12+ Months Before Wedding
Announce Your Engagement
You’re officially engaged — congratulations! This is a moment to savor, so don’t rush into planning just yet.
• Tell Your Inner Circle First: Share your exciting news with family and friends before you go public. It’s a moment you’ll want to treasure with the people closest to you.
• Social Media: Once you’ve enjoyed that private celebration, let the world know! A sweet post with a custom hashtag will make it memorable for everyone who’s following your journey.
​Pro Tip: As you announce your engagement, think about how you want to capture these moments. After all, these are the first of many memories you’ll cherish forever.
12+ Months Before Wedding
Set a Date and Budget
Your date and budget will shape the entire wedding planning process, so it’s time to get serious.
• Choosing Your Date: If you’re aiming for a fall wedding in Rochester, you’ll want to lock down your venue soon. It’s a popular season, so securing vendors early is key.
• Setting a Realistic Budget: The average wedding budget varies, but a good starting point is to think about your priorities — venue, food, photography — and allocate accordingly. This is where you can set the foundation for a wedding that’s uniquely yours.
Pro Tip: Remember, this is your day, so budget for the elements that matter most to you. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re looking back on the memories, especially if you’ve planned to capture those special moments.
-- Detailed outline of virtually every expense to plan for: --
Determine your overall budget:
• Total wedding budget
• Emergency fund for unexpected expenses
Wedding Venue:
• Ceremony venue rental fee
• Reception venue rental fee
• Site visits and inspections
• Insurance and permits (if applicable)
• Additional decor or rental fees (chairs, tables, linens, etc.)
• Ceremony sound system and microphones
Wedding Attire:
• Bridal gown purchase or rental
• Bridal gown alterations and fittings
• Bridal accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.)
• Groom's suit or tuxedo purchase or rental
• Groom's suit or tuxedo alterations
• Groom's accessories (shoes, tie, cufflinks, etc.)
• Bridesmaid dresses purchase or rental
• Groomsmen attire purchase or rental
• Bridesmaid and groomsmen accessories (shoes, jewelry, etc.)
• Hair and makeup trials and services
Photography and Videography:
• Wedding photographer's fee
• Engagement photo shoot
• Additional hours or coverage
• Second photographer (if desired)
• Wedding videographer's fee
• Additional videography options (highlight reel, drone footage, etc.)
• Photo prints, albums, and digital copies
Wedding Stationary:
• Save-the-dates design and printing
• Wedding invitations design and printing
• RSVP cards and envelopes
• Thank-you cards and envelopes
• Postage fees
• Ceremony programs or booklets
• Escort cards or place cards
• Menu cards
• Seating chart or display
Catering and Cake:
• Reception catering per person cost
• Bar services (open bar, limited bar, cash bar)
• Specialty drinks or signature cocktails
• Cake tasting and design consultation
• Wedding cake or desserts per slice cost
• Additional food stations or late-night snacks
• Vendor meals
Flowers and Decorations:
• Bridal bouquet
• Bridesmaid bouquets
• Groom and groomsmen boutonnieres
• Corsages for mothers and grandmothers
• Ceremony arch or altar flowers
• Aisle decorations (petals, candles, etc.)
• Reception centerpieces
• Head table or sweetheart table decor
• Flower girl petals or basket
• Ceremony and reception signage
• Rental fees for vases, stands, etc.
• Additional floral arrangements (cocktail tables, restroom, etc.)
Entertainment:
• DJ or band fees
• Ceremony musicians (string quartet, harpist, etc.)
• Sound system or equipment rental
• Lighting and special effects (uplighting, monogram projection, etc.)
• Photo booth rental
• Dance floor rental
• Additional entertainment (painter, etc.)
Wedding Planner or Coordinator:
• Full-service planner fee
• Partial planning or coordination fee
• Day-of coordinator fee
• Travel and accommodation expenses (if applicable)
Transportation:
• Limousine or car rental for the wedding party
• Transportation for guests (shuttle, bus, etc.)
• Valet parking service (if applicable)
• Additional transportation for pre-wedding events (rehearsal dinner, etc.)
Ceremony Expenses:
• Officiant's fee
• Marriage license fee
9-12 Months Before Wedding
1. Create Your Guest List
Deciding who to invite can be a tough decision, but it’s an important one.
• Who Makes the Cut: Start with your closest family and friends, then expand from there. These are the people you want beside you as you begin this new chapter in your life.
• Don’t Forget the Plus-Ones: If your wedding will be a larger celebration, offering a plus-one to singles is a nice gesture. Just be sure to keep track of how the guest list evolves!
Pro Tip: As you finalize the guest list, consider how you want to remember these moments. With the right photographer and videographer, you’ll be able to look back and relive the energy and joy of the day.
2. Choose Your Venue
The venue is where the magic will happen, so it’s worth taking your time to find the perfect one.
• Elegant: The Wintergarden by Monroe’s offers a stunning glass-enclosed atrium, perfect for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Its beauty and versatility will lend itself to both intimate and grand celebrations.
• Rustic Weddings: For those who dream of wide-open spaces and country charm, rustic venues like barns, farms, or wineries are perfect. Western New York has plenty of rural venues where you can embrace the rustic charm with wooden beams, greenery, and an all-natural ambiance.
• Urban: If you’re after something more modern, The Arbor at the Port offers sweeping river views and an industrial-chic atmosphere.
• Backyard Weddings: If you’re looking for something more personal and intimate, a backyard wedding can be a beautiful and affordable option. Whether it’s your family’s home or a close friend’s property, backyard weddings provide a relaxed and cozy atmosphere that you can personalize to reflect your style. Consider adding string lights, a custom archway, or even an outdoor tent for a whimsical touch.
Pro Tip: Take the time to tour venues and ask the right questions. The venue will influence your wedding’s aesthetic, so make sure it matches your vision — from the decor to how your wedding will be captured.