A month-by-month roadmap for planning your Connecticut wedding — from venue booking to the final dance.
12–18 Months Out: The Foundation
Set Your Budget
Before anything else, sit down with everyone contributing financially and determine your total budget. This number drives every decision that follows.
Choose Your Date
Pick a target date range (not just one date — flexibility helps with venue availability). Consider:
- Season (peak: May–October, off-peak: November–April)
- Day of the week (Saturdays are most expensive)
- Holiday weekends (more guest availability, but higher costs)
- Connecticut weather patterns
Book Your Venue
Venues book 12–18 months in advance for peak season. Tour 3–5 options, ask the right questions, and secure your date with a deposit.
Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional but Recommended)
If your budget allows, a planner saves time, reduces stress, and often saves money through vendor relationships.
10–12 Months Out: The Core Team
Book Your DJ and MC
Top DJ companies book 9–12 months out. Your DJ and MC set the tone for the entire reception — this is not a last-minute decision.
Book Your Photographer
Photographers typically take a limited number of weddings per year. Book early to secure your preferred shooter.
Book Your Videographer
Cinematic wedding videography is increasingly popular. Booking videography alongside photography (or as part of a bundled package) ensures a cohesive visual team.
Send Save-the-Dates
Once your venue and date are locked, send save-the-dates so guests can plan ahead.
8–10 Months Out: Design and Details
Book Your Florist
Florists need lead time to source seasonal blooms and design your arrangements. Share your color palette, venue photos, and inspiration boards.
Choose Your Caterer
If your venue doesn't include catering, book an outside caterer now. Schedule tastings and finalize your menu.
Book Hair and Makeup
On-location beauty teams book up quickly, especially for peak season Saturdays. Schedule a trial run 2–3 months before the wedding.
Order Your Wedding Dress
Dresses take 6–9 months to arrive and need 1–2 months for alterations. Order now.
6–8 Months Out: Building the Experience
Book Lighting and Special Effects
Uplighting, monogram lighting, cold spark effects, and LED dance floors transform your venue. Book these through your DJ/production company for a cohesive design.
Book Your Photo Booth
Photo booths are a guest favorite. Book early — especially if you want custom backdrops or props.
Choose Your Cake Designer
Schedule cake tastings and finalize your design. If your venue has an in-house baker, you may need to use them.
Book Transportation
Limousines, party buses, or shuttles for guests — book now for the best rates.
Select Your Officiant
Whether religious or secular, book your officiant and begin crafting your ceremony.
4–6 Months Out: The Details
Mail Invitations
Invitations go out 6–8 weeks before the wedding. Include RSVP cards or direct guests to a digital RSVP.
Order Rentals
Tables, chairs, linens, tents, dance floors — finalize your rental order based on your final guest count estimate.
Plan Your Rehearsal Dinner
Book the venue and finalize the guest list for your rehearsal dinner.
Choose Wedding Party Attire
Bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen suits/tuxedos — order now to allow time for alterations.
Apply for Your Marriage License
Connecticut marriage licenses are valid for 65 days. Apply 4–6 weeks before the wedding at your local town clerk's office.
2–3 Months Out: Finalizing
Finalize Your Guest Count
Collect all RSVPs and provide your caterer and venue with a final headcount.
Create a Day-Of Timeline
Work with your DJ/MC, photographer, and planner to create a detailed timeline — from hair and makeup arrival to the last dance.
Final Dress Fitting
Your last dress fitting should happen 4–6 weeks before the wedding.
Confirm All Vendors
Call or email every vendor to confirm arrival times, setup requirements, and final details.
Obtain Marriage License
If you haven't already, obtain your marriage license from your local Connecticut town clerk.
1 Month Out: The Final Stretch
Finalize Seating Chart
Create your seating chart and place cards. Share the seating plan with your caterer and venue.
Break in Your Shoes
Wear your wedding shoes around the house to break them in. Consider adding cushioned insoles.
Pack Your Emergency Kit
Safety pins, stain remover, mints, band-aids, a sewing kit, phone charger, and copies of your vendor contracts.
Review Your Vows
Practice reading your vows aloud — to yourself, your partner, or a trusted friend.
1 Week Out: Ready to Celebrate
Confirm Final Headcount
Give your caterer and venue the absolute final number.
Designate a Day-Of Point Person
Whether it's your planner, a trusted friend, or a family member, someone needs to be the go-to contact for vendors on the wedding day.
Pack for the Wedding
Your dress, shoes, accessories, overnight bag, and anything you need for the morning of.
Relax and Enjoy
You've planned for months. Trust your vendors, let go of the details, and celebrate.
The Go Event Group handles DJ, MC, photography, videography, lighting, special effects, and event planning — all under one roof. Contact us to streamline your wedding planning timeline.
