Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting seasons of your life—but it can also feel overwhelming without a clear plan. After working with over 100 couples, I know firsthand how a well-organized plan can make your day smoother, more joyful, and less stressful.

Whether you’re marrying your best friend in a rustic barn outside the city or in one of downtown Wichita’s elegant venues, here’s the ultimate wedding planning checklist to help you stay on track and make the most of your big day.

12+ Months Before the Wedding

• Set Your Budget: Establish a realistic budget and decide who’s contributing.
  
• Create a Guest List: Start estimating your guest count so you can choose the right venue.
  
• Hire a Wedding Planner (if desired): A pro can save you time and stress—especially for larger weddings.
  
• Book Your Venue: Popular venues in Wichita (like The Highlands, Barn at Grace Hill, or Prairie Hill Vineyard) fill up fast.
  
• Choose Your Photographer: (Hint: I’d love to help!) Book early, especially for spring and fall dates.
  
• Set the Date: Lock it in and notify your VIP guests!

9-12 Months Before

• Choose Your Wedding Party: Ask early to give them time to prepare.
  
• Shop for the Dress: Bridal stores may require 6-9 months for delivery and alterations.
  
• Book Key Vendors (Videographer, Caterer, Florist, DJ, Officiant) Let me know if you need recommendations!
  
• Engagement Photos: A great way to celebrate and get comfortable in front of the camera! See my Engagement Session Guide for more info on this.

6-9 Months Before

• Send Save-the-Dates: Especially for out-of-town guests.
  
• Plan Your Décor: Pinterest boards are amazing for this! Think about your color palette and theme, get inspo, and talk with your fiance about your vision. If you need ideas, check out some of my Pinterest boards here!
  
• Schedule Tastings and Trials:
  
  • Catering menu tasting
    
  • Cake tasting
    
  • Hair and makeup trials
    
• Reserve Hotel Blocks: Provide options close to your venue.
  
• Create a Wedding Website: Share key details like dates, directions, dress code, and registries. If your engagement session is done, you can share some of your favorites from your session on your website too!

3-6 Months Before

• Order Invitations: Leave time for printing and addressing.
  
• Buy Wedding Bands
  
• Schedule Dress Fittings/Final Alterations
  
• Book Transportation: For yourselves, your guests, or the wedding party if needed.

2-3 Months Before

• Send Invitations
  
• Plan Your Photo Timeline: Work with your photographer to create a timeline that allows for all the moments that are most important to you. The Questionnaire that you will receive from your Photographer will help prepare for this.
  
• Write Your Vows (and order Vow books if necessary- Etsy has some great options!)
  
• Confirm All Vendors
  
• Create a Grand Day-Of Timeline. This should include when flowers are to arrive, when people should arrive, when hair and makeup will get done, etc. Include exact times and locations. Share with vendors and your wedding party.
  
• Choose Ceremony Details: Music, readings, seating arrangements, signage, etc.

1 Month Before

• Final Dress Fitting
  
• Make a Seating Chart
  
• Confirm Guest Count with Caterer
  
• Break in Your Shoes
  
• Wear sunscreen if you’re going to be outside!
  
• Brief yourselves on how to cut a cake- check out this Youtube short!

1-2 Weeks Before

• Final Headcount to Venue/Caterer
  
• Pick Up Dress and Accessories
  
• Confirm Timeline with Vendors
  
• Pack Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit- safety pins, scissors, tweezers, feminine products, hot glue gun, steamer, Tylenol, band-aids, bobby pins, spot remover, breath mints, needle and thread
  
• Practice Your Vows & First Dance
  
• Gather your details in a shoe box for your photographer- vow books, both rings, necklace, bracelets, shoes, hair pieces, veil, perfume, cologne, mementos, etc.

Wedding Day!

• Eat Breakfast and stay hydrated!
  
• Trust Your Vendors to do their jobs
  
• Turn on some music for getting ready!
  
• Soak in Every Moment: Let go of the small stuff. This is YOUR day!

Final Thoughts

Every couple’s journey is unique, but staying organized with this checklist can help you feel more confident and present throughout the process. And when it comes to your photos, the more relaxed and prepared you are, the more natural and joyful your images will be!

If you’re still looking for someone to capture the real, candid moments of your day here in Wichita or beyond—I’d love to chat!

Let’s make magic together!