Planning Guide
Congratulations!
Getting engaged marks the beginning of an exciting chapter filled with love, joy, and beautiful memories. We are so happy for you and your partner as you take this big step together. We hope you have taken the time to soak in the excitement of this next chapter in your life. Whether you're planning an intimate celebration with your closest loved ones or a lively party to mark your union, there are exciting plans to be made. With years of experience capturing thousands of weddings, we’re here to preserve the moments that matter most to you and offer valuable insight on what’s most important before finalizing your wedding plans with Ivory Grove.
12 + Months Out
The first and most important steps are setting your wedding date, booking your dream venue, and securing your top
priority vendors—like your photographer & videographer.
In-demand vendors fill up quickly, so locking in these key details early ensures you get exactly what you want.
With these essentials in place, you’ll have the freedom to focus on the other fun parts of planning, knowing that the
foundation of your wedding is already set.
6-9 Months Out
Six to nine months before your wedding, it’s time to start locking in some exciting details! Begin by finalizing the wedding party attire—schedule fittings for your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone else in your bridal party so everyone looks their best. Then, head to a cake tasting and pick out the perfect cake flavor and design that will wow your guests! Don’t forget to meet with your officiant to discuss the ceremony and any personal touches you want to include. Finally, reserve your wedding rehearsal location to make sure everything is set for a smooth practice run. These steps will help bring your dream day even closer!
9-10 Months Out
It’s time to schedule your engagement session. Ideally 30–45 days before sending "Save The Date" cards to ensure plenty of time for turnaround time and printing. This is also a great time to find your bridal gown and complete your wedding website with key details like accommodations and registry information. Most importantly, make sure to finalize your ceremony time, keeping in mind the sunset schedule, so you can capture those magical moments as the sun sets. With these details in place, you’ll be all set for your big day!
4-6 Months Out
As the big day approaches, it's time to tackle some important final details! Send out your formal wedding invitations to guests, making sure they include all the event details and RSVP information. At the same time, double-check your decoration choices to ensure everything is set to match your vision and confirm any rentals or special arrangements. Don't forget to order your party favors, choosing something fun and personal to thank your guests for celebrating with you.
3-4 Months Out
Now is the perfect time to finalize your food menu. Work with your caterer to choose the perfect dishes that suit your guests’ tastes and your wedding style, whether it’s a plated dinner, buffet, or food station. During this time, make sure to confirm all your vendors—photographer, florist, entertainment, and any others—to ensure everyone is on the same page with timing, logistics, and expectations. This will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is set and ready to go as the
big day draws closer!
2 weeks - 1 Month Out
Two weeks to one month before the wedding is all about tying up loose ends and making sure everything is set. Start by making check-in calls to all your vendors to confirm all details & apply for your marriage license. This is also the time to finalize your day-of timeline, ensuring everyone involved knows their roles and when to be where. Don’t forget to submit your final guest count to the caterer and venue, so they can prepare accordingly. These final steps will help ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day!
2-3 Months Out
A few months before the wedding is the time to focus on finalizing your look. Schedule fittings for any necessary wedding dress alterations to ensure your gown fits perfectly on the big day. It’s also time to book your hair and makeup trial! Work with your stylist to try out different looks and find the one that makes you feel amazing. Don’t forget to schedule your bridal session (45 days prior to the wedding at minimum), where you can get some beautiful portraits before the wedding day.
Wedding Week!
The week of the wedding is finally here, and it’s time to take a deep breath and savor the excitement! By now, all the planning should be complete, so focus on organizing the final details. Start by packing all the essential items you’ll need for the day—your wedding dress, shoes, accessories, rings, vows, and any personal touches or special keepsakes you’ve chosen.
As everything comes together, allow yourself to fully embrace the moment—this is your time to celebrate love, surrounded by those who matter most. The next few days are about trusting the incredible planning you've done, so you can focus on saying “I do” and making beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Your wedding story is uniquely yours, and it deserves to be captured with the same love and attention to detail that we would give our own. We believe that every couple’s day is a reflection of their own journey, and we treat each wedding with the utmost care and dedication. From the first look to the last dance, we make it our priority to preserve every special moment, ensuring that your photos tell the true essence of your love.
Your wedding is one of a kind, and we’re honored for the opportunity to be part of it.
Love & Wedding Bells,
The Ivory Grove Team