Planning Resources
The Complete Wedding Planning Checklist
A practical, month-by-month roadmap for planning your wedding — whether you're at 18 months out or 6 months out. Use this as your master list, check things off as you go, and refer back whenever you're not sure what to tackle next.
We've woven in Crystal Lake-specific notes throughout — practical guidance based on what we see our couples navigate most often.
18–12 Months Out
- ☐Set your budget — be realistic about total spend vs. venue deposit
- ☐Agree on a guest count range (helps determine venue size)
- ☐Research and tour wedding venues in your area
If Crystal Lake Wedding Venue is on your list, reach out now — spring and fall Saturdays book 18 months out.
- ☐Book your venue and pay the deposit to hold your date
- ☐Choose your wedding date (consider holidays, travel costs)
- ☐Start thinking about overall style/theme
- ☐Begin vendor research — photographer is the most important to book early
12–9 Months Out
- ☐Book your photographer and videographer
Quality photographers book 12–18 months out. This is your second booking after the venue.
- ☐Book your caterer (if venue requires outside caterer)
- ☐Start your guest list (get to a firm number)
- ☐Start dress shopping — dresses take 6–9 months to arrive and alter
- ☐Book your officiant
- ☐Begin honeymoon research if traveling internationally (passport timelines)
- ☐Choose your wedding party
9–6 Months Out
- ☐Book your florist
At Crystal Lake Wedding Venue, our preferred florist can create arrangements tuned to the lakeside setting.
- ☐Book your DJ or band
- ☐Book hair and makeup artists
- ☐Send save-the-dates (especially important for out-of-town guests)
- ☐Research and book rehearsal dinner venue
- ☐Register for wedding gifts
- ☐Plan your ceremony structure (vows, readings, rituals)
- ☐Order wedding cake or dessert bar
6–4 Months Out
- ☐Send formal invitations (6 weeks minimum, 8–10 weeks for destination)
- ☐Finalize menu with caterer — schedule tasting
- ☐Finalize florals — submit floral order with quantities
- ☐Apply for your marriage license (Texas: no earlier than 60 days before ceremony)
Shelby County Clerk: 200 San Augustine St, Center, TX 75935. Open weekdays.
- ☐Create your wedding website with logistics info
- ☐Plan ceremony music (processional, recessional, during ceremony)
- ☐Book wedding night hotel
The Joaquin/Center area has hotel options nearby; Nacogdoches and Lufkin offer a wider selection about 45–60 minutes away.
4–2 Months Out
- ☐RSVP deadline — chase non-responders (give 2 weeks then assume no)
- ☐Finalize seating chart
- ☐Finalize reception timeline with your coordinator
At Crystal Lake Wedding Venue, we schedule a 90-minute planning session at this stage.
- ☐Final dress fitting
- ☐Create wedding party timeline (when to arrive, where to get ready)
- ☐Write your vows (if writing your own)
- ☐Purchase wedding gifts for wedding party
- ☐Confirm all vendors — send final headcount
2–1 Months Out
- ☐Finalize seating chart and place cards
- ☐Assemble welcome bags (if doing them for out-of-town guests)
- ☐Create ceremony programs
- ☐Break in your wedding shoes
- ☐Pick up marriage license
- ☐Set up bank account for wedding gifts if accepting cash
- ☐Write out day-of emergency kit items
1 Week Out
- ☐Confirm all vendors — final times, addresses, contacts
- ☐Attend venue rehearsal
Your rehearsal at Crystal Lake is scheduled with your coordinator — typically the Thursday or Friday before.
- ☐Attend rehearsal dinner
- ☐Deliver welcome bags to hotel (if applicable)
- ☐Prepare vendor payment envelopes (tips in cash if tipping)
Industry standard tips: photographer 10–15%, caterer staff $20–50/person, DJ $100–200, officiant $50–100, florist 10–15%
- ☐Pack your wedding night bag (change of clothes, toiletries)
- ☐Get a good night's sleep
Wedding Day
- ☐Eat breakfast — no matter what
- ☐Give vendor envelopes to your wedding coordinator or best man to distribute
- ☐Have your maid of honor carry the emergency kit
- ☐Designate someone to bustle your dress
- ☐Take 5 minutes alone with your partner before the reception
- ☐Eat at your reception — designate someone to bring you food
- ☐Cherish every moment
Couples unanimously report: it goes faster than you expect.
Start with the Venue — Everything Else Follows
The single most impactful item on this list is booking your venue. Everything else — caterer, photographer, florist, DJ — flows from the venue decision. If you're considering Crystal Lake Wedding Venue, schedule a tour now to check your date.