Planning your Dream Wedding - A Fun and Easy Timeline
San Luis Obispo County is a dream wedding destination, offering everything from scenic vineyards and rolling hills to stunning coastal views and some of the best weather in California. From quirky little beach towns to elegant wineries, there’s definitely something for everyone here. But planning a wedding, even in paradise, can feel overwhelming.
This isn't the time to stress! Just use this fun, easy-to-follow timeline to keep your planning on track while enjoying the process.
Wedding Planning - What to Do and When
12+ Months Before: Dream & Decide
Pick Your Date: Consider the season and weather, and what vibe you want your wedding to have – i.e. a beachside ceremony may be best in Summer and a North County vineyard wedding may be best is Spring or Fall. SLO County is popular, so book early!
Set Your Budget: Decide on must-haves and where you’re willing to splurge. The top 4 things all weddings need are a venue, food (so, catering unless provided by your venue), photography (this is your “forever visual proof” of your day) and an officiant (or maybe someone you know is – or can be – ordained). Next you can start thinking about things like entertainment (a DJ or Live Band), a dress/suits or tuxedos, florals, favors – and don’t forget your wedding hair and makeup artist!.
Book Your Venue: Whether it’s a Paso Robles vineyard, a harbor front venue in Morro Bay, or a charming SLO barn, venues fill up fast! Start touring early and lock in your date as soon as you can.
Consider a Wedding Planner (Optional, but amazing for some people): Some people LOVE to do everything themselves and some prefer help. There are lots of different types of planners available, from full planning to “month-of” or “day of” – they all do different things. Educate yourself on what they offer and whether their services fit into your budget.
9-12 Months Before: Lock in the Big Stuff
Book Your Vendors: Think photographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. If you want your first choice, you’re going to want to book as early as possible because there can literally be hundreds of weddings taking place in SLO County on one weekend!
Choose Your Wedding Party: Time to pop the question to your besties! It’s nice to do this as early as possible so they all have time to prepare.
Find Your Dress: Many designers take months to deliver—start early for alterations and fittings.
Secure Accommodations: Weddings aren’t the only things going on in SLO County on any given weekend, so you’re going to want to book your accommodations early (if you do a room block you can sometimes get a deal!)
6-9 Months Before: Details, Details, Details
Engagement Photos: You should have already booked your wedding photographer (and if you haven’t, now is DEFINITELY the time), and this is the perfect time for save-the-dates and getting comfy in front of the camera with your photographer.
Design & Send Save-the-Dates: Give guests plenty of time to plan, especially if they’re traveling a long distance.
Plan Your Menu & Cake Tasting: Arguably the tastiest part of wedding planning – sample to your heart’s delight!
Book Rentals: Think tables, chairs, linens, and décor if your venue doesn’t provide them.
Plan Guest Transportation: If guests are staying in different areas, consider shuttles.
3-6 Months Before: Finalize the Fun Stuff
Send Invitations: Keep it fun and reflective of your wedding style.
Organize the Ceremony: Meet with your officiant to plan vows and special moments. Will you being doing a “First Look” – now is the time to decide on that too!
Plan the Music: First dance song? Must-play (or must-avoid) playlist? Now’s the time to make all those decisions! If you’re going with a DJ, they should help you with this.
Order Favors & Décor: Local SLO goodies make fantastic wedding favors and there are lots of really cool DIY options if you’re into being creative! You should be thinking about your florals too – bouquets and other arrangements if needed.
1-3 Months Before: The Home Stretch!
Finalize Beauty & Wellness: Book hair and makeup trials, and maybe even a spa day for relaxation.
Obtain Your Marriage License: Super important! Get it through the SLO County Clerk’s office.
Create a Timeline: Share with vendors, wedding party, and anyone helping out.
Break in Your Wedding Shoes: Avoid painful blisters on the big day!
Confirm RSVPs & Give Final Guest Count: Send this to your caterer and venue.
1-4 Weeks Before: Almost There!
Do a Final Walkthrough: Meet with your planner or coordinator to go over last-minute details.
Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Band-Aids, safety pins, tissues, tylenol—just in case.
Delegate Tasks: Assign someone to handle gifts, another for tips/payments, someone to be your “point person” on your day if you don’t have a planner, etc.
Enjoy Your Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties! Because you deserve some relaxation and fun before the big day!
Wedding Week: Relax & Celebrate!
Get Your Marriage License Signed! Have your officiant and witnesses sign it post-ceremony. Just be super careful when filling it out and signing – let your officiant give you the details!
Rehearsal & Dinner: A great time to unwind before the big day and spend some more quality time with family and close friends.
Get Plenty of Rest & Hydrate: Glowing skin and happy energy come from self-care – try to avoid alcohol the day/night before your wedding if possible.
Say “I Do” & Have the Best Day Ever!
San Luis Obispo County is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding. With a little planning (and this handy timeline), your big day will be as magical as a California sunset. Cheers to love and a stress-free wedding planning journey!
If you want to get a jump on things, check out the rest of my website to get a feel for what I offer in terms of wedding photography!