Wedding Planning in Charlotte: The Ultimate 12-Month Checklist (+ Dress Timeline)
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide walks you month by month from first budget and venue to day of details plus a dress timeline tailored to real ordering and alterations windows in Charlotte.
How to use this guide:
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Skim the month-by-month checklist below.
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Dive into any pillar article for deep detail.
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Book your dress appointment early so your timeline stays smooth.
Before you start, familiarize with the key terms used in bridal shops and wedding dress shopping. You can read our glossary with more than 30+ key terms you will hear throughout your bridal shopping.
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Wedding Planning Checklist 12-18 Months
Planning gets easier when you work backward from your date. Start with a budget and guest-count band, shortlist venues, and pencil a season and vibe (indoor/outdoor, band/DJ). At 11–9 months, secure your venue (and planner, if using), then book photo/video and entertainment—these pros fill fastest. 9–7 months is ideal for saying “yes” to the dress and placing the order; begin hair/makeup trials, launch your website and registry, and reserve a hotel block. At 6–4 months, pick accessories (veil, topper/bolero/jacket), order bridesmaid attire, and finalize rentals and transportation. 3 months out, mail invitations (8–10 weeks before), draft the day-of timeline, and confirm shot lists. In the final 6–10 weeks, complete 2–3 fittings, build seating, order day-of paper, and prep tip envelopes. Week-of, steam the gown/veil, pack the emergency kit, and confirm vendor arrivals. Read the full guide.
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Your budget is driven by guest count, venue, and date. As a starting point, allocate 35–45% to venue/catering/bar, 12–18% to photo/video, 8–12% to attire (dress, veil, accessories, alterations), 8–12% to florals/design/rentals, 7–10% to entertainment, 2–4% to stationery, 3–6% to transportation/cake/officiant/misc., plus a 5–10% contingency. Flag “invisible” costs early: service and overtime fees, vendor meals, delivery, postage for heavy suites, weather backups, and alterations/pressing. Savings that don’t show in photos include weekday/Sunday dates, winter or brunch weddings, repurposed florals, and prioritizing a single wow-moment (band or lighting). Deep dive + sample budgets.
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Book scarce vendors first: venue & planner (12–18+ months) → photo/video (10–14) → band/DJ (9–12) → caterer (8–12) → florist/design (8–10) → rentals/lighting (6–9) → HMUA (6–8) → transportation (4–6) → cake/sweets (4–6) → officiant (ASAP). Bring clear headcounts, floor-plan constraints, and rain plans to site visits. Ask each vendor for setup/strike, power needs, backup plans, turnaround times, and what they need from you on the day. The moment your date is locked, book your dress appointment so lead times and alterations align with the vendor calendar. All lead times + questions to ask.
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Build back from ceremony time and pad generously: hair/makeup done 60–90 min pre-ceremony, first look and portraits 2–3 hrs prior, hide 30 minutes before guests arrive. Assign a point person for tips/payments and one for family wrangling; label envelopes in advance. Full timeline & tipping ranges.
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Save-the-dates go 6–10 months out (earlier for destination). Mail invitations 8–10 weeks prior (12+ for destination) with RSVPs due 3–4 weeks before. Weigh a finished suite for correct postage; order programs/menus/place cards 4–6 weeks out. What to send when.
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tart with capacity and an A/B list, set consistent rules on plus-ones and kids, and collect RSVPs via website + QR. Seat by connection and comfort; place VIPs with good sightlines and away from loudspeakers. Simple, stress-free steps.
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Shop 9–12 months out; schedule alterations once your gown arrives; plan 2–3 fittings across 6–10 weeks; final try-on about 2 weeks before. Tight timeline? Ask about off-the-rack and rush. Book your appointment.
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Helpful Resources
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Still have questions?
Call 704-372-0082 or book a consult, whether you’re just starting or finalizing fittings, we can map your dress and accessories timeline to your exact date and venue.