Set up your registry. As soon as guests receive their save-the-date cards, they’re going to start asking about gifts. Choose a florist. You’ll be moving forward with more details in the coming months, but by now you’ve already chosen a color theme; let the expert run with it. Step 3: The Halfway Mark 8-4 months before your wedding Order all your wedding goodies. That includes invitations, guest cards, a guest book, wedding favors and thank you cards. Figure out a transportation plan for you and your guests. Do you need to hire limos or shuttles? Now is the time to step back from romance and do logistics. Hire a baker and a caterer. Reserve tables, chairs, lights, etc. if your reception venue is not allinclusive. Reserve entertainment. Do you want a DJ or a band? Lock in the date with your favorite artists. Figure out your honeymoon plans. You can dial in the details later, but you’ll want to request time off at work—both in the final days leading up to the wedding, and for your honeymoon. Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. They’ll want to start making reservations. It’s also time to book your rehearsal dinner venue. Figure out your hair and makeup artists and give them a test run. Make your wedding website public. It’s really happening! Step 4: Crunch Time 4-2 months before your wedding Meet up with your caterer. Do a tasting and settle on menu details. Prepare for your ceremony. Write your vows and go over the details of the ceremony with your officiant. If you are including guests in your ceremony, invite them and fill them in on their role. Schedule your rehearsal. You’ll want to get the lay of the land at the ceremony location. Mail out your invitations (or email, if you’ve going virtual). Have a bachelorette/bachelor party. This part is fun—and all about you and your friends. It’s a nice chance to take a break from planning. Step 5: Details, Details, Details 2-1 months before your wedding Head to the County ClerkRecorder’s Office for your marriage license. It’s not all party-planning; the government does get involved, too. Have a final fitting. Make sure the dress and the tux are tailored and ready to wear. Confirm RSVPs for a final guest count. You’ll want to finalize the number for vendors, and also figure out a seating plan. Re-edit vows and reception speeches. Make sure your desired toastmakers are working on their toasts, too. Step 6: Down the aisle The week of the wedding Finalize transportation details. Make sure the wedding party and family members know when and where to be. Go over rental and cake delivery details. It can’t hurt to check in again and make sure things are on track. Prepare payments and tips for vendors and the officiant. No one wants to have to hit the ATM on the morning of your wedding. Especially if you haven’t hired a coordinator, it’s a good idea to entrust a close friend or family member to handle some logistics tasks. You don’t want to be checking your texts for a last-minute update about the florist delivery the morning of the big day, so identify your key players and line up all the contact info that is needed. Have your rehearsal dinner. Try not to be nervous—the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner are supposed to help it all flow smoothly. Get married. This is what you’ve been planning on for a year! RYAN CHARD SMITH 36 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2025-2026 ADVICE MICHAEL DADULA
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