9 Month Wedding Checklist

So you’ve started your wedding planning and you want to be more organized about it. We get you, we totally understand! As the date draws nearer, the jitters and panic may start to set in. Don’t let this get to you. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or you’re in the middle of it, we’re here to help you with this 9-month to-do list.

Before we get started, make sure you already have your budget and guestlist determined. We highly recommend getting this done early on, if you have the time, this should be included in your 10-12 month list. Aside from that, you should already have your choices for the venue, catering, photographer, videographer, stylist, and your wedding dress. Also, make get your motif and theme board ready as well. When you have this in order, you can now get ready to turn your sights on these matters.

Without further ado, here is our what to do 9 months before your wedding checklist:

1. Send out your Save the Dates

You took time deciding on who gets on your guest list, give them enough time to prepare for your celebration, too! Send out your Save the Dates as early as possible. This way, guests coming from different areas can properly schedule their flights or trips. Be courteous enough to possibly provide hotel or Airbnb options as well. The earlier you send them out, the earlier your guests can also let you know if they can make it or not.

2. Set up your Gift Registry

Let’s be practical. If you’re getting married, you want to get gifts that you will get to use in the future. It’s pretty difficult for guests to figure these things out and that’s where a gift registry comes in. Make sure you and your partner are in on this. It’s always great to start building your foundation so include the basics – things you NEED. Consider what your lifestyle is and go from there!

3. Buy your Wedding Dress

For some, the wedding dress is really the pièce de resistance of the occasion. To avoid rush deliveries, unnecessary fees, and to give time for any alterations, buy your dress at least 9 months in advance. This is, after all, your moment to shine. Pick your best choice that fits the budget and get prepared to strut your stuff on your big day.

4. Get your wedding party’s suits and dresses in order

Just as the bride doesn’t want a rushed gown, it’s the same for the groom and wedding party. Invite your best girls and boys for a dinner and browse through dresses and suits. Show them your wedding board and decide on the color palette for their outfits. Consider different styled dresses for your girls so that each of them will look AND feel comfortable. When people wear what they want to wear, they’ll be so much more confident and they’ll be getting a dress that they can wear again, too.

5. Book your suppliers/vendors (stylist, florist, caterer, photographer, videographer, etc)

The wedding industry can get really busy. If you’re already decided on your suppliers, it’s best to book them as early as possible. This way, you can discuss and finalize the nitty-gritty details. You’ll have more time to adjust and make sure everything goes as planned. Also, you may really want a certain vendor but if you book them late, someone else may get the date before you do. Research and set appointments with your vendors and suppliers of choice. When you’re ready and absolutely sure, sign the contract to seal the deal.

PRO TIP:

Stylists will definitely appreciate an early booking so the particulars regarding the look of your celebration can be ironed out properly. VintageBASH is an expert in wedding styling. Known for their elegant and timeless works, they can translate your vision into reality. With enough time, each detail can be executed to perfection.

6. Book your venue

Much like vendors, wedding venues are in demand, too. When you book your stylist, florist, and caterer, they will need to have an ocular visit to your location of choice. When you find a venue you’ve fallen in love with, you can reserve it so you can continue with the rest of your planning with your vendors.

7. Hire your Wedding Officiant

It may not be included in your “priority” list but your wedding officiant is indeed an important part of your wedding day. Please do take time to research different officiants. Read reviews and set up meetings. This way, you can get to have a feel of who they are as a person. It’s vital to have an officiant that will be able to tell your story and give meaning to your ceremony.

8. Coordinate with your wedding planner and stylist regarding rentals

The last item on our list for your 9-month checklist would be rentals! We’ve always been advocates of saving money while maintaining quality and esthetics. Coordinate with your planner and stylist regarding rentals. This can elevate the look of your celebration without making a large dent in the budget.

PRO TIP:

Try to get the most of your vendors by checking out what their offerings are. Some stylists also carry rentals, florals, and other services that can make planning easier and more streamlined. This way, you won’t need to go back and forth between different suppliers. You’ll have one team or point person for these needs.

That’s it! 9 months to go before your special day and we can’t help but feel just as excited as you! Don’t let the pressure get to you. Again, if you have the budget to hire a wedding planner, do so. If you’re doing this on your own, involve your besties to help out in the planning. Enjoy the process and check out our other articles for checklists 6, 3, and 1 month out from your celebration. Happy planning, friends!

 

References:

• https://www.weddingjournalonline.com/ultimate-wedding-checklist-9-months-to-go/
• https://onefabday.com/wedding-checklist/
• https://www.theknot.com/content/12-month-wedding-planning-countdown