Planning a wedding is like starting a fun adventure with some happy moments and a bit of chaos too. Whether you want a small, cozy ceremony or a big, fancy party, the key is staying organized. A good wedding checklist will guide you through every step, from saying “I do” to dancing at the reception. With this list, you can relax and enjoy your big day without stress!

Ready to plan the perfect day? Let’s dive into the ultimate wedding planning checklist that will keep your ceremony stress-free and your reception unforgettable! 

12-18 Months Before The Wedding

1. Set the Date

The first step to planning your dream wedding is picking the perfect date. Think about the season you love— do you want a cozy fall wedding or a bright summer ceremony? This decision sets the tone for your entire wedding, whether you’re going for a formal elegance,casual fun, or even a destination wedding. 

2. Choose your Venue

Next up: finding the right place! A beautiful venue can bring your vision to life. For a stunning mix of charm and fun, consider a place like Little Miami Brewing Company’s Event Center, which is perfect for both your ceremony and reception. It’s a unique spot that will make your wedding day unforgettable. 

3. Create a Budget:

Time to talk numbers! Setting a budget early helps you figure out where to spend and where to save. Make a list of your must-haves– like the venue,food,and entertainment— and decide how much you’re comfortable spending on each.This way, you can plan your wedding without stressing over the costs. 

With these first steps, you’re well on your way to planning a perfect wedding that reflects your style, from the ceremony to the reception! 

10-12 Months Before: Assemble your Wedding Dream Team

1. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional) 

Thinking about hiring a wedding planner? They can be your secret weapon for organizing all the details, from the ceremony setup to the final reception dance. A good planner helps keep everything on track, so you can focus on enjoying the fun parts of wedding planning! 

2. Book Key Vendors

Now it’s time to lock in the people who will help bring your wedding day to life:

• Photographer/Videographer

You’ll want someone amazing to capture all the special moments— like the first kiss or your epic reception dance moves. Book them early so you don’t miss out on the best! 

• Caterer

A delicious reception menu is key to keeping your guests happy. Finding the right caterer early ensures your wedding dinner is something people will be talking about long after the wedding. 

• Entertainment

Whether it’s a live band or a DJ, great music sets the mood for your reception. Book your entertainment early so your guests can dance the night away! 

8-10 Months Before: Personalize Your Wedding Details

1. Choose a Wedding Theme

Here’s where the fun starts! Pick a theme that feels right for you as a couple— whether it’s classic vintage, or modern or stylish. Your theme sets the tone for everything, from the ceremony decor to the mood at the reception. It’s all about making your wedding day feel like it’s truly yours!

2. Finalize the Guest List

Finish your guest list! Make sure the number of people fits your budget and venue. If your venue is small, you might need to invite fewer people. But if there’s more space, you can add a few more friends to the party. Finding the right balance will help make everything perfect! 

3. Send Save-the-Dates

Give your guests plenty of time to plan! Sending out save-the -dates now lets them book travel and accommodations, so everyone’s ready for your big day. 

6-8 Months Before: Plan Your Ceremony and Reception

You’re six to eight months away from your big day, and it’s time to put those final touches on your ceremony and reception plans! From the flow of events— will you kick things off with heartfelt readings, exchange vows that make everyone cry (in a good way), or maybe add a personal touch with musical selections that resonate with your relationship? This is where you and your partner get to shine, so make it personal and meaningful. 

1. Reception planning

The reception is your grand celebration where the party truly begins! To make it a hit, here’s what you need to plan: 

• Seating Chart:
  Creating a seating chart is like solving a puzzle, but with people! Keep guests’ comfort in mind by seating friends and family who know each other together. But don’t be afraid to mix in some fresh dynamics. For a fun twist, consider shaking things up with unexpected pairings. 
  
• Reception Menu:
  Buffet, sit-down, or family-style? Decide on a catering style that matches your wedding vibe and makes guests feel well-fed and loved. Make sure to offer a variety of options– think veggie, gluten-free, and a solid dessert game — so no one’s left out. Don’t forget to sample everything in advance (yum)!

• Decor and Centerpieces:
  Here’s where you get creative! Tie the whole reception theme together with table settings that reflect your style. Whether it’s elegant floral arrangements or quirky personal touches (like centerpieces made of books for book lovers), your decor should be the reflection of your unique love story. Go ahead, make it Pinterest-worthy!
  

4-6 Months Before: Invitations and Attire

1. Send Invitations

This is your guests’ first sneak peek into your wedding day, so make sure your invitations match the vibe! Whether you’re going for classic elegance or laid-back boho, the design should reflect the tone of your wedding. Remember to include all the essential details—- like time, location, and RSVP instructions— and send them out 4-6 months before the big day. Don’t forget to triple check those addresses (we don’t want your aunt’s invite ending up at the wrong house)! 

2. Choose Wedding Attire

Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses:
Choosing your dream dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning! Aim to order your bridal gown about 6 months before the ceremony to allow time for fittings and alterations. 

Same goes for the bridesmaids’ dresses— once you’ve chosen the color and style that complements your wedding theme, make sure everyone schedules fittings to ensure everything fits perfectly on the day. 

Groom and Groomsmen Attire:
Whether you’re going for a formal tux, a semi-formal suit, or a more casual vibe, the groom and his party should also feel confident and stylish. For formal weddings, consider classic black or navy tuxedos. 

For something semi- formal, opt for tailored suits in cool tones that compliment your color palette. Casual ceremony? A well- fitted blazer and trousers can strike the perfect balance between relaxed and polished. 

2-4 Months Before: Finalize the Details

You’re getting close! With just a few months to go, it’s time to tie up all those loose ends and ensure everything is in place for your dream wedding. Let’s dive into the final touches that will make your ceremony and reception unforgettable!

1. Finalize the Menu and Bar

It’s time to tantalize those taste buds! Decide on the food and drink options that will keep your guests happy and full. Whether you’re going for a fancy multi-course meal, a casual buffet, or a cocktail-style reception with bite-sized treats, make sure you’ve got something for everyone. 

And don’t forget the drinks! Why not create a special cocktail that’s all about your relationship? It could be based on your first date or your favorite drink together. You could even give it a fun name. 

2. Confirm Vendors

Now is the time to confirm all your vendors and ensure they’re ready to help make your wedding special. Check in with your florist, photographer, DJ, catering, and any other vendors to confirm all the details. 

Send friendly reminders or meet with them if needed to go over any last-minute changes. It’s important to keep everyone on the same page so your ceremony and reception run smoothly!

3. Write Your Vows

Writing your wedding vows is a meaningful way to add love to your ceremony. Don’t stress about making them sound fancy— just speak from your heart! Think about your journey together, the funny moments, the challenges you’ve faced and why you’re excited to start this new chapter. Keep it personal and sweet, and let your true selves shine through! 

1 Month Before: The Final Countdown!

It’s almost here! With just one month to go, It’s time to make sure every last detail is in place for your big day. Let’s wrap up the final steps so your wedding day is smooth sailing! 

1. Prepare a Wedding Day Timeline 

Time to get organized! Create a detailed schedule that covers every part of your day, from the ceremony to the last dance at the reception. Include everything— getting ready, photos, vows, dinner, speeches— so you and your crew know exactly what’s happening and when. 

Share this with your vendors and wedding party to keep everything on track. 

2. Attend Final Fittings 

Make sure everyone’s looking their best! This is your last chance to have final fittings for the bride, groom, and wedding party. Ensure that dresses, suits, and accessories fit perfectly, so there are no wardrobe surprises on the big day. And don’t forget the shoes– break them in a little to avoid those day-of blisters! 

3. Confirm Guest Count

Time to lock in your numbers! Finalize your guest list and share the headcount with your caterer and other vendors who need the info. 

This helps with seating, food, and making sure everyone has a spot at the reception to celebrate your special day. 

Relax and Trust the Plan

You’ve done all the hard work —- now it’s time to relax and enjoy the ride! Trust that everything will unfold as planned. Whether the flowers are perfectly in place or the cake gets a little wobbly, it’s all part of the magic. 

Your ceremony is about celebrating your love, so let go of any stress and focus on the joy of the day.

Planning a wedding is a journey, and following a comprehensive checklist helps make sure every detail— big and small– is covered. From the ceremony to the reception, taking the time to organize each aspect guarantees your big day will be just how you imagined it. So, keep that checklist handy and enjoy the process! 

Ready to make your dream wedding a reality? Contact us at Little Miami Brewing Company to help you plan the perfect day. Whether you need a gorgeous spot for your ceremony or an unforgettable space for your reception, we’ve got you covered. Book your space now and let the celebrations begin. 

Contact us at (513) 680-1570
or, email our Event Coordinator, Libby@LittleMiamiBrewing.com for further details!