The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: From "Yes!" to "I Do" (Kateri Events and Weddings Style)
- Emma Taylor
- May 27
- 3 min read
You said yes. You’ve got the ring. Your Pinterest board is overflowing. Now what?
Planning a wedding can feel like juggling florals, finances, and family drama all at once. But don’t stress—we’ve got you. Whether you're booking a mountain-view venue like Kateri Events and Weddings (hello, Blue Ridge magic) or eloping in a field with just your dog, this checklist is the no-fluff, all-fabulous guide to get you from just engaged to just married—without losing your mind.
Wedding Checklist: 12+ Months Out: Set the Stage
Dream it out loud—talk vision, vibe, and budget
Build your guest list (and decide who really makes the cut)
Lock in a venue (Psst: Kateri gives you the whole weekend. No sharing.)
Choose your wedding date
Hire a planner (or designate your most Type-A bestie)
Book key vendors: photographer, caterer, band/DJ
Choose your workout/fitness goals and begin (we'll have another blog on this topic!)
Say yes to your wedding party
Wedding Checklist: 9–11 Months Out: Lock It Down
Say yes to the dress (or suit, or jumpsuit—no rules here)
Book your officiant/pastor and church
Reserve rentals (tent, tables, chairs, etc.—Kateri’s got options!)
Create your wedding website
Start collecting addresses (texting “What’s your address?” 137 times isn’t the move)
Wedding Checklist: 6–8 Months Out: Build the Details
Send save-the-dates
Finalize food & drink plans (and tastings—yum!)
Plan your honeymoon
Choose your florist
Order your wedding day outfits & accessories
Book hair & makeup pros
Think decor—lights, linens, signage & styling
Wedding Checklist: 4–5 Months Out: Personal Touches
Send invites
Schedule dress fittings
Design your wedding day schedule (at Kateri Events and Weddings, you'll have exclusive access to the venue for the entire weekend, allowing you to enjoy planning activities for each day!)
Write vows (or at least start thinking about it…) or decide to use the tried and true ones.
Choose ceremony readings or music
Organize transportation (from horses to family antique cars)
Wedding Checklist: 2–3 Months Out: The Home Stretch
Final RSVP follow-up
Confirm details with vendors
Apply for marriage license
Create a seating chart
Plan welcome bags & favors
Finalize ceremony script & readings
Wedding Checklist: 1 Month Out: You’re Basically Beyoncé
Do a beauty trial (or 2)
Confirm timeline with your crew
Final dress/suit fittings
Pack for your honeymoon
Break in those shoes!
Write checks, prep tips, and make a vendor contact sheet
Wedding Checklist: 1 Week Out: The Finish Line
Confirm headcount
Print programs, place cards, menus, etc.
Get your wedding day emergency kit together (double-sided tape saves lives) (and remember, at Kateri Events and Weddings, you're on your own time--as you are the major event of the weekend, so relax and roll with it and enjoy your day!)
Rehearse that walk down the aisle
Breathe. Smile. You’ve got this.
Wedding Day: Show Up and Soak It In
Eat something
Stay hydrated (Liquid IV!)
Savor the quiet moments
Kiss your person
Dance your face off
Say thank you to everyone who showed up for your love
Relax and enjoy every glorious moment
Enjoy your wedding night in our special accommodations for the happy couple
The Day After:
Return rentals
Freeze your cake top (if that’s your thing)
Drop off attire for cleaning
Send thank-you notes within 3 months
Post those fire Insta pics
Enjoy another day at Kateri--host a brunch and send off
Printable Checklist:
Want to keep it old-school (or hang it on your fridge)? Here's a word doc so you can edit your own tweeks (like teach your dog to walk down the aisle with the ring!)
Secluded, private, stunning...and all yours for the weekend.
Whether you're planning 18 months out or pulling it all off in six or shorter, Kateri Events and Weddings is here to be your backdrop, your canvas, your celebration headquarters.
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