Small weddings deserve small plans.

Set the vision together

Before spreadsheets, spend an evening picking three words for the wedding you want — intimate, garden, loud, elegant, whatever fits. Every later decision gets easier when you can hold it up against those words.

Set your total budget and who contributes

Decide the number you're comfortable spending, and have the awkward-lovely conversations with anyone contributing. A written total now prevents a hundred small arguments later.

Draft a guest count range

You don't need names yet — just a low and a high number. Almost every other decision (venue size, catering cost, invitation quantity) hangs off this range.

Choose a date or date window

Pick a season and a few candidate weekends. Holding a range instead of one date keeps venue options open when you start touring.

Shortlist photographers

Pick photographers whose full galleries — not just the highlight reels — feel like your people. Style is very hard to change on the day.

Book the photographer

Great photographers book a year out. Confirm hours, second-shooter, and album delivery time in writing before you send the deposit.

Decide about a videographer

It's the one thing couples most often regret skipping — even a 3-minute film is a gift future-you will love. Skip guilt-free if it isn't a priority.

Decide on a planner or day-of coordinator

A month-of coordinator is the single best money most couples spend — someone whose only job is to hold the day so you don't. Book now if you want one.

Order wedding attire

Most dresses and suits need 4–6 months plus alterations. Ordering now leaves room for a peaceful fitting schedule instead of a rush charge.

Send save-the-dates

Any guest traveling or taking time off needs 6–8 months' notice. A paper card is beautiful; a good email works just as well.

Book the florist

Share your inspiration file, budget number, and season. A good florist will tell you what's actually blooming and gorgeous when — trust them.

Reserve a hotel block for guests

One or two hotels near the venue, at a group rate. Guests love not having to comparison-shop.

Design invitations

Keep it to one card, one RSVP, and one info card if needed. Guests read less than we think — clarity wins.

Shop for wedding rings

Order 3–4 months out so there's time for sizing and any engraving. Try metals against your engagement ring in daylight.

Sketch the ceremony outline

How you'll enter, whether there's a reading or two, how you'll exit. A single-page outline is enough for now.

Finalize the guest list

This is the last chance before invitations. If you're deciding between two people, ask: would we regret not having them there?

Check that your buffer is still intact

A quarterly glance at the budget prevents surprises. If the buffer is shrinking, trim one line before you feel it.

Draft a photo shot list

Groupings for family portraits, must-have candid moments, any specific detail shots. Send it to your photographer two weeks out.

Pick your first-dance song

Something you both love, at a tempo you can actually move to. Two minutes of dancing feels much longer than you'd think — a shorter edit is a gift.

Send music likes and dislikes to the DJ or band

Two short lists: play these, and please don't. Trust them for the rest — reading a room is what they do.

Get your marriage license

License validity windows vary by state — check yours before you apply. Bring the ID your state requires and any prior-marriage paperwork.

Final attire fitting

Try the whole thing on with a real posture and a real breath. Ask the tailor to show you how to bustle if you have a train.

Set your beauty appointments

Haircut and color 1–2 weeks out. Nails the day before. Any facials three weeks out at the latest — skin needs recovery time.

Confirm every vendor

Send each vendor a short email: arrival time, address, contact person on the day, final headcount. One email prevents a dozen day-of texts.