Understanding the Wedding Planning Timeline with Be You Planning

There is so much preparation that goes into a successful wedding — it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Having a solid timeline for both the planning process and the wedding day itself can make all the difference. Be You Planning, a Tulsa wedding planning team led by Britney Keirsey, knows what it takes to create all of the special moments while keeping the day stress-free.

A thoughtfully designed timeline ensures a smooth flow, so couples can focus on what truly matters: celebrating their love with family and friends. With Be You Planning, enjoying the journey and being fully present on your wedding day is entirely possible.

The Importance of the Right Team

Photo // Breanne Sanders Photography

Having the right team by your side is essential. Be You Planning works with top Tulsa vendors, ensuring every detail is perfectly executed. Before diving into timeline tips, start with these two foundational steps:

  1. Establish Your Budget – Knowing your financial boundaries helps you allocate funds wisely.
  2. Identify Your Top Priorities – Every couple’s priorities are different. List your top five, whether it’s the photography, florals, or venue, and let those guide your planning decisions.

Now that we’ve established these two foundational elements, it’s time to explore Be You Planning’s general wedding planning timeline guide!

Understanding the Wedding Day Timeline

Photo // Andrea Bastings Photography

A wedding day timeline acts as a roadmap for your special day. It details every essential moment, from pre-ceremony preparations to the last dance of the evening. It keeps vendors aligned, enhances the guest experience, and makes sure couples can enjoy the day without worry.

Research shows that weddings with clear timelines lead to happier couples and more engaged wedding guests. With Be You Planning, each timeline is personalized to your style, taking even the smallest details into account.

General Vendor Timeline

Photo // Lauren Rader Photography

One of the first steps in your wedding planning journey is understanding when to hire vendors. This knowledge can save time, money, and stress. Here’s Be You Planning’s general guide for which wedding vendors to book throughout the process:

12–18 Months Out

  • Planner or Coordinator – Hiring a planner like Be You Planning early can save you money and help secure the best vendors and venues.
  • Venue – Keep in mind that only a few venues in the Tulsa area can comfortably host more than 250 guests, especially if you want a large dance floor. Be sure to ask about the venue’s maximum capacity to ensure everyone fits comfortably and the layout works for your wedding.
  • Media Team – Hire a photographer, videographer, and content creator to capture your special moments. You’ll spend a lot of time with this team, so it’s important not only to love their work but also to feel a good personal connection and vibe well together.
  • Dance Lessons – Start early to feel confident at the reception!
  • Wedding Dress – Dress shopping should be a fun experience, not a stressful one. Bring trusted friends and wear neutral undergarments for the best fit. Have your crew capture your feelings on video as you try on dresses!

10–12 Months Out

  • Florist – Discuss your floral vision early.
  • Entertainment – Book your DJ or live band, and consider out-of-the-box entertainment options like a live painter.
  • Rentals –Make sure you have all the essentials for a beautiful setup, including tables and linens. Think about where draping or extra lighting might enhance the space. Be You Planning is an expert in this area and can make the rental selection process fun and stress-free.
  • Hair & Makeup – Secure your artists early; they book fast!
  • Wedding Website – Platforms like Zola, Minted, or The Knot make sharing details easy.

8–10 Months Out

  • Honeymoon – Booking early guarantees better pricing and availability. Be You Planning also offers Travel Planning services to make your honeymoon the most memorable trip possible!
  • Caterer, Bartender, Baker – Choose a catering service, bartender, and baker that match your taste and fit your budget. Attend open houses or tastings whenever possible to sample their work before making your final decision.

6–8 Months Out

  • Invitations – This timeline allows for design, printing, and any necessary revisions.

2–4 Months Out

  • Signage & Stationery – Plan welcome signs, menus, seating charts, and other custom details. Ordering early allows for production time and revisions.

With Be You Planning’s extensive network of Tulsa vendors, couples can rest assured every choice given is reliable, high-quality, and stress-free.

Be You Planning maintains a vast network of trusted vendors and resources in Tulsa and surrounding areas, ensuring your vendor choices are high-quality and stress-free.

Crafting Your Wedding Day Timeline

Photo // Modern Moments Photography

Now that you have your vendors booked, it’s time to create a day-of wedding timeline! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Pre-Ceremony

  • Schedule hair and makeup with extra time for touch-ups and photos.
  • Arrange transportation to ensure the bridal party arrives on time.

2. Ceremony

  • Set a ceremony start time with the time of day and sunset in mind for beautiful lighting.
  • Plan enough time for personal vows and guest participation.

3. Post-Ceremony

  • Capture family and couple portraits while guests enjoy cocktail hour.
  • Consider including fun activities to keep guests engaged.

4. Reception

  • Plan dinner service, speeches, and dancing with buffer times.
  • Organize the flow so every moment feels seamless and enjoyable.

Real Wedding Insights

Photo // Chloe Wall Photo

Be You Planning has successfully guided countless couples through their wedding planning journeys! Here’s what their clients are saying:

  • Client 1: “Working with Be You Planning was a game changer! The timeline they created made everything flow perfectly. We enjoyed our day without worrying about the schedule. The sunset photos were stunning, and our guests had a blast during the cocktail hour while we took pictures.”
  • Client 2: “I can’t believe how organized everything was! The timeline kept us on track, and I felt at ease knowing Be You Planning had everything under control. I highly recommend their services—they truly know how to make your day special!”

Bring Your Dream Wedding to Life

Be You Planning is dedicated to creating tailored timelines and a luxury planning experience for every couple. Your dream wedding is just a consultation away!

Connect today at Be You Planning or call 918-401-0168. With Be You Planning, your unforgettable wedding day is in expert hands.

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