The moment that engagement ring slides on your ring finger, you and your partner get to celebrate! Pop some champagne and call your family and friends because you have a wedding to plan. No two engagements are the same, so be kind to yourself and talk to your partner about what you want your wedding day to look like. We’ve put together a simple timeline to help you from the start of your engagement until the day you get married.
On average, couples today are waiting 12-18 months to get married, according to Brides.com. Everyone’s timing is different and if you want to get married in a particular season or have a specific date in mind, gift yourself the freedom to enjoy being engaged. This will also give you time to plan your wedding exactly the way you want. At Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, our trusted team of Exclusive Vendors can help make your vision come to life in our historic grounds.
Month 16 – Engagement
Call your parents, call your friends, you’re engaged! It’s a great feeling to be able to tell the ones you’re closest with about your big news. Grab your phone and FaceTime relatives or plan an engagement party.
Month 15 – Discuss Wedding Guests, Look at Venues
Talking about how many people you want to invite to your wedding will be a big task and one of the most important parts of the wedding planning process. Casa Romantica accommodates up to 150 guests, and we can also accommodate micro wedding parties of 10 or fewer guests. Check out our blog post on wedding guest tips. Our property is intimate enough for couples simply looking for a picturesque backdrop, and big enough for those who want to party into the the night with their crowd.
If you are considering Casa Romantica as the destination for your wedding, take a look at our calendar of available private event dates here.
Month 14 – Choose Venue
It’s time to sign some paperwork!
Month 13 – Take Engagement Pictures
Have fun with your partner taking photos. You’ll use these for your invitations, Instagram posts, and in framed pictures for your home. Pro Tip: Many wedding photographers offer an engagement session when you book them to shoot your wedding.
Month 12 – Begin Selecting Vendors
The wedding boom has created a high demand for wedding vendors and availability. We recommend planning ahead and inquiring with several different vendors in each occupation. Take a look at our wedding vendor list to see our Exclusive and Preferred Vendors.
Month 11 – Select Bridal Party
Now that you’ve been engaged for a few months, you’ve had some time to discuss your bridal party. It can be tempting to ask your closest family and friends to stand with you while you say ‘I-do’ as soon as you get engaged. Give yourself some time to make final decisions.
Month 10 – Send Out Save the Dates and Shop for Wedding Attire
Give your guests plenty of time to reserve your wedding date in their calendars. Consider that your guests may need to prepare to attend your event by purchasing plane tickets and attire, and perhaps requesting time off work.
This is also a good time for you and your partner to start making appointments for selecting your wedding outfits. Take your girls to your dress appointment and bring your guys to get fitted for suits. Many stores are seeing longer wait times for customers to receive their wedding outfits. Plan ahead!
Month 9 – Cake Tasting
If you are planning on having a cake for your wedding or any type of dessert, you’ll want to schedule a tasting. Many tastings are free or a small fee to the vendor. Enjoy this little slice of wedding fun!
Month 8 – Registry and Wedding Website
Honeymoon funds have gained popularity and give couples more options when putting together a registry. Many registry websites allow you to select a variety of retailers.
Month 7 – Bridal Party Attire
There are so many options when it comes to bridal party attire. Some brides prefer to have everyone matching and others like to mix dress styles and colors. Choose what is right for you.
Month 6 – Research/Book Honeymoon Destination
It’s time for you to research destinations and look at flights. Will you decide to go on your honeymoon the day after your wedding, or wait a few months while you bask in newlywed bliss? Whichever route you decide, it will be fun to think about taking a trip together as a married couple.
Month 5 – Hair and Makeup Trials, Send out Wedding Invites
If you plan to have a professional do your hair and makeup, be sure to get trials done so you’re confident that you’ll look your best.
Month 4 – Bachelorette Party/Bachelor Party
Whether you celebrate close-to-home or jet-set to a spa in the desert, you’re about to have a wonderful weekend!
Month 3 – Start Writing Your Vows
If you and your partner are exchanging your own vows, begin to write them now. It may take a few weeks or months to write them. These vows will keep you focused on the last couple months you have until you’re married.
Month 2 – Bridal Shower
Who doesn’t love a day with the girls? Ask your guests to all bring you their favorite bottle of wine to start your collection and ask your Maid of Honor to plan some fun games during your shower.
Month 1 – Pick Up Marriage License, Confirm with Vendors
Have your Wedding Coordinator, and a trusted family member or friend, be your contacts for the day of your wedding. You and your partner will be too busy getting ready, and you’ll want to have someone that can handle details if things come up.
Two Weeks Out
Confirm your guest count so you can give this to your caterers and make any last minute seating adjustments.
Week of Wedding
Prep your luggage for your honeymoon and get any beauty services done like nails or haircuts. Pro Tip – give yourself extra self-care this week. Planning a wedding is not easy and you’ll want to be refreshed for your day.
Day Before Wedding
Take in the moment. You are at your wedding rehearsal and then off to your rehearsal dinner. This is where the butterflies come in. You’re getting married!
Wedding Day
It’s your wedding day! Congratulations and best wishes on your life ahead!
Honeymoon
It’s time to set sail on your tropical getaway or enjoy a remote glamping experience. Whatever destination you choose, we wish you the best on a great time together.
We hope your wedding planning process is exciting and everything you have dreamed about. At Casa Romantica, we want to wish you a happy and healthy life ahead. Are you interested hosting your wedding at Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens? Please reach out to us on the channels below and browse our website for more tips on throwing your perfect celebration.
Ways to Connect with Us
Website – Casa Romantica Weddings | Email – [email protected]
Phone – (949) 498-2139 | Instagram – @casaromanticaweddings
Wedding Vendors
Photography @hellobluephoto
Planner @neoncarrotevent
Floral Design @thebloomoftime
Beauty @designvisage
Cake @susiecakes
Catering @24carrotscatering
Rentals @brighteventrentals
Stationary @minted
Band @voxdjs
Bridal Gown @thewhitedresscouture
Bridal Shoes @jimmychoo
Bridal Jewelry @mejuri