Wedding Checklist
Keep calm and carry a big checklist when planning your New Orleans wedding!
The key to a happy wedding experience is organization – especially when you’re planning a destination wedding. Let our experienced wedding expert help you with your dream day.
Complimentary Planning Assistance
12 Months Out
- Celebrate your engagement!
- Set your budget and guest count. Set your budget based on the estimated guest count.
- Pick your date and theme. Choosing an overall theme for your wedding will help you select the venue and attire.
- Secure Ceremony and Reception venue. (Contact New Orleans & Company for complimentary assistance)
- Hire a wedding planner.
- Select your wedding party.
- Send out save-the-dates. Finalize mailing addresses based on your guest list.
- Schedule an engagement photo shoot.
6-9 Months Out
- Select your vendors. Including caterer, officiant, entertainment, florist, etc.
- Shop and order Bridal Gown.
- Create Wedding Registry.
- Shop and order bridesmaid dresses.
- Arrange and book your transportation.
- Reserve your party rentals.
- Plan your honeymoon. Decide where you want to go and make sure passports are up to date.
4-5 Months Out
- Arrange hotel accommodations for out of town guests.
- Purchase wedding rings.
- Book rehearsal dinner.
- Order favors.
- Order stationary.
- Schedule final Wedding Gown alterations.
- Decide on groom and groomsmen attire.
- Touch base with vendors. Inform vendors of any new wedding details.
- Schedule dance lessons. (If you have two left feet, this may alleviate your first dance nerves.)
- Order wedding cake and groom’s cake.
- Finalize honeymoon arrangements.
2 - 3 Months Out
- Make accommodations for your wedding night. If you’re not leaving for your honeymoon directly after the reception, decide where you want to stay for the night.
- Send out wedding invitations. (Are children welcome at your destination wedding?)
- Work on your ceremony vows. (This is especially important if you plan to write them yourself.)
- Confirm catering menu.
- Book hair and makeup for wedding day.
- Purchase additional wedding accessories. (Wedding accessories include: a ring-bearer pillow, guestbook, unity candle, cake serving knife and toasting flutes. Bridal accessories include shoes, garter, jewelry, etc.)
- Schedule a tasting for wedding cake and caterer.
- Write thank you notes for gifts as they arrive.
- Request a permit and book a band for your second line.
1 Month Out
- Finalize itinerary with wedding planner. Alert your wedding party once finalized.
- Get marriage license.
- Schedule a trial run for hair and makeup.
1 Week Out
- Follow up with missing RSVPs.
- Final check with vendors. Confirm final payments, guest count and any additional details for day of wedding.
- Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure.
- Contact New Orleans & Company for welcome bags. Welcome bags for your out of town guests are complimentary and include a New Orleans official visitor’s guide and French Quarter walking map.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
Wedding Day
- Wake up your wedding party with a delivery of hot beignets and café au lait (and don’t forget to eat breakfast yourself).
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
- Make sure your best man has the rings.
- Don’t forget the officiant’s fee.
The Day After
- Sleep in.
- Live happily ever after!
Free Hotel Quotes & Planning Assistance
Allow us to assist in contacting hotels, venues and vendors for your group accommodations of 10 or more. We can help make planning simpler and your dream wedding in New Orleans a reality.
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