The Ultimate Wedding Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide
Photography by J. Photography
Pull off an unforgettable ceremony and reception with our comprehensive wedding checklist.
The Big Announcement
You’re engaged? Congrats! We are so thrilled you and your partner have decided to choose The Silo Event Center for your wedding. First things first, after you are done beaming with excitement, it is time to share the news with your friends and family. Every couple is different and the “big reveal” is a matter of personal decision. However, there are some very popular ways to go about sharing the news below.
The Classic Ring Selfie on Social Media
We have all seen a ring selfie on social media. By far, this is the fastest way to share your engagement news! Just hold your hand out with your fingers together and take a pic. It makes the shot better to have your nails done and find a nice background. You can have fun with it and even twist your ring around and write #ISaidYes on your palm.
Photography by J. Photography
Hire a Professional Photographer for an Engagement Shoot
If you want photographs that will make the announcement even more memorable, go with a professional photo shoot. You will have time to prepare for the shoot, meaning you will also look and feel your best. In addition, this is a great option to personalize your ‘Save-The-Date’ invitations after you pick a venue and date. Once you have booked our venue, you are free to have a photo session of your choosing before your event date.
An Engagement Party
Plan an engagement party at your own home, our venue, or your favorite restaurant. You can decide not to tell guests and reveal the announcement with a toast, decorations, or a general announcement. If you don't want it to be a surprise, simply announce your engagement on the party invitations. In addition, make sure to invite guests that are your closest family and friends to make the party that much more special.
12-14 Months Out
With a year or more to plan, brides will usually be able to book their date of choice. However, popular dates such as 10-10-20, has been booked for two years! So it is very important to come see us to book a date as soon as possible.
Determine Your Budget
It is important to decide on how much you and your partner are willing to spend on your wedding day. Whether you are paying for the wedding on your own or with the help of family and friends, the budget will determine the ceremony you will be able to have.
Get Together a Guest List
It is important to know how many guests you plan on inviting. If you plan on inviting several hundred guests, we can luckily accommodate up to 350 guests with ease.
Pick Your Wedding Party
Select your wedding party so you can get some more concrete numbers on flowers, attire, and more for your budget.
Select a Color Palette
After you know when and where your wedding will take place, it will be easier to select your wedding day colors. Each season and wedding is different. You can go to our venue’s website and check out our pictures and for additional inspiration, check out Pinterest!
Hire Essential Vendors
It is wise to start looking at vendors early. This is because vendors can be booked more than a year out. It is important to start making appointments with the most essential vendors. Start by booking tastings with a few caterers, selecting flowers with florists, hiring a photographer, etc. For more information on vendors please check out our ‘Preferred Vendor List’.
Photography by Jeff and Michele Wedding Photographers
7-9 Months Out
Find a Wedding Dress
This is the most exciting appointment during the wedding planning process! However, it is important to find your dress sooner rather than scrambling at the last minute. This is because it can take several months to get your dress made and shipped to the bridal store. In addition, it is recommended to have at least 2-3 fittings before your wedding day if you plan on getting your dress altered. If you plan on losing weight or getting in shape for your big day, relax! You already have your dress and it can always be taken in during your fittings.
Book Remaining Vendors
This is usually entertainment, linens/decor, booking a hotel block for out-of-town guests, choosing a cake, hiring makeup/hair artists, etc. If you want to have less stress, The Silo Event Center also rents linens and decor! We have hundreds of options you can choose from. We also offer day of coordinating services. For more information on our decorations or day of coordination services please contact our event staff.. For other vendors please check out our ‘Preferred Vendor List’.
Create a Wedding Website
Creating a website is a great tool for guests to be able to see details of the wedding, accommodation information, view gift registry online. And much more. If you go to www.weddingwire.com or www.theknot.com you can create a beautiful website for free and it is a breeze (no matter how technologically savvy you are)
Send out Save the Dates
If you are having a lot of guests from out of town it is better to let them know ahead of time. Even if you aren’t, many guests will need to take time off work, hire babysitters, or save money to travel for your big day.
Photos by: Brandon Keith Photography, J. Photography, & Studio 929
4-6 Months Out
Plan your honeymoon!
It is essential to book your honeymoon during this timeframe. Having everything booked ahead of time will save you stress closer to the big day. In addition, you have something to look forward to as a newly married couple and a vacation after a year of planning your big day.
Buy the Bridesmaids/Flower Girl Dresses
It is important that all your ladies feel comfortable on your big day as well. They can be your biggest support through this whole process! Make sure to get their sizes and order something either in the same style or similar styles. Most importantly, make sure it is something you would love to see them in!
Buy Your Wedding Shoes
This is important to get before you have your dress altered. This is because your seamstress will need to account for the proper length of your gown and your shoes.
Meet with Officiant
Whomever you decide to officiate your wedding, you will have to decide with them on how your ceremony will go and any necessary documents leading up to the wedding you may need to get.
Arrange Transportation
Whether you decide to drive yourselves after your ‘Grand Exit’ at the reception, or hire a driver it is important to decide on a plan.
Book Hotel for Your Wedding Night
You can find a hotel nearby the venue to stay the night at, if you decide. Luckily the Silo Event Center is located only 2 miles away from several hotels! For more information please go to our website.
Photo by Brandon Keith Photography
2-3 Months Out
Book the Rehearsal Dinner Venue
This is an event for those in the wedding party, parents, and siblings. It is usually the day before your wedding or the weekend of. Fortunately, The Silo Event Center has a 2-day rental option! This means you can host your rehearsal dinner in our amazing Gambrel room the night before your wedding, if you choose. In addition, you can set up everything for your wedding the day before so you can relax during your big day. For more information on 2 day rentals, please contact our event staff.
Create a Timeline
It is a good idea to create a step by step timeline of your big day. This means when vendors arrive, set-up time, pictures, hair/makeup, etc. You can also hire our experienced staff for day-of-coordinating services to help put together a timeline and coordinate with your vendors. For more information on our coordination services, please contact our event staff.
Order Groomsmen/Groom/Ring Bearer Rental Attire
The groom and groomsmen should all go get fitted ideally 12 weeks before the wedding so their suits can come in on time.
Photos by Wynd & Paisley Co., Jeff and Michele Wedding Photographers, & J. Photography
Send Out Official Invitations
A good rule of thumb is two send your wedding invitations 8-12 weeks before your wedding. This allows you time to finalize your guest count. Put the cut off date for RSVP's 3 weeks before the big day. This also gives you time to finalize with vendors in terms of food, tables, seating, etc.
Purchase Wedding Rings
If you have not already, you should go purchase wedding bands to allow time for sizing.
photography by J. Photography
Send your Event Schedule to Every Vendor & Finalize Last-Minute Details
By sending your timeline to every vendor they will have a better idea of set up and when they absolutely need to be there by. Our day of coordination services at The Silo Event Center can take care of all of this for you. You should also finalize your menu, music choice, and any last minute details during this time. you. More information on our coordination services, please contact our event staff.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
It is your time to celebrate life with your closest friends before your wedding day! Set aside a day or weekend to have a party or fun get together and spend time with those important to you.
1 Month Out
Get your Marriage License
Go to the Christian County courthouse to obtain your marriage license. For more information please check requirements before going in. This can take up to 6 days and if you plan on changing your name, order several copies.
Send Out Final Payments
Make sure you have paid ALL vendors at this time.
Write Your Vows
It is important to spend ample time writing your vows. You want your partner to know just how much you love them and how excited you are to marry them. If you need help writing them, try asking a few married friends or relatives. They can provide insight and help take the stress off the situation. If you rather not read your vows during the ceremony, you can write a letter to your significant other so they can read them right before.
Thank You Gifts for Wedding Party
While many people choose to do this, it is not essential. It is just a small “Thank You” to your wedding party for being an integral part of your wedding day. It can be anything from engraved cups with their names, earrings to wear during the wedding, their favorite lipstick, etc.
Final Attire Fittings
If you decided to get your gown altered, you should have your final fitting at this time. Additionally your bridesmaids/flower girl should also try their dresses on at this time to make sure everything fits.
1 Week Out
Reconfirm Arrival Times With Vendors
Send Your Timeline to Your Wedding Party
Pick up Dress/Suits
Send a List of ‘Must-Have’ Shots to Photographer
Book a Spa Treatment: You Deserve it!
Break in Wedding Shoes
Pick Out Wedding Jewelry
Pack for your Honeymoon!
The day of your wedding is such a special time. Enjoy the day surrounded by your family and best friends. Relax, take it all in, and make the best memories of the best day of your life!
We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive wedding planning list and wish you the best of luck planning your big day! If you have any questions or need additional help planning your wedding, please contact The Silo Event Center at info@thesiloevents.com.
Photos from L to R from top to bottom:
Jeff and Michele Wedding Photographers, Brandon Keith Photography
J. Photography, Saved by Grace Photography
KC Photography, Kate Phelps Photography