On your mark, get set, go!
Congratulations! You’re getting married! And even better, you’re doing it in Asheville, North Carolina!
Choosing where you’ll be married is an important step toward the ceremony, so congratulate yourself on that milestone.
As for the rest of the process? There’s a lot.
That’s why we’ve assembled a checklist and timeline to help get you started and to make sure you cover the essentials in your planning for the Big Day.
So without further delay:
Start as early as possible
Let us say that again – when you start as early as possible you give yourself the best availability for your vendors and locations. Plus you may get a better deal by booking early!
The following checklist and timeline is by no means complete, but it’s a good starting point. It’s just a guide, and you’ll want to make adjustments that are best for your preferences and circumstances.
If you give yourself more time (and you don’t procrastinate) you give yourself a better shot at getting every detail you want just right.
Flexibility is key during your Asheville Wedding planning – enjoying the ride is the Asheville Way, so try and keep that spirit and enjoy the process. When it’s over you’ll hardly believe it finally happened!
One last note: hiring a professional wedding planner can greatly assist with managing the details and reducing your stress.
You can plan your wedding on your own, but that’s why there are pros, right?
Our Checklist and Timeline starts at One Year Out from the Wedding Day. Adjust according to your schedule and requirements.
Here’s our Asheville Wedding Planning Timeline and Checklist:
12 Months before the Wedding:
Choose your Asheville Wedding Date and Time – try to have a few potential dates in mind until you secure your venue
Discuss What Type of Wedding You’ll Have – Large? Small? Elope?
Set a Budget – Determine who will contribute Financially (the couple, Parents, others?)
Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner
Create a guest list – decide on the number of guests to invite, then create a preliminary list with the input of both families (if you so desire)
Choose your Venues (Based On Availability and your style) – research and visit venues – Book your Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding, and reception venues
11 Months before the wedding
Research and Start Booking Key Vendors – Find your Officiant, Caterer, Florist, Photographer, Videographer, and Entertainment
Select and Notify Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, and other roles in the Wedding Party
Place Engagement Announcements in Local and Social Media
Select a Color Scheme – it can help tie in clothes, decor, flowers, and printed materials
Start shopping for wedding attire for Bride and Groom – Allow time for alterations
Keep discussing and refining the Guest List
Arrange for time off work
Choose your Honeymoon destination and make reservations (Traditionally the Groom’s responsibility)
10 months before the wedding
Create a wedding website
Arrange for lodging for out-of-town guests
Create and Send Save-The-Date Reminders to Guests
Plan Ceremony and Reception Details – work with Officiant to plan the ceremony and the venue to decide on the reception layout, decor, and seating arrangements
9 months before the wedding
Select and Order Invitations and Stationery – order early to allow time for printing and reprints if necessary
8 months before the wedding
Finalize Catering for all of the events, including the Post-wedding Brunch
Order the Wedding Cake
7 months before the wedding
Start Bridal Registries at your favorite stores
Order Dresses, Tuxes, Suits, Shoes, and Accessories
Parents should select their attire and ensure fit
6 months before the wedding
Select and Purchase the Wedding Rings
Choose Reception Music or Entertainment and Book Performers
5 Months before the wedding
Send Formal Invitations, including RSVP cards
Purchase gifts for the wedding party
4 months before the wedding
Follow up with vendors to confirm or book any that have been missed so far
Maintain updated Guest List responses – start considering seating arrangements
3 months before the wedding
Hair and Makeup Trials for the Bride – Finalize beauty appointments for the Wedding Day
Finalize Rehearsal Dinner arrangements
Start contacting guests who have not responded – Replace those guests who cannot attend if you so desire – continue working on the Seating Arrangements
2 months before the wedding
Review All Arrangements
Confirm Arrangements with All Vendors
Create a Wedding Day Timeline and then expand it to cover Rehearsal Dinner through Post-Wedding Brunch and Departure for Honeymoon
Call Guests who have not responded yet
Give final counts to the caterer and venue
1 month before the wedding
Finalize the Seating Arrangements
Apply for and obtain a marriage license
Final Fittings – attend final dress and suit fittings – confirm attire for the bridal party and parents
2 weeks before the wedding
Confirm all arrangements with vendors
Pack for the Honeymoon
1 day before the wedding
Attend the Wedding Rehearsal
Host the Rehearsal Dinner after
On Your Asheville Wedding Day:
GET MARRIED!!
After The Wedding:
Send out Thank You Notes to Guests and Vendors
Begin the legal process for a name change if desired
Remember that flexibility is essential during wedding planning, and it’s crucial to try and enjoy the process along the way.
Hiring a professional wedding planner can greatly assist in managing the details and reducing stress.
This checklist should serve as a guide, and adjustments may be needed based on individual preferences and circumstances.
Happy planning, Congratulations! We’ll see you in Asheville!