The Ultimate Wedding Checklist: One Year to Go

Planning for your wedding can be daunting, but it helps break down all the must-dos into bite-sized pieces so you don’t get overwhelmed by a flurry of preparations. If your wedding is set a year from now, this checklist will help you proceed with your big day details in an organized and timely fashion. 

It’s easy to manage and refine details with a task list, so let’s begin! 

12 Months to Go 

[ ] Determine Your Budget

Setting a budget will help you plan your wedding needs and wants accordingly. 

[ ] Set a Date or an Estimated Date 

You may choose a date that has meaning to you, like when you first met, or base your choice on your favorite season or time of the year. 

[ ] Explore Your Venue Options 

It’s essential to check the rates and inclusions, amenities, local paperwork, climate, and logistics requirements of your chosen venue, especially if it’s a destination wedding. 

If you’re dreaming of a rustic-themed or nature-themed wedding, The Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, with its thoughtful amenities and stunning outdoor scenery, would be the perfect choice.

[ ] Draft Your Guestlist

Make an initial draft of your guest list so you can incorporate these into your venue requirements. Details, such as any special accommodation requirements, are always helpful. 

You can modify your guest later on, but having an estimate this early is important.                                                                                                                             

[ ] Create a Mood Board 

A mood board can include wedding theme inspirations, color palettes, textures, styling elements, banquet setup, wedding dresses and suits, cakes, and other details. It’s important to have this so you can clearly communicate with your planner what you envision for your wedding. 

[ ] Book Your Venue 

After you’ve finalized your venue choice, booking your venue a year ahead of your big day, especially around peak seasons, is best. 

At Spruce Mountain Ranch, you have romantic indoor and outdoor setting options for your ceremony and reception - the Albert’s Lodge, The Colorado Room, The Courtyard, Grace’s Chapel, The Ponderosa Room, Spruce Room, Aspen Room, Trey's Vista, and the Mountainside. 

[ ] Choose and Book Your Wedding Planner 

Determine the areas where you would need the help of a planner and hire one according to your requirements. It’s best to let a professional handle the crucial aspects of your wedding so you can have a stress-free journey to your big day. 

[ ] Insure Your Engagement Ring 

An insured engagement ring means you won’t have to spend for a replacement or repair if you lose or damage it.

Getting Closer to Your Big Day Checklist 

As the date draws closer, here are the details you need to take care of with a timeline-based guide. 

8-9 Months to Go 

You should have already finalized your photographer, caterer, couturier, and officiant by this time. 

You can start shooting your engagement photos and discussing your requirements with the caterers. 

It’s also best to discuss wedding dress details and fitting schedules around this time and to book your wedding officiant. You can choose based on recommendations and your preference, as well as their fees and requirements.

[ ] Scout and Book Your Wedding Photographer and Videographer [ ] Scout for Caterers 

[ ] Meet With Your Chosen Couturier 

[ ] Book Your Wedding Officiant 

5-7 Months to Go 

This is the period for finalizing your entourage and guest list so you can have precise numbers to work with. You should also discuss venue preparations, setup, decor, program, and menu details with your crater, florist, and host.

Sending out save-the-dates and buying the wedding invitations should be done this early to give guests enough time to plan their schedule. Around this time, the bridesmaids' dresses should be ordered to give your girls and the designer ample time for fittings and modifications if necessary. 

[ ] Finalize Your Entourage and Guest List 

[ ] Book Your Caterer, Florist, Musicians, and Host 

[ ] Buy Your Wedding Invitations and Send Out Save-The-Dates 

[ ] Order the Entourage’s Dresses 

4-5 Months to Go 

You are getting close to your wedding date, and things could get hectic, so revisit your checklist to complete any pending tasks from the previous months. 

You should also be finalizing bookings of the makeup artists, cake designers, room accommodations, and your honeymoon destination during this period. It’s also the time to prepare for your bridal shower and wedding rehearsal.

[ ] Book Bridal Shower and Wedding Rehearsal Venues [ ] Order Your Wedding Cake 

[ ] Your Music 

[ ] Hire Makeup Artists 

[ ] Send Out Bridal Shower Invites 

[ ] Finalize Your Ceremony and Reception Program 

2-3 Months to Go 

Attend fittings, and your wedding shower, and start writing your wedding vows. It’s also time to buy your wedding rings, thank-you gifts, and party favors.

[ ] Finalize the Menu 

[ ] Buy Your Wedding Rings 

[ ] Buy or Create Your Party Favors and Thank You Gifts 

[ ] Meet with Your Officiant 

[ ] Send Out Your Wedding Invites 

[ ] Check the Status of Dresses and Suits 

[ ] Meet with Your Photographer and Host to Plan the Day        

[ ] Check in with All Your Vendors and Settle Final Payments 

1 Month to Go 

During this last month leading up to your wedding day, you should check in with all your vendors to smooth out any kinks. It's also the time to apply for a marriage license. 

Assign tasks to your close friends or family members to avoid stressing out on all the little details. Delegation can take significant weight off your back so you can have time for self-care and quality time with your significant other. 

Spend this time focusing on the preparations and your and your partner’s wellbeing. You should both be up for your big day physically, mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

Here are the rest of your to-do tasks you should for your wedding month.

[ ] Confirm All RSVPs 

[ ] Furnish Your Caterer with the Final Guest List 

[ ] Plan the Seating Arrangement 

[ ] Rehearse Your Ceremony 

[ ] Fit Your Dress and Shoes 

[ ] Pack Your Wedding and Honeymoon Bags 

[ ] Have a Spa Day 

[ ] Enjoy a Stress-Free Date Night With Your Partner

 

Cheers to the Newlyweds! 

Wedding preparations can be stressful, but with proper planning, self-care, and helpful collaborations, you can make your big day memorable and meaningful. Keep this checklist to help you navigate this tricky but exciting journey to your dream wedding. 

And don’t forget to focus on what truly matters—the new chapter that awaits you both!