June 1 2024 | Planning Tips
Planning a wedding with or without a professional planner is no small task. Even if you keep the guest list to a minimum, you’ll want to make sure everything is perfect for your big day. To keep the bridezilla away, we’ve created this checklist below, filled with links that will help you plan a perfect New Orleans wedding. Have fun!
12 MONTHS OUT
- Make your guest list
- Set your budget
- Pick your date and theme (consider a Mardi Gras theme)
- Decide where the ceremony and reception will take place
- Choose your wedding party
- Order and send out save-the-dates
- Hire a photographer to take engagement photos
- Want to get into shape? Now’s the time to start
- Create your wedding website
- Read up on New Orleans wedding traditions
- Get your friends working on your bachelor and bachelorette parties
6-11 MONTHS OUT
- Select your photographer, videographer, caterer, officiant, band or DJ, and florist (Read: DIY Wedding Photography Done Right)
- Order your bridal gown and bridesmaid dresses
- Register for gifts
- Choose some New Orleans themed wedding favors
- Book your wedding day transportation (or how about a streetcar?)
- Reserve your rental items (chairs, linens, drapings, etc.)
- Decide where you want to go on your honeymoon (if you need passports, do it now!)
4-5 MONTHS OUT
- Pick out and purchase your wedding rings
- Book your rehearsal dinner
- Order invitations and thank you notes
- Schedule final alterations for your wedding gown
- Finalize groom and groomsmen attire
- Touch base with your vendors
- Schedule dance lessons (consider learning how to Cajun dance at Mulate’s)
- Schedule tastings for both the wedding cake and your caterer
- Finalize honeymoon arrangements in or outside of New Orleans
2-3 MONTHS OUT
- Book a hotel for your wedding night
- Order wedding cake and groom’s cake
- Send out wedding invitations (think about hiring a calligrapher)
- Work on your vows (will you or won’t you write them yourselves?)
- Select readings (religious or non)
- Plan wedding music
- Plan your catering menu
- Book appointments for hair and makeup for both the wedding day and a trial run
- Purchase a ring-bearer pillow, guestbook, unity candle, cake serving knife and toasting flutes.
- Make sure you have your shoes, garter, jewelry picked out
- Write thank you notes for gifts as the gifts arrive
- Book a band for your second line and don’t forget you’ll need a permit!
- Choose your song and send your music selections to the band or DJ. (Check out these Top New Orleans Weddings Songs)
1 MONTH OUT
- Finalize your itinerary and share with your wedding party
- Meet with your stylist to discuss hair and makeup
- Get your marriage license
THE WEEK OF
- Confirm final payments, guest count and any additional details with your vendors
- Put your welcome bags together
- Starting packing for your honeymoon
- Have a manicure and a pedicure and perhaps even a massage
THE BIG DAY
- Have beignets from Café Beignet delivered to your special guests in the morning
- Double check to make sure your best man has the rings and that you have the officiant’s fee
- Remember to breathe
PREPARE TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER