Wedding Planning Checklist

It’s Go Time!

 
 

Once you’ve established the framework for your wedding and reception, you’re ready to reach out to your wedding planner at the Elara Convention Center to start discussing the details of your Chicagoland wedding! Get started now by setting up a folder or digital binder with sections for each stage of the planning so you can stay on top of every last detail.

  • Budgets

  • Planning

  • Gift Registries

  • Save-the-Date

  • Bridal Party

  • Marriage License

  • Thank You Notes

  • Reservations

  • Parties

  • Invitations

  • Transportation

  • Announcements

  • Honeymoon

  • Timelines

 

12 to 9 Months Out

  • Choose a wedding date

  • Start a wedding folder or digital binder

  • Determine your budget

  • Pick your wedding party

  • Start planning your guest list

  • Book the Elara for your Wedding Ceremony & Reception

  • Book the officiant

  • Book vendors; caterer, florist, band/dj, and photographer

  • Begin shopping for a wedding gown

  • Reserve a block of hotel rooms at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake for out-of-town guests

8 to 6 Months Out

  • Begin compiling addresses for the guest list

  • Order the wedding invitations

  • Decide on wedding party dresses and formal wear

  • Collect measurements and sizes for your wedding party

  • Sign up for gift registries

  • If your ceremony is at another location, book your transportation to the reception

  • Send save-the-date cards

5 to 4 Months Out

  • You’ll work with our catering team to select and order your wedding cake

  • Schedule wedding day hair and makeup sessions

  • Secure a getting ready room at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake

  • Shop for wedding bands

  • Begin bridal and wedding party dress fittings

  • Finalize the guest list and begin addressing invitations

  • Confirm your ceremony music selections

 

Your Wedding Planning Timeline

These are general guidelines to keep you on track about what needs to be done when. You may be on a tighter timeline or have a luxurious amount of time to prepare for your big day. Generally, you’ll want to start your wedding planning 12 months in advance to get everything done without too much stress. We’ll help you make your wedding uniquely you, so you can adapt this wedding planning timeline to fit your wedding style.

3 Months Out

  • Shop for bridal party gifts

  • Select reception catering menu

  • Determine and finalize the order of events for the ceremony and reception

  • Purchase a guest book

  • Mail invitations

2 Months Out

  • Confirm plans with all vendors

  • Send wedding announcement to newspapers

  • Schedule alterations and final dress fittings

1 Month Out

  • Apply for your marriage license

  • Confirm times for wedding day hair and makeup

  • Finalize reception seating charts

  • Pick up rings and ensure they fit properly

2 Weeks Out

  • Give a final head count to the Elara for catering

  • Provide event schedules to wedding party

  • Provide event schedules to all vendors

1 Week Out

  • Confirm delivery dates for cake and flowers

  • Confirm Holiday Inn Crystal Lake hotel reservations for all out-of-town guests and your wedding night hotel room

  • Confirm honeymoon reservations

Day Before

  • Get a manicure and pedicure

  • Ensure all wedding attire and accessories are together

  • Get a good night’s sleep!

When your wedding day finally arrives, confirm you have your marriage license and rings. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Soak in all of the beautiful details that effortlessly come together to make your wedding day uniquely special. When the honeymoon is over, you’ll have time to write those thank-you notes!