it comes to style and involvement. You might also consider asking them to perform at your wedding in specific attire (ie, “would love to see you in black tie/business casual/relaxed attire.”

6. Schedule an onboarding meeting with your coordinator. If you haven’t had a planning meeting with your coordinator yet, reach out to them and get it on the schedule. If they have provided you with a questionnaire or have a checklist they need you to complete, make sure that gets done. Help them help you by being on-time with info requests.

7. Go shopping (or rent these items if it’s an option). If you don’t have them already, consider table numbers, a seating assignment sign, toasting flutes, cake decor or florals, card box, welcome signs, guest book, paper parasols, lap blankets, flip flops, noise makers or light wands for the grand exit, customized serving ware for your cake, programs, etc.

You are in the final stretch. The anticipation is mounting (and hopefully you got that stress under control last month). Resist the urge to buy out Etsy or Amazon with last-minute purchases - I can almost guarantee these will items will not even be noticed by your guests. Instead, concentrate on enjoying your last month of being a fiancé and indulge in some self-care. You deserve it!

Please make sure these items get completed so you don’t have to deal with issues on the day of your wedding:

1. Complete vendor payments. Complete online payments, write out checks and keep then in a file folder, organize cash tips into labeled envelopes. Designate someone to hand all envelopes/payments/tips to your coordinator on the day-of.

2. Go through your RSVPs. Personally contact anyone who hasn’t responded in order to get a final head count. Your caterer and coordinator will need final numbers as soon as possible.

3. Complete your final venue walkthrough. If you haven’t already, talk to your coordinator about scheduling your venue walkthrough and final details meeting.

4. Schedule a mani/pedi, facial, and massage for the week before your wedding. Even if this isn’t really your thing, it’s a special day and these self-care luxuries will be worth it.

5. Pack for your honeymoon! If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you know where your passport is. Better yet, pack a bag that has all the travel necessities you’ll need on the airplane, no matter where you go. Don’t forget an electrical adapter if you’re going somewhere with 220v outlets.

6. Embrace your inner Elsa and Let It Go. Now is not the time to be changing up decor, ideas, or vendors. If you can get into the mindset, “it is what it is,” you’ll be much happier and able to enjoy these last few weeks. Nobody will notice the things that are missing, got put in the wrong location, or aren't quite what you envisioned. I’ve seen a lot of weddings and the bottom line is that your favorite people are gathering to celebrate your union, and that’s their main focus. Make it yours too and let yourself relax and enjoy this beautiful moment in your lives.