The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for Oregon Couples

Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job. Between picking the venue, coordinating vendors, and managing guest lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The key to stress-free wedding planning is breaking it down into manageable steps, and this checklist will help Oregon couples navigate the process from start to finish.

12+ Months Before the Wedding
At least a year before the big day, you should secure the most important elements of your wedding. This includes booking your venue, photographer, caterer, and entertainment. Oregon offers a wide range of wedding venues, from scenic vineyards to urban event spaces, so securing your favorite venue early is crucial. Start looking into caterers and photographers at the same time—these vendors can also get booked out well in advance.

9-12 Months Before the Wedding
After securing your major vendors, it’s time to think about the finer details. Start looking for your wedding dress and bridesmaids' dresses at least 9-12 months before the wedding. You’ll also want to hire a florist, and decide on any décor elements, including lighting, rentals, and signage. If you’re thinking about hiring a wedding planner, now is the time to do it.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding
At this point, you’ll need to finalize your guest list and send out save-the-dates. Start creating a day-of timeline with your planner or coordinator and make sure you’ve secured any rentals you’ll need (chairs, tents, etc.). Around this time, you should also book your hair and makeup artists, bartending services, and wedding transportation.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding
Now it’s time to finalize your ceremony and reception details. Confirm your floral design, seating arrangements, and music selections. Work closely with your caterer on the menu and have a cake tasting if you haven’t done so already. Make sure you’ve sent out your invitations, and start thinking about any personal touches you want to incorporate into your big day.

1-3 Months Before the Wedding
Finalize your vendor contracts and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Plan for any last-minute décor or signage needs, and create a list of must-have photos with your photographer. This is also the time to break in your wedding shoes, finalize your vows, and enjoy any pre-wedding events, like your bridal shower or bachelor/bachelorette party.

Last-Minute Details
In the final weeks leading up to your wedding, make sure to confirm all details with your vendors. Have a final meeting with your wedding planner or coordinator to go over the day-of schedule. And most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy this exciting time!

By staying organized and using this checklist, your Oregon wedding will be an unforgettable day. To meet all the vendors you need in one place, be sure to attend the Willamette Wedding Show, where you’ll have access to a curated selection of local wedding experts ready to help make your vision a reality.