Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many details to manage. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate Idaho wedding planning checklist—to help you stay organized, stress-free, and focused on what matters: celebrating your love. Whether you're dreaming of an adventurous elopement or a laid-back celebration with family and friends, this guide will walk you through every step, from the initial budget talks to the final send-off. Let’s make your big day as unique and memorable as your love story.

Every engagement is different, just like every wedding. This is a list I’ve put together so that you can choose what to do and in what order. Don’t feel obliged to do anything on this checklist or even on the month it is outlined. After all, it is your big day and you should be intentional in creating these moments.

12 months out

1. Determine your budget: While not the most eye-catching part of your wedding (unless you think a good spreadsheet is sexy), this is the most important item on your checklist. Getting it done makes way for all the fun stuff like tasting food, touring venues, and crafting memories. First step: talk to each other about what is most important to you. Is it great photos? Is it an unforgettable venue? Is it inviting every single one of your family and friends? Have the tough conversation and come together as a couple to make it magical.

2. Make a guest list

3. Hire a wedding planner: If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner. Their job is to put on an event that YOU have been dreaming of and they have the connections to make it happen. Sometimes just having that helpful hand can make the experience 1000x more enjoyable

4. Create a wedding Pinterest Board: Get some inspiration! Choose formality and theme. Determine your desired season: summer, fall, winter? This will be so helpful in narrowing all the choices.

5. Research and book your venue: Venues book up fast, especially the popular locations, during peak season and on the weekends. You’ll always find more flexibility in booking a weekday or off-season date. Here are the tips for choosing your wedding venue.

6. Book your caterer: Depending on your venue, they may have an onsite kitchen you can taste as part of your tour. Otherwise, you’ll want to inquire about preferred vendors or local caterers No matter what, be sure to eat a tasting menu.

7. Book your wedding photographer

11 months out

1. Hire priority vendors like planners, DJs/bands, florists, and videographers. Just like popular venues, great vendors book very early in the planning process. The average booking lead time is typically 14 to 18 months out.

2. Select your bridal party.

3. Make a wedding website. This is such a valuable resource for guests. You can share everything from timeline details to hotel accommodation. Guest particularly love when you share pictures and stories about your love.

10 months out

1. Research honeymoon options. Honestly, my favorite part. Daydream about all the amazing memories you will make with your now husband! Do one thing though, make sure your passport is valid for out-of-country experiences.

2. Start wedding dress shopping. It can take 6 to 8 months to create your wedding dress. Be sure to get out there and try dresses early in the process.

3. Take engagement photos: An engagement session allows the wedding process to leap forward in the feels department. It’s a moment to connect with your partner and slow down in the busy decision-making process. It also allows you to work with your photographer before the wedding day to get some of those butterflies out of the way.

4. Block hotel room blocks

5. Browse wedding invitations

9 months out

1. Buy your wedding dress. Here are my top bridal shops in the Treasure Valley

2. Send Save the Dates.

3. Meet with wedding florists. Here are my top wedding florists in the Treasure Valley. Not sure how to incorporate real flowers into your budget? I have some tips for you.

4. Start your wedding day timeline. Here are some examples of 5-hour, 8-hour, and 10-hour weddings.

8 months out

1. Register for gifts

2. Order bridesmaids’ dresses and choose groomsmen’s suits

3. Meet with a cake designer and choose your wedding cake

4. Book honeymoon

7 months out

1. Book rehearsal dinner venue

2. Schedule hair and makeup trial

6 months out

Halfway point!

1. Start a pre-wedding beauty routine. Here are some tips to enhance your natural beauty and radiance on your wedding day.

2. Schedule dress fitting

3. Order wedding favors

5 months out

1. Book all transportation

2. Buy or rent groom’s tuxedo

3. Being premarital counseling

4. Order rentals

4 months out

1. Have a final tasting with the caterer

2. Choose your cake

3. Buy wedding bands

4. Order invitations

5. Finalize bridal party attire. Ensure all items are ordered and fittings are scheduled

3 months out

This is the shit’s getting real part.

1. Create a seating chart

2. Finalize your menu selections (don’t forget your vendors)

3. Select your wedding music (ceremony, reception)

4. Book a photo booth

5. Send invitations (8-12 weeks before event). Here are some tips to ensure smooth sailing at the post office.

6. Start DIY items

7. Finalize florals

2 months out

1. Get your marriage license. Research name-change paperwork, if applicable

2. Meet with your officiant. Finalize your ceremony plan. Determine wedding party positions for the ceremony and the order of the party in the processional

3. Send invitations! (if you haven’t already)

4. Start dance lessons!

5. Have a second dress fitting

6. Schedule groom’s tuxedo fitting. Ensure tailoring time is taken into consideration

7. Create table menus

8. Create wedding programs

9. Create a weather backup plan with your planner/photographer

10. Purchase wedding party and parent’s gifts

11. Purchase accessories: things like guest book, cake toppers, and some old/blue

12. Arrange a day after brunch

1 month out

1. Finalize the seating chart

2. Have a final venue walk-through

3. Organize your RSVPs. Connect with guests who haven’t responded to their invitations

4. Confirm and send the wedding day timeline to all vendors and your bridal party. Consider having a punch list for friends/family helping out. This alleviates you from having to think up things to do on the spot

5. Confirm rehearsal dinner numbers

6. Confirm bridal party has dresses and suits ready.

7. Create a Go Bag; Get together the little things you may need the morning of your wedding i.e. needle/thread/scissors, straw for drinking and not messing up your lipstick, a personal fan if it is hot, blotting papers, ibuprofen, etc.

8. Break in your wedding shoes

2 weeks out

1. Final dress fitting. Bring your maid of honour to learn how to bustle your dress. Take a video of it so you remember day of!

2. Provide caterer with final guest count

3. Provide playlist to DJ/Band

4. Get haircut and colour, if needed.

5. Write and practice your vows

6. Leaving for your honeymoon right after your wedding? Begin packing now. Get travel items purchased and ready

7. Schedule a final call with your photographer:  Talk about your wedding timeline, must-get shots, and your family shot list. Nailing key moments on the wedding day is the whole point for your photographer, so clear communication will help your photographer be ready for those moments.

8. Finish DIY projects

1 week out

1. Pick up groom’s tuxedo

2. Confirm any last minute changes with your vendors. Including sending out any changes to the timeline

3. Pay all vendors. Prepare any day-of payment or tip envelopes for vendors

4. Arrange for snacks/lunch for the bridal party while everyone is getting ready. No one wants to be hangry at the alter.

5. Provide vendors with your contact phone numbers in case of emergency

6. Confirm wedding day duties with the wedding party and any additional helpers

7. Check the weather forecast to prepare for any surprises

The Day Before

1. Steam your wedding dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the groomsmen’s suits, your groom’s tuxedo, and any other friend/family member’s clothes. Doing this the night before ensures a stress-free wedding day

2. Spa time with your crew! Everyone gets mani/pedis!

3. Put together your wedding day detail box for your photographer. Not sure what to put in there? Check out this curated list.

4. Wedding rehearsal. Make sure everyone knows the songs and the cues and has practiced. This is the perfect time to remind everyone to smile, walk slowly down the aisle, and be attentive at the alter during the ceremony (no one wants dull or sleepy faces in photos)

5. Rehearsal dinner! Celebrate with your loved ones. Thank them for coming. Head to bed early and get some much-needed rest before your big day

Your Wedding Day

1. Get the day started with a healthy and filling breakfast

2. Be sure to drink water and stay hydrated!

3. Introduce the venue coordinator to your maid of honor and best man: let them be your contact for questions or problems.

4. Get married! Connect with your friends and family. Thank everyone for coming. Party the night away. Have so much fun!

After the Big Day

1. Write and send Thank-You cards.

2. Complete your registry and exchange any unwanted or duplicate gifts

3. Have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved

4. Keep in touch with your Photographer/Videographer to work on albums, DVDs, etc.

5. Enjoy wedded bliss

Your wedding deserves to be as unforgettable as the love you share. If you're looking for a photographer who can capture the essence of your connection and the joy of your big day, let's make it happen. Contact me today and together, we’ll create something truly magical.