The Ultimate Wedding Checklist for Southwest Michigan Brides
Congratulations on your engagement! Now, to plan the wedding of your dreams. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with where to begin, this checklist will help you plan the perfect Southwest Michigan wedding and your pre- and post-wedding celebrations. Use it to schedule important dates and to help you keep track of all the details, big and small.
FINANCIALS
Set your budget: 18-24 months in advance
Create payment schedule
Make a folder for receipts and contracts
Have checks for vendors ready

CEREMONY
Choose venue and set your date: 18-24 months in advance
Contact officiator: 12 months in advance
Choose color scheme: 12 months in advance
Hire musicians/select music: 8 months in advance
Write vows: 2 months in advance
Purchase wedding bands: 2 months in advance
Decorate venue

RECEPTION
Choose and reserve venue: 12-18 months in advance
Book DJ/band: 10-12 months in advance
Reserve rental items: 6-12 months in advance
Set up gift registry: 10 months in advance
Choose music playlist: 8 months in advance
Create seating chart: 1 week in advance
Purchase/make table favors: 1 month in advance
Confirm vendor deliveries: 2 weeks in advance
Decorate venue

CAKE & CATERING
Schedule a cake/dessert tasting: 12 months in advance
Schedule a menu tasting with caterer: 12 months in advance
Book caterer: 12 months in advance
Order cake: 4 months in advance
Finalize menu with caterer: 2 months in advance
Order alcohol: 2 months in advance
Send final guest count to caterer: 2 weeks in advance
Confirm delivery times: 2 weeks in advance

FLOWERS & DÉCOR
Choose color scheme: 11 months in advance
Choose décor style: 11 months in advance
Meet with florist: 10 months in advance
Order flowers: 6 months in advance
Order decorations: 5 months in advance
Confirm floral delivery: 2 weeks in advance
INVITATIONS & PRINTING
Finalize the guest list: 12-18 months in advance
Pick out invitations: 6 months in advance
Buy stamps for all mailings: 4 months in advance
Mail “Save the Date” cards: 4 months in advance
Mail invitations: 2 months in advance
Print wedding programs: 4 weeks in advance
Mail thank you notes: Within 2 months

WEDDING PARTY
Select your wedding party: 12-18 months in advance
Shop for bridesmaids dresses: 8 months in advance
Shop for groom and groomsmen attire: 8 months in advance
Order wedding party apparel: 4 months in advance
Purchase wedding party gifts: 2-4 months in advance
Present wedding party with their gifts: At rehearsal dinner

BEAUTY & APPAREL
Shop for wedding gown: 12 months in advance
Order wedding gown: 10 months in advance
Schedule dress fittings: 9 months in advance
Purchase jewelry and hair accessories: 8 months in advance
Hairstyle and makeup test run: 6 months in advance
Book makeup artist: 2-4 months in advance
Book hair stylist: 2-4 months in advance
Buy and break-in wedding shoes: 2-4 months in advance
Schedule appointment at nail salon: 2-4 weeks in advance

ACCOMODATIONS
Reserve rooms for out-of-town guests: 12 months in advance
Book wedding night accommodations: 12 months in advance
Arrange guest transportation: 6 months in advance
Hire wedding party transportation: 6 months in advance
Place welcome bags in guest room
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
Hire photographer/videographer: 12 months in advance
Have engagement photos taken: 10-12 months in advance
Choose site locations: 2 months in advance
Compile shot list: 2 months in advance
Confirm photo/video timetable: 2 weeks in advance
MEDIA & DOCUMENTS
Create wedding website: 12 months in advance
Send engagement notice to newspaper: 10-12 months in advance
Renew your passports: 6-9 months in advance
Get your marriage license: 2-4 weeks in advance
Send change-of-address to post office: 2 weeks in advance
Send wedding notice to newspaper: Within 6 months

CELEBRATIONS
Make reservations for rehearsal dinner: 12-18 months in advance
Make reservations for farewell brunch: 12-18 months in advance
Schedule your engagement party: 1-3 months after engagement
Plan your honeymoon: 6-9 months in advance
Book honeymoon hotel and airfare: 4-6 months in advance
Bachelor party
Bachelorette party
BRIDAL SHOWS
Plan to attend these local bridal shows to kick-start your wedding planning. Be sure to stop by our booth!
Lucky Bride, Four Winds Casino
Wedding World, The Mendel Center
Visit swmichigan.org/weddings for a list of Southwest Michigan venues and vendors, plus special offers that will help you create your dream wedding. We are here to assist you with your planning, secure the best venue rates, room blocks or suggest itineraries for your pre-wedding celebrations or wedding weekend guests. Call 269-925-6301 or email Sarah at info@swmichigan.org. We are ready to help you start your happily-ever-after!
Share with Us
Please send us photos and videos of your Southwest Michigan getaway. Use our hashtag #swmichigan or upload your photos to our content collector below. This is an opportunity for your photos to appear on our social media, website or marketing materials. Thanks for sharing your memories!