Merceditas Bridal, Santiago Neyra
As the excitement builds and your dream wedding starts to take shape, so does the realization of the sheer number of details and decisions ahead. From venue visits to guest lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but there’s no need to stress. We’re here to help! This meticulously assembled guide, packed with insights from top industry professionals, will help you navigate every essential milestone as you approach the 9-month mark before your big day. We’ve tapped leading wedding experts for crucial planning advice and actionable tips—like when to send save-the-dates or how to choose the perfect stationery—so you can move through each step with ease and confidence. Let’s dive in and start checking off that list!
Book Your A-Team
The sooner, the better! In-demand wedding dates mean in-demand vendors, so locking in your dream team early is a must. As photographers Susie and Harley of Barker Evans wisely note, the right timing – and a strong connection – can make all the difference: “If you are planning your wedding on a key summer date – book your photographer as early as possible, around 12 months in advance. For midweek, winter, fall, and early spring, 9 months should be enough time to secure your chosen photographer. Make personal contact from the beginning, whether that be through a video call or an in person meeting. Keep in touch to share the excitement of your plans and build on the connection.”
Danielle Connell of Paper Cliché, a California-based stationer, mirrors this sentiment, adding that timing is everything when it comes to securing your dream designer: “If you haven’t booked your stationer, now is the time! There are so many moving parts to your wedding stationery, and a seasoned professional can help you sort those out early on. Your invitations will set the tone for your entire event, so you’ll want ample time to get them just right! They might also be one of the few tangible keepsakes from your wedding day. If you have your eye on a particular boutique stationer, there is a good chance they will be booked out far in advance, so be sure to reach out as early as possible.”
But the best wedding vendors do more than just show up – they adapt, problem-solve, and bring your vision to life. As Italy-based wedding planner Happy Moments Collector poetically puts it, “Your vendors are the superheroes of your big day. Book your planner, photographer, and entertainment, but here’s the twist – make sure they truly understand your vision. Bonus points if they can gracefully handle the unexpected—whether it’s rain on Lake Como or a rogue Swiss cow wandering into your ceremony!”
Define Your Wedding Aesthetic
US-based wedding planners Honey + Thyme are experts at weaving a couple’s passions and experiences into a wedding aesthetic that feels effortlessly them. They emphasize the importance of drawing from personal inspiration when crafting a cohesive design: “Start finessing your overall aesthetic and true-to-you colorway. Pull from existing spaces of inspiration in your life. Often we see travel, shared hobbies, culinary experiences, architecture, and interior design being a few catalysts to dig deeper into color palettes and design direction that our clients truly adore.” After all, great design is all about personal inspiration – the meaningful details that make your love story truly one of a kind.
Start Curating a Wedding Mood Board
“Start putting together a Pinterest or mood board that you can build upon over the next few months. It can be simple – just a few wedding images you love or even non-wedding inspiration from different sources and genres. While you've chosen your photographer for their style, every couple sees something unique in their work. A well-curated board will help your photographer understand your vision and see what really inspires you, how you want to look, and how to reflect your personalities on the big day,” photographers Susie and Harley of Barker Evans know how valuable it is to align visions. A mood board isn’t just a fun project – it’s your secret weapon for crafting the perfect wedding vibe.
Ashley Smith Events, Kelly Brown, Paper Cliché
Before You Proceed,
Make Sure It's All Harmonious
A wedding that feels effortlessly beautiful comes down to harmony—between colors, textures, and the surrounding environment. Talented wedding photographer Franco Gribodo knows that thoughtful styling makes all the difference in capturing stunning images. He shares his expert advice: “Think about how colors, textures, and accessories in your outfits will complement your wedding palette and surroundings. Contrasting tones – like pastels in green spaces or earthy colors in urban settings – tend to pop beautifully in photos. Personal details like heirloom jewelry, unique headpieces, or custom shoes also add meaning and personality to your images.”
This same principle applies to your event design—when your setting and design work in sync, the result is pure magic. The planners at Happy Moments Collector are experts in making a location shine. “Think about what actually works at your destination. Breezy linens for the beach? Yes. Towering florals on a windy mountain? Probably not. Lean into the local charm – it’s what makes your destination wedding unforgettable.” Because at the end of the day, a wedding that feels in tune with its surroundings is one that truly stands out.
Send Save-the-Dates
“With 9 months to go, this is a great time to send your save-the-dates, especially if you’re hosting a destination wedding or expecting out-of-town guests,” advises wedding planner Ashley Smith Events. Locking in your wedding date is one thing – making sure your guests do, too, is another.
Finalize Your Dream Dress
By now you should have your dream dress locked and loaded, but the clock’s still ticking, and your dream dress won’t fit itself! Ashley Smith Events beautifully offers this often-overlooked advice: “Begin alterations or attire planning. If you've already chosen your look, schedule your first alterations appointment. If not, now is the time to make your final decision so fittings can begin on schedule!”
Nawaphon P, White On Black Studio, Happy Moments Collector
Consider Your Guest Experiences
A wedding isn’t just about romance—it’s also the perfect opportunity to sprinkle in a little fun and adding personal touches to your celebration can make the experience truly unforgettable. Talented wedding planners Honey + Thyme beautifully highlight the importance of the guest experience, "How do you want your wedding weekend to flow and feel? Are there any experiences the two of you love that you'd like to share with your guests? Think vineyard tours, brunches, pool parties, or more adventurous options like cycling or whitewater rafting. Weddings are more than just one day – sometimes even four full days of celebrations."
Barker Evans, Merceditas Bridal, Santiago Neyra
Plan Your Menu
Your menu should be just as thoughtfully curated as your guest list – balancing everyone’s needs while still reflecting your unique preferences. Planners Honey + Thyme know exactly how to transform a wedding meal into an unforgettable experience, “When collecting addresses and eventually RSVPs, ensure there is a way to collect dietary restrictions to streamline the catering plan closer to your day. It’s important to highlight food that represents both of you; however, take your guests into consideration as you begin to plan the menu for the weekend. One big tip? Everything bite-sized is a hit and will surely excite your guests. Interactive food stations, customizable sushi rolls, ooey-gooey desserts, and late-night silver-platter-passed mini burgers – guaranteed crowd-pleasers. And if possible, plan a tasting trip to your venue. Think of it as your pre-wedding culinary preview. Not only will you finalize the menu, but you’ll also get to know the local flavors.””
Merceditas Bridal, Santiago Neyra, Ashley Smith Events, Kelly Brown
Map Out Your Wedding Day Timeline
Right lighting can make or break a photo, and Franco Gribodo knows how to capture those picture-perfect moments at just the right time: “Moments like sunset or golden hour are ideal for portraits. Discussing your schedule with your photographer early on helps ensure the best lighting for your key moments.”
Plan a Pre-Wedding Shoot
Getting camera-ready isn’t just about nailing the perfect pose – it’s about feeling at ease and letting your story unfold naturally. Wedding photographer Franco Gribodo knows the real magic happens when you step in front of the lens with confidence, which is why he supports the power of a trial shoot: “This is the perfect opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and connect with your photographer. Choose a location that’s meaningful to you, and let your natural connection shine.”
Sara Lázaro, Happy Moments Collector
