2024 WEDDING CHECKLIST/PLANNER

-by Juan from Zavala Photography and Film

Your wedding day is definitely not one you will every forget. Being one of the most special and important days of your life, it will require you to plan everything, down to the last detail. As stressful or fun as this might sound, getting organized and having a checklist will really help when planning for your special day. Alternatively of course, you can always hire a wedding coordinator to DO the heavy lifting for you. But where is the fun in that!

12+ Months

{} Find out your budget, set an additional 7-10% aside for unexpected expenses, and stick to it.

{} Know roughly how many people you’d like to invite, this will give you an idea on the ideal venue for your day and estimated budget.

{} Find the perfect theme and date.

{} Book your venue asap. Keep in mind the capacity, location. catering options, local laws. Make sure it’s the venue of your dreams!

{} Hire your professional wedding photographer ;)

{} Search for the dress and suit of your dreams, some designers might take longer than others. Shopping local is alway a great idea. Sposa Mia and Poised Bridal are the most popular options in the RGV for all budget types!

Great Indoor+Outdoor Wedding Venues in the RGV

2023 Budget Breakdown Example Mcallen, Texas

Estimated Budget: $25k

Final Total: $27,500

Venue: $6200-Friday Wedding, 12 Hour Rental, indoor/outdoor space. Tables chairs included + Twinkle lighting

Photography+Video: $4000- Full Day Coverage, Bridal and Engagement Session

Catering: $4200- 100 Guests, Dinner and Cocktail Hour. Buffet style, full setup and cleanup.

Floral: $3,250- Bride & 7 bridesmaid bouquets, 1 boutonniere, 1 corsage, altar arrangements, and table bud vases.

DJ & Photo booth: $1900

Bartending+Alchohol: $1200- 2 Bartenders, with your own supply of wine, beer, tequila and whisky.

Month-of coordinator: $1100

Cake: $100-Simple cake from local vendor

Bride’s Dress & Alterations: $1200

Groom’s Suit & Alterations: $900

Extra Decoration: $750- Candles, candle holders, table runners, etc.

Bride’s Shoes and Hair Accessories: $100

Bride and Bridesmaid’s Hair and Makeup: $1155

Wedding Rings: $320 His, $350 Hers

Event Insurance: $175

Transportation: $1,200-Bus shuttle to/from hotel and venue. (3 trips)

Rehearsal Dinner: $1250-Buffet style for 30 guests

Hotel: $400- Two rooms, closer to the venue

Bridesmaid Gifts: $350-Bracelets, keychains, and a letter to each one.

Bouquet preservation: $285

Guestbook: $45

Everyone’s expenses will be different, some venues may have a coordinator to assist you, catering may be included, or have getting ready locations on venue. You may also not need transportation, or even have a bridal party. Some couples might prioritize live music and entertainment. Use this as a general guide to help you in your wedding planning experience. :)

11-8 Months

{} Get your engagement photos done. It’s a great way to get to know your photographer, and images are perfect to use for save the dates.

{} Get your bridal party

{} Purchase your veil, shoes and jewelry

{} Help choose your bridesmaids dresses

{} Book your florist, DJ, and other vendors

{} Meet with caterers, book the best that works for your budget. You can go fancy or keep it simple with some tacos or buffet style catering.

{} Start your registry and add things to your wishlist

8-6 Months

{} Send your save the dates

{} Select and purchase your custom invitations

{} Book your honeymoon

{} Plan transportation for yourself if needed

{} Hire your month of coordinator if not provided by venue.

{} Don’t forget your parent’s outfits

{} Hire your hair and makeup artist, schedule beauty trials if needed

{} Complete your registry

{} Reserve your rentals

{}Choose your formal wear, dress and suit

5-3 Months

{} Choose your music, for the ceremony and first dance.

{} Finalize your rental list with catering and rental companies

{} Finalize your floral arrangement ideas with your florist

{} Finalize your menu if needed

{} Buy your wedding bands

{} Arrange and book your transportation for yourself and bridal party, if needed.

{} File for your marriage license

{} Go cake testing and order your cake

2-1 Months

{} Get your officiant

{} Track your RSVPs, typically due one month before the wedding.

{} Have your final fittings

{} Finalize your signature drinks and your cocktail hour selections.

{} Contact your DJ and go over the final details

{} Get in touch with your photographer and videographer to talk about wedding day details and events.

{} File for your marriage license

{} Order and print any photos you would like during reception or ceremony

{} Send your rehearsal dinner invitations

{} Confirm times with hair and makeup artists

{} Assign seating for reception

{} Have any beauty treatments done

Final Month

{} Get your marriage license

{} Send RSVPs caterer, baker, and coordinator

{} Have your final final fittings

{} Finalize your seating chart

{} Write your vows

{} Designate whoever you would like to give a speech

{} Have your bachelor/bachelorette party

{} Pay any remaining balances

{} Contact the ceremony and reception points of contact to verify what times you can arrive

{} Verify all times with all vendors

{} Confirm final details with officiant

{} Pack everything you will need for the reception and ceremony.

{} Answer messages from any vendors or guests, Check email, social media and text.

{} Pass on request from photographer and other pros to the coordinator

Final Day

{} Send timeline to your party, parents and photographer

{} Pack your overnight bag for the wedding night. As well as outfits for your honeymoon

{} Break in your shoes

{} Give wedding license to your officiant

{} Rehearse the ceremony

{} Enjoy your rehearsal dinner

{} Sleep earlier than normal, odds are you will be a bit too nervous to sleep

{} Breathe in and enjoy, this is the beginning of a beautiful adventure!

THANK YOU

Planning a wedding is not easy, and you can occasionally forget a couple details. Feel free to use this information however you’d like.

-Juan Zavala

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