Fort Wayne Wedding Planning Checklist: Your First 90 Days

 Congratulations on your engagement! The excitement of saying "yes" is just the beginning of your wedding journey! As a wedding venue that has hosted over 300 weddings, we know that planning a wedding is one of the most exciting moments in your life, but it can also feel overwhelming. To help you get started, we’ve created a simple checklist to guide you through the first 90 days of planning your dream wedding.

Month 1: Setting the Foundation

1. Celebrate & Share the News

First things first - take some time to enjoy the moment! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, so enjoy it! Share the exciting news with your family and friends, and don’t forget to announce it on social media too. Enjoy the excitement, the well wishes, and the love from all around you before you dive into the whirlwind of planning your wedding.

2. Set a Budget

Before diving into venue shopping, it’s crucial to establish your wedding date and set a budget. Sit down with your partner and anyone else contributing to the wedding and discuss your financial expectations. Establishing a clear budget will help set the tone for your planning process. Consider everything from your venue and catering costs to smaller expenses like décor, favors, and transportation. Make sure to leave a little buffer room for unexpected expenses, as things may shift slightly during the planning process. Having a solid budget early on ensures you won’t waste time looking at wedding venue options that are out of your price range, making it easier to narrow down your options as you move forward.

3. Choose a Date & Venue

Securing a venue is one of the most important steps in the first 90 days of your wedding planning. Popular wedding venues book up quickly, so securing your dream venue early is key. Once you’ve chosen a wedding date, schedule venue tours and start narrowing down your options. If you’re considering a venue in Fort Wayne or surrounding areas, Union 12 offers stunning indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Once you’ve toured potential venues, compare availability and features to ensure the venue aligns with your vision. 

4. Draft Your Guest List

Creating an initial guest list early on will help you decide on the size of the venue you need and give you a clearer picture of the overall scope of your wedding. This list is a great starting point when choosing a venue, as you want to make sure your location can comfortably accommodate everyone you plan to invite. Also, keep in mind the balance between your budget and the number of guests you’d like to invite.

Month 2: Locking in Key Vendors

5. Book Your Photographer & Videographer

Your wedding photos and videos will be the lasting memories of your big day, so it’s essential to secure your photographer and videographer early (like Claire Hope Photo, who took all of the amazing pictures featured in this blog). Popular professionals often book up well in advance, especially for peak wedding season. Start by researching local wedding photographers and videographers in Fort Wayne, then schedule consultations to meet with them and see examples of their work. When you find someone who aligns with your style and budget, don’t hesitate to reserve them as soon as possible to ensure they are available for your big day!

 If you're not sure where to start when looking for wedding vendors, check out our recommended vendor list of trusted Fort Wayne local wedding vendors that we've worked with and highly recommend. 

6. Select a Caterer

If your venue doesn’t provide catering, you’ll need to find a caterer that matches your vision and budget. Start by researching caterers in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, and begin scheduling tastings to sample different menu options. During tastings, pay attention to the quality of the food and presentation. 

7. Choose Your Bridal Party

Selecting your bridal party is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. Take time to carefully choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other key roles in your bridal party. These are the people who will stand by you throughout the entire process and celebrate your big day with you. Once you’ve made your decisions, ask them to be part of your special day in a meaningful way, whether through a heartfelt message, a gift, or an invitation to be part of your team. 

8. Begin Dress Shopping

Wedding dresses often take several months to arrive, and alterations may take even longer, so it’s important to start shopping early. Begin researching styles you like and visiting bridal stores to try on dresses. Take your time finding the perfect gown that makes you feel beautiful and confident. It’s helpful to bring a few trusted family members or friends with you for support and feedback during your search. Once you find the dress of your dreams, order it and schedule fittings and alterations.  If you're looking for a wedding dress near Fort Wayne, consider checking out The Bridal Bar or One Fine Day Bridal.

9. Research & Book Other Key Vendors

Now is the time to book other important vendors for your wedding day, such as florists, entertainers, and beauty professionals. Whether you’re hiring a DJ, live band, makeup artist, or hairstylist, take the time to research vendors in Fort Wayne and reach out for availability and quotes. Be sure to review contracts, confirm details, and secure these vendors early to ensure everything is lined up for your wedding day.

Month 3: Bringing Your Vision to Life

10. Schedule Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are a wonderful way to celebrate your engagement and capture memories leading up to your big day. Hire a photographer for an engagement session. These photos can be used for save-the-dates, wedding websites, and social media, and will help you feel more comfortable with your photographer before your wedding day.

11. Design & Order Save-the-Dates

Once you have your wedding date and guest list set, it’s time to send out save-the-dates. These should be sent out well in advance—especially if you have out-of-town guests or a destination wedding. Work with a designer or order templates online to create personalized save-the-dates that match your wedding theme and colors.

12. Explore Wedding Themes & Décor

Your wedding décor and theme will set the mood for your celebration. Begin exploring ideas and inspiration for your wedding’s look, whether it’s rustic, modern, classic, or a mix of styles. Create a Pinterest board or mood board to visualize your vision and start deciding on details like colors, flowers, and centerpieces. Work with your venue to discuss décor options and any limitations or opportunities they may have.

 13. Plan for Accommodations

For out-of-town guests, booking hotel blocks is essential. Start researching nearby hotels and contact them to reserve rooms for your guests. This will help guests find convenient accommodations and potentially get a group discount. Consider transportation options as well, especially if your ceremony and reception are at different locations. 

14. Review Contracts & Stay Organized

Organization is key in the wedding planning process. Create a binder or digital folder to keep track of contracts, invoices, and vendor communication. Review each vendor’s contract carefully to ensure everything is in order, including payment schedules, cancellation policies, and service details. Staying organized from the start will help keep your wedding planning process on track and stress-free. 

By following this detailed checklist, you’ll be on your way to planning a wedding that reflects your unique love story and vision. The first 90 days of wedding planning set the stage for a stress-free and enjoyable experience. If you’re still searching for the perfect wedding venue near Fort Wayne, contact us today to schedule a tour of Union 12!

XOXO--Courtney