You said yes. Congratulations!

You’ve probably been staring at that shiny new ring on your finger, alternating between giddy excitement and mild panic about all the planning ahead. Take a deep breath. We’ve been there (well, not the ring part, but we’ve seen countless exchange vows under the twinkling lights on our riverside patio).

Picture this: It’s golden hour at Little Miami Brewing. You’re sipping a crisp Uno Más lager (crafted by our head brewer as his wedding gift to you) while your people laugh under twinkling patio lights. The smell of our kitchen’s famous pretzels mingles with the summer air as your cousin’s questionable dance moves take over the floor. This is what wedding planning should lead to; not stress, just pure joy.

Find your perfect wedding venue in Cincinnati. The city gets your love story like no one else, and knows how to celebrate. From booking your dream venue to the final “I do,” this guide walks you through every step so you can confidently plan and truly enjoy your journey.

Why a Checklist Changes Everything

A good wedding checklist isn’t just helpful, it’s your secret weapon against stress. It’s easy to feel overburdened by the numerous moving parts, including the venue, food, music, vows, and guests. And as a top brewery wedding venue in Cincinnati, we’ve seen how just having the right plan can turn chaotic planning into smooth sailing. 

Why It Works

• Saves Time: No more scrambling; know exactly when to book vendors (hint: wedding venues in Cincinnati book 12+ months out!).
• Saves Money: Track spending before you fall in love with over-budget floral arches.
• Saves Sanity: Enjoy being engaged instead of drowning in decisions.

Pro Tips from Our Couples

• Start with the Big Three: Lock your venue, date, and photographer first (our riverside space fills up fast!).
• Go Digital: Shared Google Sheets > lost sticky notes.
• Brewery Perks: At places like ours, you get built-in charm and craft beer tastings—call it “menu research.”

Your Next Steps

• Tour venues ASAP; 2025 dates are going fast! Take your time to compare different venues but don’t wait too long since Cincinnati wedding venues book quickly.
• Breathe. Once you’ve chosen a location, like our brewery, the rest falls into place.

Check our availability calendar.

12+ Months Before: Dreaming and Booking Big

The early bird gets the worm, and (of course), the best wedding vendors in Cincinnati. Here’s how to strategically book your A-team before they’re snapped up:

First Priority: Your Venue Home Run

Why it matters: Dates at popular wedding venues in Cincinnati disappear up to 18 months out (our riverside patio? Booked solid for 2025 Saturdays by June).

Pro tip: Ask yourselves, “What do we want our day to feel like?”, “How many guests are we inviting?”, “What season do we love?”, etc., to make your unique day flawless.

The Vendor Domino Effect

Once your venue is set, the rest of the vendors will fall into place. Your caterer, DJ, and photographer may often recommend each other, making it easier to put together your ideal team.

• Photographer: The artist who’ll capture your “I dos” books early in this digital-first world.
• Caterer: Especially crucial for brewery wedding venues; you want someone who gets your beer-pairing vision.
• Band/DJ: Great ones have three or more events per summer weekend.

You can also organize events with us!

Budget Power Move

We’ve seen couples save almost 15% when they book multiple services with one company (e.g., photographer and videographer).

Your Game Plan:

• Tour at least three venues (compare vibes and policies)
• Create a vendor inquiry email template (saves hours)
• Book tastings at potential caterers; make it a date night!

9-12 Months Before: Vendors, Vision, and Vows

Now that your dream team is locked in, let’s start bringing your Pinterest boards to life. This is where planning gets fun; think dress shopping, cake tastings, and creating a registry that doesn’t just include a blender (unless you really love smoothies).

The Dress Hunt: A Cincinnati Edition

• Local gems: Hit up Bridal & Formal on West Benson Street or Hyde Park Bridal on Erie Ave.
• Pro tip: Schedule appointments on weekdays for 1-on-1 attention.
• Brewery brides: Consider a shorter hem or convertible dress to show off those killer shoes during your reception dance party.

Food & Cake Must-Dos

• Tasting appointments: Our catering partners love it when couples turn these tasting appointments into an evening!
• Signature brew: Work with our brewmaster to create a custom beer for your wedding
• Cake hack: Order a small display cake to save on costs

Registry Reality Check

• Mix practical (nice sheets) with fun (brewery gift cards like ours).
• Add a “honeymoon fund” option; your guests will appreciate the simplicity.
• Local love: Include Ohio-made gifts from Ohio Market or Maverick Chocolate.

Guest List Zen

• Use a tiered system: Must-haves, hopefuls, and “if we have room”.
• Assign someone (not you!) to handle relative drama.
• Remember: It’s YOUR day. No obligation to invite coworkers or distant cousins.

Your Month 9-12 Checklist

• Book a florist (peony season fills fast).
• Start marriage license paperwork.
• Schedule hair/makeup trial.

3-6 Months Before: Tasting, Trials & Timeline

The home stretch! Now’s when all your planning comes together beautifully.

Must-Do Checklist

• Plan out décor: Think centerpieces, creative seating, and mood lighting.
• Marriage License: You’ll both need to pop into Hamilton County to grab your marriage license.
• Final Walkthrough: Meet the venue coordinator to:
  • Confirm timeline.
  • Test AV equipment.
  • Choose ceremony spots (our riverside patio vs. barrel room).

Take a virtual tour of our event center.

Pro Tips for Smooth Sailing

• Confirm the location and timeline to avoid last-minute surprises.
• Guest Experience: Print day-of timelines for hotel front desks or welcome bags.

Final Touches

• Write thank-you notes as gifts arrive (trust us, future-you will rejoice).
• Break in your wedding shoes during Netflix binges.
• Schedule a spa day (manicure/pedicure after your final fitting).

Last-Minute Brewery Perk:

Pop by for a stress-relief beer tasting; our bartenders always know the perfect pour for pre-wedding jitters!

1-2 Months Before: Countdown Mode

It’s almost time! These last weeks are about dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s; and actually enjoying the process.

Must-Do’s

• Finalize dress/attire (alterations take time!).
• Confirm vendor payments & timelines.
• Finalize the seating chart.
• Pack day-of kits: stain remover, printed vows, tip envelopes, tissues, lip balm.

For You

• Break in wedding shoes.
• Write partner letters to read in the morning.
• Schedule a massage (seriously!).

Swing by for a final walkthrough + stress-relief beer. We’ll handle the details so you can savor these last weeks.

The Week Of: Final Touches & Self-Care

The final week is here! Before the big day, it’s all about finalizing details, staying organized, and taking some time for yourself (for the wedding day glow!).

48 Hours To Go

Emergency Hotlist: Program these numbers into your phone (and keep a printed copy, just in case):

• Venue coordinator (ours answers 24/7).
• Hair/MUA rain check (for outdoor touch-ups).
• Trusted “problem solver” (not you!).

Survival Kit Add-Ons:

• Super glue (for quick repairs).
• Liquid IV packets (hydration is key).
• Printed vendor contacts (tech fails happen).

Go through this guide to plan your wedding weekend with LMBC.

24-Hour Hacks

Rehearsal Dinner: Use this to distribute:

• Wedding party timelines
• Vendor tip envelopes (pre-labeled and ready to hand off to a friend or planner)
• Welcome bags for hotels

Beer Run: We’ll chill your signature brews so they’re wedding-toast-ready!

The Big Day: Enjoy Every Sip and Second

• Gifts/Cards: Assign someone to transport them securely.
• Vendor Tips: Distribute envelopes during break.
• Marriage License: Confirm the officiant filed it with the county clerk’s office.
• Brewery Perks:
  • Take-home snack bag with your custom-labeled signature beer.
  • Secure storage for forgotten items

Next Day:

• Get photo previews within 72 hours.
• Write 5 thank-you cards/day.
• Return rentals (we’ll remind you!).

Pro Tip: Debrief over brunch at our award-winning taproom; we love hearing your favorite moments!

Why Couples Love Saying “I Do” at LMBC

There’s magic in our riverside brewery where:

• Sunlight dances on the water through floor-to-ceiling windows
• Our handcrafted beers become part of your love story
• Every corner feels intentionally designed for celebration

But what truly sets us apart? Our team. We treat your wedding like it’s our own. We become a part of your journey.  From the first tour to the last dance, we’ll be there every step of the way, ensuring your day feels as magical as you’ve dreamed.

Your perfect event starts here! Explore options at Little Miami Brewing Company. We’d love to help create something unforgettable together.