Wedding Planning Checklist for Every Couple

Choosing the right venue is important for couples planning their wedding. The right venue can make all the difference and can simplify your experience. For couples in Hampton Roads, Virginia, we can think of no better way to eliminate the frustration of planning than by choosing the Suffolk Conference Center. If you are looking for an elegant wedding venue in Suffolk, VA, we hope you consider the Suffolk Conference Center. But first, we wanted to share a wedding planning checklist with you to ensure planning stays organized and less of a burden.

12 Months Prior to the Wedding 

1. Celebrate
   Take time to celebrate with your fiancé and loved ones as you take this next step together. Wedding planning can be stressful, but remember it’s about celebrating the love and life you have together.
2. Decide on a Budget
   First things first, how much do you want to spend on your day? After you know your parameters, you will want to establish as a couple priorities (example, venue, catering, photography, etc.) and plan your budget accordingly!
3. Guest List
   How many people do you want to invite? Once you have a reasonably clear number of guests, you can select your wedding venue, based on what will accommodate that number comfortably. 
4. Venue & Choose a Date
   If you have a specific date in mind, you will want to reach out to venues sooner to secure that date. If you are open to alternative dates, that makes finding the venue easier. The venue is the setting for your wedding day! You will want to find a wedding venue Suffolk VA, that works with your vision. The Suffolk Conference Center offers beautiful spaces for both indoor and outdoor weddings, and its staff works closely with you to develop plans for a seamless event execution. Now that you have confirmed your venue, it is time to begin booking the rest of your vendors.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner
   If you are feeling overwhelmed with all of the decisions or want someone else to orchestrate all of the logistics while you execute your ideas, a wedding planner can help!9-10 Months Prior to the Wedding
   
6. Book Your Vendors
   This is the most crucial time to book your essential vendors, such as catering, photography, videography, and music. The Suffolk Conference Center can offer its support and recommendations from trusted vendors in the area that will be able to meet your style and budget effectively.
7. Dress Shopping
   It is time to start shopping for your wedding dress or suit! This will be a great opportunity to shop for the rest of the bridal party and schedule fittings for those clothing options as well.
8. Engagement Photography
   These pictures not only will provide you with some special moments in your story but could also be used for save-the-date cards or invitations.
9. Reserve Rooms for Guests
   If you have guests traveling to your wedding, be sure to reserve a hotel room block nearby. The Suffolk Conference Center is in a great location and connected to an award-winning hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront.
10. Determine Theme and Décor
    Discuss your theme with the florist and décor professionals. The Suffolk Conference Center can adapt well to any décor, allowing you to create a romantic, candlelit, rustic, or modern, elegant theme.6 Months Before the Wedding
11. Send Out Save-the-Dates
    Now is the time to let your guests know about your wedding date and location. Design save-the-date cards or save-the-date emails.
12. Menu Tasting
    Work with a caterer to finalize your menu. The Suffolk Conference Center has catered numerous events, so we are well-versed in the process and can help bring your catering concept to life!
13. Selection Invitations
    Getting the invitations is an important task; select invitations that fit your theme. Your invitation should also specify RSVP requirements, guest accommodations, directions to the wedding venue, etc.
    
14. Make a schedule
    You should work with your planner or venue on recommending where and when you would like to hold certain aspects of your ceremony, reception, and other activities. We don’t want anyone on the wedding day to be confused or late!3-4 Months Before the Wedding
15. Book your Hair and Make up
    Make sure you book appointments for the bride, bridal party, and family. Book a “trial” time to create your look!
16. Purchase Wedding Bands
    Pick wedding bands that signify your everlasting love. Don’t forget to allow time for any customization or sizing.
17. Purchase Marriage License
    The state of Virginia requires every couple to obtain a marriage license. Be sure to understand the requirements and obtain your marriage license within the timeframe that is most effective.
18. Send Out Invitations
    Place the invitations in the mail and allow sufficient time for your guests to RSVP.
19. Confirm Guest Count
    Follow up on RSVPs until you have confirmed the guest count based on RSVPs returned. This number can be relayed to your venue and caterers.
20. Schedule Rehearsal and Dinner
    Complete and schedule the wedding rehearsal and dinner to show appreciation to all that are involved in your big day.1 – 2 Weeks Before Wedding Day
21. Packet Baskets
    Assemble a basket of essentials for your wedding day, including safety pins, band-aids, tissues, and makeup for touch-ups.
22. Conduct Final Walk Through
    Conduct one last walk-through at your venue. The professional staff at Suffolk Conference Center will ensure that everything goes off without a hitch, and you can walk around confident that everything will be as it should.
23. Confirm Vendor Arrangements
    Ensure that you confirm all of your vendor arrival times and requirements so that they can work together to coordinate your special day seamlessly.
24. Take a break and enjoy!
    Most importantly, take a break and focus on enjoying the sweet moments ahead.

Why choose the Suffolk Conference Center?

Choosing your venue is one of the biggest decisions in your wedding planning. At the Suffolk Conference Center, we have an amazing venue where every detail will complement your special celebration. Here are reasons why we are the most amazing wedding venue:

Flexibility: Our elegant ballrooms and beautiful outdoor venues can accommodate intimate elopements to large-scale celebrations.

Experienced: Our knowledgeable staff will handle logistics, recommend the best vendors, and operate as true professionals to ensure your wedding goes flawlessly!

Perfect location: Our venue is conveniently connected to a premium hotel, making us a great option for your guests to feel comfortable before, during, and after your wedding.

Reach Out to Us Today  

The perfect wedding begins with the perfect wedding venue! Contact the Suffolk Conference Center today to schedule a tour and learn how we can help make your perfect wedding a reality. 

Planning your wedding can be an enjoyable experience when you have an idea of what you want and the right partners by your side. Follow this checklist, and you may be walking down the aisle with excitement and confidence!