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As a wedding photographer based in the vibrant city of New Orleans, I’ve seen my fair share of weddings – from intimate French Quarter elopements to grand Garden District affairs. Ben and I have captured countless “I do’s” across the Crescent City, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that a well-planned wedding is a joy to photograph. That’s why today, I want to talk about one of the most powerful tools in a bride’s arsenal: the wedding checklist.
Why You Need a Wedding Checklist
Planning a wedding can feel like trying to tame the Mississippi River – wild, unpredictable, and overwhelming. But just as the levees keep our beloved city safe, a good checklist can keep your wedding plans in check. Here’s why:
It Keeps You Organized
When you’re juggling venue bookings, dress fittings, and cake tastings, it’s easy for details to slip through the cracks. A checklist ensures that every task, no matter how small, is accounted for. It’s like having a personal assistant that never sleeps!
It Reduces Stress
There’s nothing more stressful than that nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something important. With a comprehensive checklist, you can rest easy knowing that everything is under control. It’s like a soothing jazz melody for your wedding-planning nerves.
It Helps You Prioritize
Not all wedding tasks are created equal. A checklist helps you focus on what’s truly important and what can wait. It’s like having a map of the French Quarter – you know exactly where you’re going and how to get there.
It Involves Your Partner
Wedding planning shouldn’t be a solo gig. A shared checklist gives both you and your partner a clear view of what needs to be done, encouraging teamwork. It’s like a second line parade – everyone has a part to play!
How to Create Your Wedding Checklist
Now that you know why you need a checklist, let’s talk about how to create one that works for you. Here are some tips we’ve gathered from our years of experience:
Start Early
The sooner you start your checklist, the better. Ideally, you should begin as soon as you get engaged. This gives you plenty of time to research, plan, and adjust as needed. Think of it like preparing for Mardi Gras – the earlier you start, the better your spot on the parade route!
Be Comprehensive
Don’t leave anything out, no matter how small it seems. Include everything from booking the venue to choosing your wedding favors. Remember, in New Orleans, we believe in “lagniappe” – a little something extra. So don’t forget those special touches that will make your day unique.
Set Deadlines
Assign realistic deadlines to each task. This helps prevent last-minute rushes and ensures everything is done in a timely manner. It’s like planning a crawfish boil – timing is everything!
Be Flexible
While a checklist is a great tool, remember that life (and weddings) don’t always go as planned. Be prepared to adjust your checklist as needed. After all, we New Orleanians know a thing or two about rolling with the punches!
Delegate
Don’t be afraid to share tasks with your partner, family, or wedding party. Delegation can help reduce your stress and make everyone feel involved. It’s like a potluck – everyone brings something to the table!
Key Components of Your Wedding Checklist
While every wedding is unique, there are some key components that should be on every checklist. Here’s what you shouldn’t forget:
12+ Months Before
This is the time for big-picture planning. You’ll want to:
- Set a date and budget
- Choose your wedding style
- Start researching venues
- Begin your guest list
- Consider hiring a wedding planner
9-11 Months Before
Now it’s time to start booking vendors:
- Secure your venue
- Book your photographer (hint: we’d love to chat!)
- Hire a caterer
- Start shopping for your wedding attire
6-8 Months Before
The details are starting to come together:
- Send out save-the-dates
- Plan your honeymoon
- Start thinking about your wedding registry
- Book your entertainment (DJ or band)
4-5 Months Before
Things are getting real:
- Finalize the guest list
- Order invitations
- Schedule dress fittings
- Plan your menu and cake
2-3 Months Before
The countdown is on:
- Send out invitations
- Write your vows
- Finalize details with all vendors
- Apply for your marriage license
1 Month Before
The big day is almost here:
- Have a final venue walk-through
- Confirm details with all vendors
- Break in your wedding shoes
- Create a wedding day timeline
1 Week Before
It’s the final countdown:
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Pick up your attire
- Confirm final headcount with vendors
- Have a final check-in with your photographer (that’s us!)
The Importance of a Photography Checklist
As a wedding photographer, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a photography checklist. This ensures that we capture all the moments that are important to you. Some key shots to include:
- Getting ready moments
- First look (if you’re having one)
- Ceremony details
- Family portraits
- Couple portraits
- Reception details and key moments (first dance, cake cutting, etc.)
Remember, communication is key. The more we know about what’s important to you, the better we can capture your day.
Your Covington Wedding Checklist
To help you get started, Ben and I have put together a checklist tailored specifically for Covington weddings. Feel free to adjust it to fit your needs!
- Choose a date (consider New Orleans events and weather)
- Set a budget
- Decide on your wedding style (Garden District elegance? French Quarter charm?)
- Create a guest list
- Research and book venue – take a look at these:
- Hire a wedding planner (optional, but recommended for destination weddings)
- Book key vendors:
- Photographer (We’d love to be considered!)
- Videographer
- Caterer (Don’t forget local specialties like crawfish or beignets!)
- Florist
- Band or DJ (Consider a jazz band for true NOLA flavor)
- Choose wedding party
- Shop for and order wedding attire
- Send save-the-dates
- Plan honeymoon
- Create wedding website
- Start wedding registry
- Order invitations (Consider local artists for a unique touch)
- Plan menu and cake (King cake, anyone?)
- Arrange transportation (Maybe a streetcar ride?)
- Book hotel blocks for out-of-town guests
- Purchase wedding bands
- Obtain marriage license
- Schedule dress fittings
- Write vows
- Create seating chart
- Purchase gifts for wedding party
- Create day-of timeline
- Have final check-ins with all vendors
- Enjoy your Covington wedding!
Remember, this is just a starting point. Your checklist should be as unique as your love story and as vibrant as the city of New Orleans itself.
Final Thoughts
As you embark on this exciting journey towards your big day, remember that a checklist is more than just a to-do list. It’s a roadmap to your dream wedding, a stress-reducer, and a way to ensure that no detail is overlooked.
Ben and I have seen firsthand how a well-planned wedding allows couples to relax and truly enjoy their day. And when you’re relaxed and happy, that’s when the magic happens – those genuine smiles, tender moments, and bursts of joy that make for truly stunning photographs.
So embrace the checklist, but don’t let it control you. Use it as a tool to create the wedding of your dreams, filled with love, laughter, and all the unique charm that makes New Orleans weddings so special.
And remember, we’re here to help. Whether you need advice on timeline planning or want to chat about the best spots in the city for couple portraits, Ben and I are just a phone call away. After all, in New Orleans, we’re all family.
Here’s to your beautiful, well-planned, and perfectly captured New Orleans wedding. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
