Wedding Planning Timeline

Your Wedding Planning Timeline

Congratulations on your engagement! You've said "yes" to a lifetime of love and laughter, and now it's time to say "yes" to planning your dream wedding. Whether you're envisioning an intimate gathering or a huge celebration, a well-organized timeline is key to making your special day go seamlessly. Here's your step-by-step guide to planning your perfect wedding at Creekside Acres or any Metro Detroit wedding venue.

12+ Months Before the Wedding

Start Your Wedding Vision

  • Discuss the Big Picture: Talk with your partner about the type of wedding you both want—formal or casual, indoor or outdoor, local or destination.

  • Set a Budget: Determine how much you can spend comfortably and who will contribute to what.

  • Draft a Guest List: Create a preliminary guest list to get an idea of the size and scope of your wedding.

Choose Your Dream Team

  • Hire a Wedding Planner (if desired): A planner can help streamline the process and introduce you to trusted vendors. Here at Creekside Acres, we provide a hybrid between a wedding planner and "Day-Of" coordinator

  • Select Your Venue: Creekside Acres Event Barn and many other venues book up fast, so secure yours as soon as possible.

9-11 Months Before the Wedding

Secure the Essentials

  • Hire Key Vendors: Book your photographer, videographer, caterer, and entertainment as soon as possible.

  • Choose Your Wedding Party: Decide who will stand by your side on your big day.

Begin Dress Shopping

  • Start Looking for The Dress: Allow time for fittings and alterations.

6-8 Months Before the Wedding

Detail Planning

  • Send Save the Dates: Especially important if you’re having a destination wedding.

  • Register for Gifts: Set up your wedding registry for showers and gifts.

  • Book Block Hotel Rooms for out-of-town guests.

  • Plan the Honeymoon and ensure your passports are up to date if you’re going abroad.

Finishing Touches

  • Choose Attire for the Wedding Party and start fitting sessions.

  • Select Invitations and plan for printing and assembly.

4-5 Months Before the Wedding

Finalize Orders

  • Order the Wedding Cake and schedule a tasting.

  • Coordinate Ceremony Details with your officiant and wedding coordinator.

  • Arrange Transportation for the wedding party and guests.

2-3 Months Before the Wedding

Time to Focus

  • Send Invitations and track RSVPs.

  • Buy Wedding Bands and make arrangements for any necessary engravings.

  • Finalize Playlist with your band or DJ.

Host Pre-Wedding Events

  • Host your Bridal Party and Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties.

1 Month Before the Wedding

Final Preparations

  • Confirm Final Headcount with your caterer and venue.

  • Review Timeline with your wedding planner and vendors.

  • Have a Final Dress Fitting and break in your wedding shoes.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

Final Touches

  • Organize Seating Chart and place cards.

  • Prepare Payments for vendors and gratuities.

  • Pack for Honeymoon and confirm all travel arrangements.

Wedding Week

Relax and Enjoy

  • Attend Rehearsal Dinner and spend quality time with friends and family.

  • Stay Hydrated and Get Rest—a good night’s sleep is crucial!

  • Take Time for Yourself to soak in this precious moment.

The Day Before

  • Set Up Decor and ensure all rentals arrive on time.

  • Get a Mani-Pedi to look and feel your best.

Your Wedding Day

Cherish each moment and remember, if something doesn't go exactly as planned, it’s okay. You're marrying the love of your life, and that’s what truly matters.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but by breaking it down into manageable steps, you’re well on your way to creating unforgettable memories. Cheers to the next chapter in your life!

Corey Brecht