The Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do and When

Did you just say “YES!”? Planning your wedding should be one of the most exciting times in your life. After all, you are about to marry the love of your life! But, let’s be honest – sometimes the excitement can wear away quickly and the overwhelming feelings can start to kick in. You may be in the midst of planning or just beginning the journey, but it is vital to have a clear timeline to ease the stress. So, whether you’ve already dug deep into Pinterest boards, or are just starting out – here is your month-by-month guide to planning your ultimate wedding, with what to do and when. 

12 + Months Before the Wedding: Lay the Foundation for your wedding day

• Stop and enjoy your engagement. Be sure to celebrate your engagement and share the happy news with your family and friends

• Sit down with your partner and any financial contributors (ex. Parents, grandparents etc.) and determine who is contributing, what amount, and set guidelines for your budget

• Draft a guest list to estimate the size and venue requirements 

• Hire a wedding planner (we’d love to support you with your journey – wink, wink!)

• Choose a wedding season

• Choose a wedding date 

• Book your venue (ceremony and reception) 

10-12 Months Before: Get your Vendors Booked

• Book your key vendors: photographer, videographer, band/DJ, caterer

• Choose your wedding party and don’t forget to think of a fun and creative way to ask them!

• Create a wedding website to send out to your guest list

• Explore ideas about a theme or color palette 

• Start collecting your guests’ addresses, we recommend keeping them on a spreadsheet

• Start wedding dress shopping - we recommend starting this early, to allow time for alterations and delivery

• Meet and greet officiants and book/confirm an officiant 

8-10 Months Before: It’s Time to Bring your Vision to Life

• Explore florists in the area and book your florist

• Have some fun deciding on your desserts! Select and choose your dessert options, such as a dessert bar or cake

• Visit a local decorator or rental company 

• Reserve your hotel blocks for out-of-town guests

• Schedule engagement photos 

• Register for gifts and add links to your wedding website

• Finalize your wedding website information prior to save the dates

• Create your save the dates – leave time to deliver

6-8 Months Before: Plan and Prep

• Send your save the dates 

• Send out links or sample ideas to your wedding party for attire, or plan shopping trips with your wedding party to shop for bridesmaid dresses and suits

• Book transportation 

• Plan the honeymoon (if applicable) 

• Order and confirm your rentals including tables, chairs, linens and misc. decor 

4-5 Months Before: Get into all the Details 

• Select and choose your wedding rings - don’t forget to order! 

• Finalize the menu with your caterer, to include cocktail hour and the reception 

• Book your hair and makeup artists and schedule a trial run

• Begin writing your vows and meet with your officiant

• Plan your ceremony and reception details, including your timeline 

2-3 Months Before: Tie Up Loose Ends

• Mail out your invites - a good rule of thumb is 6-8 weeks before 

• Schedule your dress fittings to ensure your dress is ready 

• Confirm your vendor details, payments, and timelines 

• Create a wedding day schedule and timeline 

• Purchase wedding party gifts (if applicable) 

1-2 Weeks Before: Final Touches

• Give final numbers and headcounts to the vendors

• Pack for honeymoon and day of wedding 

• Pick up and prep wedding attire, to include all accessories

• Prepare an emergency kit, unless your wedding planner or day of coordinator has one

• Distribute day of timeline draft to wedding party and all vendors

The Day Before

• Attend or host the rehearsal and dinner 

• Pack your bag for the next day 

• Drink lots of water and eat well-balanced meals

• Get a good night of rest 

The Big Day 

• Relax and enjoy

• Trust your team and let the magic happen

• Say ‘I do to the love of your life’

Wedding planning is a journey, and like any journey, it’s best taken one step at a time. Stick to this timeline, stay flexible, and remember—this day is about you and your partner. Everything else is just icing on the wedding cake. Enjoy the wedding planning process - you’ve got this!

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

How to Design a Sweetheart Table You’ll Be Obsessed With

In a room full of love, laughter, and celebration, your sweetheart table is like your private island. It’s the one spot just for the two of you on your wedding day. While it may seem like a simple seating decision, your sweetheart table is more than just a place to eat. It’s a focal point of your reception, a photo backdrop, and a beautiful way to showcase your style as a couple.

Whether you're going for something romantic and elegant, modern and minimal, or bold and whimsical, your sweetheart table is your chance to design something truly personal. Here's everything you need to know to create a sweetheart table you’ll be completely obsessed with!

WHAT IS A SWEETHEART TABLE? 

Often, we have couples who are weary against the sweetheart table. They don’t want to be “isolated” and would rather be with their guests. BUT, it’s purpose truly is to create an intimate table just for you and your partner, to sit together, and enjoy a pocket of peace in your reception. It is traditionally placed in a central spot with a direct view of the dance floor and rest of the room. It is different from a head table, which often includes the bridal party, a sweetheart table gives the couple a bit more privacy while still being front and center. It’s not only a great way to enjoy a few quiet moments together, but also an incredible design opportunity. 

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A SWEETHEART TABLE?

Okay – let us pitch our top reasons why you SHOULD opt for a sweetheart table. We totally understand why couples prefer to sit with their wedding party or families, but here are our top reasons why you need to go the sweetheart table route: 

• Intimacy: The wedding day is CRAZY busy. It can go by in a flash. The sweetheart table gives you and your partner a few precious moments alone in the middle of a very social, and busy day. 

• Photography: It is the perfect setup for toasts, first bites, and romantic portraits. 

• Design Freedom: You’re not trying to coordinate with multiple people’s place settings or floral needs – so you can go all out with your personal style. 

• Logistics - It can simplify seating arrangements, especially if you  have a large or blended bridal party. 

WHERE TO PLACE YOUR SWEETHEART TABLE 

Placement is key for both function and aesthetics. Your sweetheart table should be: 

• Visible: to your guests – so they know where to direct their totasts and camera phones! 

• Centered: or elevated if possible, especially in a ballroom or tented reception 

• Backdropped: by something photo - friendly – like a floral installation, draping, greenery wall, or even just a beautiful view. 

Be sure to make space in front of your table for guests to approach, give hugs, or snap photos without blocking other tables. 

ELEMENTS OF AN EYE-CATCHING SWEETHEART TABLE 

Designing your sweetheart table is all about the details. Here is the breakdown of the elements that will make yours unforgettable: 

The Table Itself
Your table can be as grand or as simple as you like. A few ideas: 

• Vintage sweetheart tables can have ornate legs or reclaimed wood 

• Modern acrylic or mirrored tables for a clean, sophisticated look 

• Rustic farm tables for boho or countryside vibes

• Round or half-moon shapes to stand out from the guest tables

Ensure that the scale of the table fits the space and doesn’t overwhelm (or get lost in) your reception layout. 

STATEMENT CHAIRS OR LOVE SEATS 

Ditch the banquet chairs and opt for something that elevates your seating. We love the idea of velvet armchairs in your wedding color. Or opt for a cozy tufted loveseat or settee. If you're a fan of clean lines, check with your rental company for Gold Chiavari or acrylic ghost chairs to heighten a glam or modern wedding. Your chairs SHOULD be comfortable and also match your wedding theme. 

LINENS AND RUNNERS 

Luxurious table linens can instantly transform your sweetheart table. Options to consider are: 

• Sequined overlay for sparkle

• Soft velvet for texture 

• Gauze or chiffon runners for a romantic feel 

• Custom embroidery (like your initials or wedding date)

For an elevated look, let your linen pool to the floor. This creates a dramatic, romantic effect – perfect for pictures!

FLORAL AND GREENERY DECOR

One of the most important visual elements of your sweetheart table is the floral arrangement. And, this is an opportunity to reuse and repurpose floral arrangements from your wedding ceremony! We love to see a cascading garland of greenery and blooms that flow over the front. Or a floral arch or semi-circle behind the table. You can use low centerpieces, paired with candles for a romantic look. Don’t forget to repurpose ceremony florals such as your archway or aisle flowers to save on cost without compromising style. 

LIGHTING

The right lighting adds ambiance and enhances your sweetheart table photos. You can opt to add a spotlight or pin lighting to make your table stand out during the reception. We love the idea of fairy lights, hanging Edison bulbs, or votive candles for a warm glow. Consider a neon sign behind the table with your name, initials, or a fun phrase. 

PERSONALIZED TOUCHES

This is your table, so make it yours! Be sure to add your personality with: 

• Custom name signs or “Mr. & Mrs.” Signage 

• Champagne flutes with your initials 

• A framed loved letter or your vows

• Photos of your relationships or family mementos

• Monogrammed napkins or menus. 

If you are planning to write letters to each other before the ceremony, display them in a sealed envelope on the sweetheart table as a symbolic touch. 

Whatever you do, make it practical. While beauty is the goal, don’t forget about functionality. Ensure there is space and enough leg room under the table. You want to avoid overly large centerpieces that not only block your view, but your guests' view of you. Have a clear space for your dinner plates, glasses, and silverware, and ensure that your food is plated and STAYS until you’re ready for it to be cleared. 

Your sweetheart table is more than just a place to sit—it’s a moment to reflect, connect, and be fully present with your partner on your biggest day. From lush florals to statement chairs and custom signage, there are countless ways to make it feel special.

Whether your wedding is boho and breezy or elegant and glamorous, designing a sweetheart table that reflects your personalities and love story is one more way to make your celebration deeply personal—and absolutely stunning.

So go ahead, create a space you'll be obsessed with. After all, you only get one wedding dinner as newlyweds—make it magical.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

How to Choose a Wedding Color Palette That Feels Like You

ions is choosing your wedding color palette. It’s more than just picking a few pretty shades—it’s about setting the mood, defining your aesthetic, and creating a celebration that truly reflects you as a couple.

Color impacts everything from your invitations and flowers to your attire, table settings, and photos. The right palette can bring your vision to life, making your wedding feel cohesive, intentional, and uniquely yours. But with thousands of options and Pinterest boards full of inspiration, how will you ever choose? Here’s our guide to help you select a wedding color palette that feels authentic, beautiful, and totally you and your partner. 

START WITH WHAT YOU LOVE
Skip the trends for a moment. Close your eyes and take a moment to truly think about the colors that you gravitate towards. What colors do you lean towards? What are the shades that make you feel HAPPY, COMFORTABLE, and INSPIRED? If you’re thinking, well how do I narrow it down? There’s some clues in your home to help! 

• Look in your closet. What colors do you wear most? 

• Check your home decor. Is there a theme that you gravitate to? More neutrals? Bright pops of colors? Are there tones that you see again and again in your home? 

• Flip through your saved pinterest boards. Okay, maybe not your 2012 wedding boards, but what things have you saved? 

This personal starting point helps create a palette that feels familiar and true to your style, rather than forced or trend-driven. And if you and your partner have very different tastes, try to find a middle ground by blending your favorite tones. Maybe you love blush/pink tones and they are fans of dark blues – pair them together. Contrast is great! 

CONSIDER THE SEASON 
You can either do it one of two ways – find your colors and plan to book your wedding in the appropriate season or select your season and let the colors inspire you. Your wedding season selection will naturally influence your color palette. Now there are no strict rules, but colors do interact with light, surroundings, and the availability of fresh florals. So, let’s do a quick breakdown of seasonal color recommendations. 

SPRING: Spring brings softness. Think of soft pastels, fresh greens, lavender, blush tones, and pale blues. This is the season of renewal, pair your tones to create fresh spaces.

SUMMER: Bright and bold shades like coral, turquoise, fuschia, and citrus tones pop in the sunshine and vibrant landscapes. 

AUTUMN: Fall brings warm, earthy tones like rust, burgundy, mustard, forest green, and terracotta. These color are perfect for fall’s natural backdrop. 

WINTER: Opt for elegant shades like deep emerald, navy, wine, icy blue, or rich jewel tones that shine in the colder months. 

When you think about seasons and color palette, think about tones that will enhance the season. You do not need to match the season – we actually don’t recommend it. Fall weddings do not have to be orange and brown. Winter weddings can be pastel if you love the look. It doesn’t box you in, but just leaves you some thoughts to consider. 

LET YOUR VENUE BE YOUR GUIDE 
Your venue’s existing features—like wall colors, flooring, lighting, and landscape—can either complement or clash with your chosen colors. A ballroom with gold chandeliers might pair better with warm, classic tones, while a modern industrial space might shine with bold or moody hues. As you select your venue, of if you’re looking to select your color palette consider these thoughts: 

• What colors are primarily in space? 

• Are the tones cool or warm? 

• Will your color palette enhance or clash with the surroundings? 

• Are you using the same venue space for both ceremony and reception? 

If your venue speaks for itself, or has strong elements that you can’t change – like a festive patterned carpet, or bright walls – work with the tones, don’t work against them. 

FIND INSPIRATION IN YOU 
What is your unique story with your partner? How did you meet? How did they ask for your hand? You have a unique story – your hobbies, favorite travel memories, places, and personal memories that can help inspire your wedding palette. Ask your self questions such as: 

• Where is a core memory in your relationship? Was it a trip to the beach? 

• Are you planning a wedding in your hometown? What is your hometown known for – example: my hometown is known for lilacs. You may want to bring in some of those shades! 

• Do you want to honor your culture or heritage? Pull colors from traditional attire, flags, or cultural aspects.

By grounding your palette in something personal, your wedding will feel more intimate and authentic.

BUILD AROUND ONE MAIN COLOR 
Once you’ve identified ONE color you love, use this as your anchor color. This will be your core color that you will create your palette around. You will begin to select and layer in complementary tones. We like to use the following as a guide: 

• Select 1 or 2 main colors. These colors will be the MOST visible throughout your wedding 

• Select 1 or 2 accent colors. These are used to highlight and add contract or depth to your wedding palette

• Select at least 1 neutral. This will bring balance to your color palette and add grounding or flexibility to your overall design. 

Here is an example: 

• Main Color: Dusty Rose/Blush Pink 

• Accent Color: Forest Green 

• Neutrals: Ivory 

This combination speaks to softness, romance, and is grounded. This would be perfect for a March or April wedding that compliments spring. A favorite pro tip of ours is to use Canva or Adobe to explore color combinations! Also, be sure to check out Pantone’s color of the year of color swatches. 

THINK OF TEXTURES, NOT JUST SHADES
Sometimes couples can get stuck on a flat version of a color. Blue can become more interesting when you play with shades, tints, and textures. Add a variety of fabric finishes, like velvet, satin, or a pressed linen. Your color choice will be elevated and become dimensional. This can translate to your invitation suite, linens, and even your choices for wedding party attire! 

CONSIDER HOW YOUR PALETTE WILL PHOTOGRAPH
Your colors should not only look good in person. You will want your photos to translate well in photos and videos. You will need to think about how your color palette will appear against different backdrops in your venue, under natural lighting or artificial lighting. For example, some very pale pastels will look washed out in natural lighting, while dark tones may need to be balanced with lighter accents to pop on camera. Consult your photographer for advice. Photographers have ample knowledge and understanding of colors and what will shoot best in your venue’s lighting. 

TRENDS AREN’T ALWAYS BEST
Trendy palettes like “terracotta and blush” or “sage and ivory” are beautiful, but if they don’t feel like you and your partner skip them. Your wedding colors should reflect your personality and vision—not what’s trending on social media. There’s no “right” palette. You have to discover the palette that is best for YOU. Trends will always fade – keep that in mind! 

Always remember that your palette is a guide, NOT a rule book. Choosing your wedding color palette is one of the first steps in designing a celebration that’s truly you. Instead of stressing over the “perfect” shades, focus on what feels right—what colors spark joy, what styles reflect your story, and what combinations make you feel excited about your big day.At the end of the day, the best palette is the one that reflects you, your partner, your love, your story, and your future. Let your wedding colors be a celebration of who you are—together.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.