You are Engaged!
Congratulations on your engagement! You’re probably excited to start planning your dream wedding, but you may be wondering where to begin. Here is a timeline to help you get started:
When should you start planning your San Luis Obispo wedding?
Newly engaged: If you’re engaged, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your wedding date, photos, announcements, and budget. This will help you narrow down your options and make informed decisions.
I’m Planning a sAN lUIS oBISPO Wedding, Where Should I start?
1) Say Yes to Engagement Photos, asap!
- Engagement photos: Engagement photos are a great way to capture this special moment in your life, so don’t wait too long! They can also be used in your wedding announcements. There are many local, talented wedding photographers who have an array of engagement photo locations to choose from. Choose a location and photography style that will set the mood for your wedding.
2) Tour San Luis obispo Wedding Venues & Book a Date
Shortly after engagement, you will want to begin your wedding venue search. You will need a definitive date to move forward with any of your other “to-do’s” and this is dependent on when you can schedule a date with your wedding venue. San Luis Obispo
3) Choose an Invitation & Calligraphy Professional
- Wedding announcements & invitations: Once you have a date and budget, it’s time to send out wedding announcements. This will give your guests plenty of time to save the date and make travel arrangements. Custom, handcrafted wedding invitations with calligraphy and/or watercolor are a popular trend, but may require advanced planning, so reach out to a local vendor as soon as possible. Handmade invitations set the tone for your wedding and most special day. If your budget allows, we highly recommend seeking out high quality, handmade invites over anything pre-ordered online.
LOCAL ADVICE – INVITATIONS & CALLIGRAPHY
When Should Couples Book Custom Announcements and Invitations?
“Couples typically secure my services with a booking window of 6-12 months in advance. This enables us to establish a cohesive style and branding that will seamlessly flow through all aspects of the wedding day, including day-of stationery and signage.”
Rachell Smith
Owner & Creative
Rachell Rae Designs, San Luis Obispo, California
What to Plan Next for Your Wedding?
Once you have the basics taken care of, it’s time to start planning the details of your wedding. Here is a timeline for some of the most important tasks:
- Venue: The venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding. Start by researching different wedding venues in San Luis Obispo and scheduling tours. Be sure to book your venue well in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
- Rentals: Once you have a venue, you’ll need to rent tables, chairs, linens, and other items. You may also want to rent a dance floor, lighting, and sound system.
- Catering: Catering is another important part of your wedding. Start by researching different catering companies in San Luis Obispo and getting quotes. Be sure to book your caterer well in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
- Photography: Your wedding photos will capture the memories of your special day for years to come. Start by researching different wedding photographers in San Luis Obispo and getting quotes. Be sure to book your photographer well in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
- Videography: If you want to capture your wedding day on video, start by researching different wedding videographers in San Luis Obispo and getting quotes. Be sure to book your videographer well in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
- Florist: Flowers are a beautiful way to add a touch of elegance to your wedding. Start by researching different florists in San Luis Obispo and getting quotes. Be sure to book your florist well in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
- Music: Music is an important part of any celebration. Start by thinking about what kind of music you want to play at your wedding. You may want to hire a band, private musician, DJ, or both. *Remember ceremony music, this is often forgotten until the very end. A live musician, such as a harpist, for the ceremony can add a touch of elegance and romanticism. Be sure to book your music well in advance, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season.
- Invitations: Once you have all of the details of your wedding finalized, it’s time to send out invitations. Be sure to send out invitations well in advance, so that your guests have plenty of time to RSVP.
San Luis Obispo Wedding Timeline:
Here is a general timeline for planning your San Luis Obispo wedding:
- 12-18 months: Choose a date, book a venue, order announcements, and hire a wedding planner (if desired).
- 9-12 months: Send out save-the-dates, choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen, and order your wedding dress and tuxedo.
- 7-10 months: Book your caterer, mobile bar service, wedding rentals, photographer, videographer, florist, hair and makeup artist, and music.
- 3-6 months: Send out wedding invitations, choose your wedding gifts & favors, and finalize your wedding ceremony and reception details.
- 1-3 months: Order your wedding cake and transportation, and write your wedding vows.
- 1-2 weeks: Buy your wedding rings, pack for your honeymoon, and coordinate with your vendors.
San Luis Obispo Wedding Tips:
Here are a few tips for planning your San Luis Obispo wedding:
- Start planning early. This will give you plenty of time to compare prices, book vendors, and finalize all of the details.
- Set a budget. Weddings can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
- Delegate tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your family and friends. Planning a wedding can be a lot of work, but it’s more fun and less stressful when you have people to help you.
- Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so it’s important to be flexible and go with the flow.
- Enjoy the process! Planning your wedding should be a fun and exciting experience. So relax, have fun, and cherish this special time in your life.