Congratulations on your engagement! At Serve & Savour we understand that planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. That's why we've created this comprehensive timeline to guide you through every step of the process.

Selecting Your Vendors and Wedding Planner

Engaging a professional wedding planner can transform your planning experience from overwhelming to enjoyable. They bring invaluable expertise, streamline decisions, and connect you with trusted vendors. From photographers capturing timeless moments to florists creating breathtaking arrangements, and of course, caterers like us ensuring your guests enjoy culinary delights tailored to your vision—each vendor plays a crucial role in bringing your dream wedding to life. Booking these vendors early ensures you have the best selection and peace of mind as your day approaches.

Choosing Your Venue and Setting a Date

The next step in your wedding planning journey is choosing the perfect venue and setting your date. Whether you've dreamed of a rustic barn wedding or a sophisticated city affair, your venue will set the tone for your entire celebration. If your heart is set on a specific location, secure it early as popular venues can book up quickly. Simultaneously, establishing a budget and drafting a preliminary guest list will provide a solid foundation for your planning efforts.

Finalizing Your Guest List

With your venue, date, and key vendors secured, turn your attention to finalizing your guest list. Considerations like family dynamics, venue capacity, and budget will guide this process. Once finalized, this list will inform decisions on invitations, seating arrangements, and personalized touches that make your guests feel cherished and welcomed.

Nine Months Out: Sending Save-the-Dates and booking your caterer

Around nine months before your wedding day, send out save-the-dates to give your guests advance notice and ensure they can mark their calendars. This is also the perfect time to start shopping for wedding attire, whether it's finding the gown that makes you feel like royalty or ensuring the groom and his party look dashing in perfectly fitted tuxedos.

Why Secure Your Caterer Early?

Booking your caterer early—ideally around nine months before your wedding—offers numerous benefits that contribute to a seamless and stress-free celebration:

1. Ensuring Availability - Quality caterers, like Serve & Savour, often have limited availability due to their commitment to providing exceptional service. By securing your caterer early, you lock in your preferred choice and ensure they can accommodate your wedding date and menu preferences.

2. Tailoring Your Menu - Early booking allows ample time for consultations with your caterer to tailor a menu that reflects your culinary vision and satisfies the tastes and dietary preferences of you and your guests. Whether you envision a gourmet plated dinner, a relaxed buffet with local specialties, or a themed menu that tells your love story, early planning ensures your caterer has the resources and creativity to bring your ideas to life.

3. Managing Budget Effectively - Understanding catering costs early in your planning process helps you allocate your budget wisely. Your caterer can provide transparent pricing, allowing you to make informed decisions about menu selections and service options without last-minute budget surprises.

4. Personalized Service and Attention to Detail: A reputable caterer, like Serve & Savour, invests time and effort into understanding your unique preferences and priorities. Early booking enables your caterer to provide personalized service, accommodating special requests and ensuring every culinary detail—from hors d'oeuvres to dessert—is executed to perfection.

Six Months Out: Final Details and Honeymoon Plans

As you approach the six-month mark, focus on finalizing details such as selecting your wedding bands, planning your honeymoon escape, and attending to any outstanding tasks from earlier stages of planning. This period is also ideal for reviewing your registry and coordinating pre-wedding events like bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Three Months to Wedding Day: Crossing the finish line

With just three months to go, the excitement builds as you finalize vendor contracts, send out invitations, and confirm guest accommodations. Schedule hair and makeup trials to ensure your bridal party looks flawless, and take this time to attend to any last-minute details to ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding day.

Planning your dream wedding is a journey filled with joyous anticipation and meaningful decisions. At Serve & Savour, we're not only passionate about crafting exquisite wedding menus that reflect your unique style and taste but also about supporting you every step of the way. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to making your wedding day as special as your love story. Contact us Today to discover how we can create unforgettable memories together.

Not sure what to budget for? We’ve got you covered. Check out our friend’s comprehensive guide How Much Does A Wedding Actually Cost?