I’m Engaged! Now What? Check out this sample wedding planning timeline from Berkshire Ridge Wedding Venue in the St. Louis Area
Berkshire Ridge Wedding Venue south of St. Louis, has seen couples reserve dates 2 years out and we have also seen a couple plan a wedding in less than 2 months. Planning a wedding is exciting! We have laid out a timeline to help you have structure and organization.
Patio area of Berkshire Ridge
1st Things 1st!
*Tell your friends and family!
*Create a budget
*Decide on a time of the year or a specific date
*Book the venue
*Create a guest list
*Ask your BFFs to be in your wedding
*Plan your engagement photo shoot
9-12 months out (if you have this time… if not do these things next!)
*Send save the dates
*Hire key vendors: Photographer, C3-aterer, DJ/band, Florist
*Honeymoon plans begin!
*Choose your wedding attire and reserve or buy
6-9 months out
*Lock down the wedding party’s attire
*Order wedding invitations
*Schedule a tasting with your vendor
*Register for gifts
*Book accommodations for out of town guest
*Finalize your decor
*Dress fitting
*Plan and book day of transportation
*Secure a place to have dinner after the rehearsal
3-6 months out
*Send out invitations
*Order wedding rings
*Buy your special gifts for your wedding party, parents etc.
*Plan your bachelorette/bachelor party
*Plan your menu
*Pick your music for the ceremony and your grand entrance as MR. & MRS!
*Finalize all details with the vendors
1-3 months out
*Apply for a marriage license
*Write your vows, if you are doing this
*Get ahold of the slackers who didn’t RSVP and then finalize the seating chart and contact vendors with your final headcount
*Meet up with the venue to finalize details
Final month
*Break in new shoes
*Finalize the day of timeline and share with your go to and the venue staff
*Pack an emergency wedding day kit
*Assign responsibilities to trusted friends and family
*Pack for your honeymoon
*Both the groom and bride do a final fitting
*Get a hair cut or trim
Day Before
*Rehearsal (if applicable) Most of the time this is now 2 days before the wedding
*Get a great night sleep - don’t party it up and go to bed early
*Set up venue (if applicable) this is day of for most venues
The BIG day
*Start Early: At Berkshire Ridge Wedding Venue we have a gorgeous, spacious and well thoughtout bridal suite and groom’s quarters. You will have access to this space as early as needed. This open time policy allows for plenty of time to relax and enjoy the morning with the people that mean the most to you. Allow for extra time throughout your day and in your timeline.
*Around noon: Bridal Party Photos
The bride, bridesmaids, and family members take formal and fun portraits before the ceremony.
*1:00 PM – Groom & Groomsmen Photos
The groom and his groomsmen capture their group shots and enjoy some downtime before the ceremony.
*2:00 PM – First Look & Private Moments
If the couple chooses to do a first look, this is the perfect time for a quiet, intimate moment before the festivities begin.
*3:30 PM – Guests Begin Arriving
Ushers and coordinators welcome guests, directing them to their seats in the beautiful setting in the trees by the lake at Berkshire Ridge.
*4:30 PM – Ceremony Begins
The official wedding ceremony takes place, typically lasting 10-30 minutes.
*5 PM – Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres on the huge outdoor patio that overlooks the cattle farm while the couple and wedding party take post-ceremony photos.
*6 PM – Reception Begins
Guests are ushered into the reception area, where soon dinner, speeches, and entertainment will begin as the massive custom disco ball lowers from the glass cupula while spinning and projecting lights around the whole venue.
6:30 PM – Wedding Party and Newlywed Grand Entrance & First Dance
The couple is introduced, followed by their first dance as newlyweds.
7:00 PM – Dinner
Dinner is served while guests enjoy conversation and entertainment.
7:30 PM – Other special dances, Toasts & Cake Cutting
The couple and their loved ones share dances, speeches, and the cake-cutting ceremony follows.
8pm - (or golden hour) Couple heads outside to capture their love in the gorgeous sunset on the ridge of the farm!
8:30PM – Open Dance Floor
Guests hit the huge dance floor and celebrate the night away with music and fun.
10:45 PM – Grand Exit
The couple makes a memorable exit, whether with sparklers, fireworks, or a vintage car send-off.
Everyone will have a unique experience and plan! Of course any of these can be adjusted to fit your thoughts and timeline. At Berkshire Ridge is here to be your partner in making this the best day ever! We would love for you to contact us and book a tour today!
From Our Venue to Your Love Story - Kim
Berkshire Ridge is a locally owned and operated business just south of St. Louis, Missouri. We sincerely hope to encourage our couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it is time to book your wedding venue and vendors. Locally owned venues will offer a high level of hospitality, attentive communication and a desire to ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in our blog!
Montague Meadow, The Ballroom at Parklane, Rough & Ready Vineyards, Irish Hills Wedding Barn, Estate at River Run,
Cold Spring Farm, 22 Acres Farm.com/weddings, Sage View Ranch, Amelia Grove, Somos Family Weddings & Events