Planning Timeline for a Micro Wedding | Wedding Photographer Arizona
As one of the wedding photographers in Arizona, I have seen a lot of people go from deciding to get married to “oh my gosh, I’m getting married! What do I do now!?” And, if you’ve ever been there, you know how much there is to do before the wedding day! Whether you’re eloping jus the two of you, or getting married with a micro wedding in front of our Vintage Van, here’s a general planning guide to keep you on track leading up to your big day!
3 Months Out
This is where the majority of work for a micro wedding begins! By three months, you should have had your wedding shower, and got to celebrate with all your friends and family!
Be sure to select and book any vendors who will be helping with your big day as soon as possible because vendors book far in advance! Meander Gatherings takes care of all of your basic wedding needs but it’s nice to add in additional vendors to make your day extra special, like a hair and makeup artist. Hair and makeup artist because they book up far in advance. So the sooner you can lock in someone for your wedding date, the better!
Booking your hair and makeup artist also means booking your hair and makeup trial run - which most artists include in their wedding package or you can add it on for a minimal fee. This ensures that you will have the perfect look for your big day but it also goes perfectly with planning your engagement session. Most brides plan their hair and makeup trail run for the day of their engagement session so they get to take advantage of being all dressed up!
Another vendor that often gets overlooked is alterations. It takes a lot longer than people anticipate to get the perfect fit for your wedding day attire. So go ahead and start making your appointments for any alterations that need to be made so your attire is ready to go in time for the big day!
Lastly, this is the perfect time to start purchasing any thank you gifts you’ll be giving to the people who are most important in the wedding like parents, best man, maid of honor, etc.
2 Months Out
Invitations with RSVPs should be in the mail! And, you should have your marriage license! This will give you plenty of time to ensure there aren’t any hiccups in the process, and get them sorted if there are!
This is when you should also start writing your wedding vows and planning out/purchasing your wedding favors - if you’re going that route.
1 month Out
At this point, you’ll need to touch base with all your vendors and make sure there’s no issues that have arisen. Make sure that everyone is on the same page. You should be almost finished with your wedding alterations at this point but be sure to try on your dress and get any last minute adjustments made if necessary!
Also, confirm your RSVPs so you have an accurate headcount for the day.
1 Week Out
It’s time to take one final look at your wedding vows and finalize them! Make sure that you get to say everything juuuust right! Also, if you’re writing notes or giving gifts to your partner, it’s time to prepare them. Get them right too! You should also give the host/venue your final guest count at this point.
This is also a great time to make a list of all the items you need to bring on the wedding day. Be sure to include “obvious” things on the list that you think you wouldn’t forget (like your veil, shoes and wedding rings) because these are usually the things that get overlooked! Add to this list throughout the week so that when you’re packing up to go to the wedding day the night before, you know that you won’t forget anything!
3 Days Out
It’s time to start practicing your vows out loud! Also pack your emergency bag! This should include things like advil, lotion, a lint roller, hair ties, bobby pins, safety pins, extra containers for food or decor, and a Tide-to-Go-Pen is a must! Don’t forget to double check that list of things to bring with you and keep everything together. Finally, confirm your times with your vendors!
1 Day Out
It’s almost here, and you can feel the anticipation in the air! Make sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated! Make sure to enjoy your wedding rehearsal and dinner. And as hard as it might be, try to get to bed early and get plenty of sleep - you’re going to have a big exciting day tomorrow!
Day Of Wedding
Bring any extra decor that will be needed for the wedding ceremony or reception along with everything on your list you made earlier in the week. Be sure to include your marriage license so we can get it signed right after the ceremony and make it official!
And then it’s time to enjoy the day and let your team of vendors and Meander Gatherings take care of you! . . . Congratulations - you’re married!
These are the best tips that a wedding photographer from Arizona, or anywhere for that matter, can give you! Just remember that this day is all about you. So, make sure to be yourself, relax and just have fun and everything will work out!
Micah with Meander Gatherings is a micro wedding and elopement service in Arizona! She’s been featured in Arizona’s Finest Wedding Sites and Services website! If you like what you see and are looking to get married, come get hitched with us!
If you liked this blog post, check out:
The Ultimate Micro Wedding Checklist
The Importance of Wedding Photography
General Timeline for an All-Inclusive Micro Wedding with Meander Gatherings
