Previously, we discussed the to-dos for 12, 11, and 10 months out from your wedding day. Today, we will elaborate on wedding-planning tasks for months nine through six on your checklist. As a bride or wedding planner, following a checklist will guarantee a thoughtfully planned event.
Nine months out from your wedding day:
At this point in time on the wedding-planning checklist, it is time to order your wedding dress. You may have already placed the order after you found the dream dress. If you did not, now is the time to order.
Custom or not, dresses take months to arrive. Many designers have production outside of the United States. This makes it even more crucial to order nine months out to allow time for alterations, if need be.
At nine months, it is also the time to let potential guests know when and where you will be getting married by sending out save-the-dates. This allows enough time to get a decent rate on lodging and travel. Keep in mind, everyone that receives a save-the-date must receive an invitation for the wedding day itself.
Eight months out:
Who doesn’t love to make a wish list? At eight months out, it is time to register for gifts. Because you are building a life and home together, it is important and fun to include your fiancé in this task. Keep in mind, this is the perfect opportunity to put those staples on the list.
Pots, pans, and spatulas are all needed, but they aren’t exactly the things you’d like to spend your money on. Put them on your list, so you can spend your money on other things. Also, put items that have caught your eye in stores but you cannot afford.
Consider putting money funds on your registry to support your never-ending honeymoon. Ask for cooking lessons, date night funds, and house funds. These are becoming increasingly more common as people want to give you something you will actually use.
At eight months out, it’s time to select bridesmaids dresses. Shop around online to get inspiration, but if possible, go shopping in person with your bridesmaids. Ask how they feel in the dress, and judge if the ensemble coincides with the formality and theme.
Seven months out:
It’s time to book the rehearsal-dinner venue. Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for the rehearsal-dinner. Recently, it is far more common to decide on a case by case basis for who will pay- do not put pressure on anyone.
Even if your future in-laws opt to foot the bill, it is still up to you and your fiancé to decide on theme and location. Unfortunately, those paying the expenses take it upon themselves to make all of the decisions regarding cuisine, theme, and location. Again, have no expectations for how this will go over, but relay your wishes for your rehearsal and wedding day. 
Look for casual rehearsal-dinner ideas if you have a group larger than thirty people attending. Having a backyard BBQ or “bring your own dish” event can make a more inclusive atmosphere because it is more accommodating to large groups. Anyone that wants to show up can bring a dish or item.
Hire a DJ or musician for the ceremony, or entire wedding day, now if you plan to do so. Choose your processional, recessional, and bridal march music with your coordinator around this time as well. Timing is everything.
Order rental items you’ve been drooling over. These can include, sweetheart table specialty chairs, linens, draping, lounge furniture, gold flatware, and more. On average, couples spend $400 to $1,000 on rentals, according to Wedding Wire. Keeping in mind the elderly guests, rent cushioned couches and chairs.
The officiant plays quite an essential role in the wedding day. Discuss between you and your fiancé if they seem to mesh well with your personality. Book an officiant at least seven months out, and meet with him or her before signing any contract.
Six months before the special day:
A major key for documenting memories clearly is lighting. Hire a lighting technician six months out, or inquire with your DJ or florist if they offer lighting services. Dim, romantic lighting is great for classic weddings with candles and roses while party lights are necessary to boost the energy for dancing.
Refer back to your Pinterest or Instagram inspiration. Lights accentuate what you want everyone to notice most. Spotlights on cakes, dance floors, or drapery highlight the evening’s focal points.
Thank you for stopping by and reading this week’s blog. Check in next week for the checklist’s last months of planning. If you are interested in hiring an event planner to handle every detail, inquire today with Events By Jaclyn!
