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A wedding planning checklist designed for the recently engaged. Written by wedding planners, for couples ready to start their wedding planning journey. | Photo By Taylor and Madye | Starting your wedding planning journey can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a well-organized wedding planning checklist, you can stay on top of everything from booking vendors to finding your dream venue. The first steps are all about laying the groundwork for a seamless celebration—setting your wedding budget, choosing a date, and locking in the venue that sets the tone for your big day. You don't need a venue to book a wedding planner, however. We can help you find the venue of your dreams with our a-la-carte Venue Search service. Once your venue is secured, you’ll want to prioritize booking key vendors like photographers, caterers, and florists to ensure your preferred professionals are available. Let’s dive into the essential first steps to help you turn your vision into reality! 12 Months Out Checklist: Build the Foundation of Wedding Planning Set Your Budget:  Define how much you’re ready to spend and decide who is contributing. Choose a Wedding Date:  Pick a date that works for you and your closest loved ones. Book Your Key Vendors, like Planner or Venue:  This is one of the first vendors to secure, as venues fill up fast! You don't need a date or venue to book a planner. We have affordable wedding planning packages from day-of coordination to full service wedding planning. Find out more about our services and pricing here . Send Save-the-Dates:  Let your guests know when and where to celebrate with you. 8 Months Out Checklist: Secure Key Vendors Hire Your Photographer/Videographer:  Lock in your dream team for capturing memories. Book Your Caterer:  Finalize your menu ideas and secure a caterer that fits your vision. Plan Entertainment:  Whether it’s a DJ, live band, or something unique, book your entertainment early. 6 Months Out Checklist: Fine-Tune the Details Start looking at Invitations . Working with a wedding stationery vendor? Make sure your details and vision are up to date. Most wedding invitations are traditionally sent between the 6 and 3 month mark. Planning a destination wedding? Give your guests plenty of time to RSVP. Book those Appointments:  Make decisions on beauty appointments, wedding dress fittings, catering tastings, and the like. It'll get you excited and give you plenty of time to make your selections. Start Thinking About Décor:  Research floral designs, table settings, and rentals to bring your vision to life as your vendor deadlines approach. Not sure where to start? Download our Wedding Planning Checklist and Smart Wedding Calendar from our shop. It will calculate, based on your wedding date, exactly what you should be doing and when. All based on our years of professional wedding planning experience. Take $5 off our checklist from this blog! Use code: HelpMeYPB. Love what you see? We would love to help you plan your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Taylor and Hashim - May 2021 Photos By Lacey White Photography Ah, the golden tones of the Willamette Valley. Taylor and Hashim were such a stunning couple - they seriously looked like models in every photo that Lacey White captured! We loved this setting for them. The sun was out on this beautiful May day, and the turf area offers a wonderful outdoor setting out in the cool, spring sun. We love Abbey Road Farm because because the venue offers both outdoor and indoor options. Since the sun was out, T+H had their reception outside, but we kept the buffet and dessert sheltered inside. Thank you to the Vendor Team! The Vendor Team Planning: Your Perfect Bridesmaid Venue: Abbey Road Farm (Turf Area) Catering: Grand Cru Dessert: Hungry Hero (3 Tier Cake and Dessert Bar) Photographer: Lacey White Florist: Floral Sunshine DJ/Band: Noteworthy DJ’s Rentals: The Party Place Hair & Makeup: NW Hair and Makeup - Makeup by Whit Bridal Attire (Store): Charlotte’s Weddings Men’s Attire: Custom Blazer, Men’s Wearhouse Stationary/Signage: StylishWed.com Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

August 2022 | Rusty meets whimsy - a romantic color palette and airy florals for a warm summer wedding | Photo By Kassandra Out West | Blush, ivory and rust never looked so romantic. Between the texture of the airy arrangements that Starflower , to the beautifully presented food by The Hive , there were so many details to take in. This was such an amazing warm summer night, and we love that Kassandra Out West captured so many real moments throughout this wedding - people being people and celebrating love! See The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. The Vendor Team Coordination - Your Perfect Bridesmaid (Mallory) Venue - Abbey Road Farm Catering - The Hive Bar Service - The Swig Rig Dessert - Screen Door Cake - Sugarhouse Cake Photographer- Kassandra Out West Videographer - Long Light Productions Florist - Starflower DJ - Stumptown (DJ Steven) General Rentals- The Party Place Chair Rentals- Botten’s Equipment Rental Hair & Makeup - Oregon Bridal Makeup and Hair Dress - Breeze Boutique Suit - Suit Supply Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

May 2022 | Classic, wine country wedding for two Nike employees | Photo By Lindsay Blair Photography | Michelle and Cameron's love story started at Nike, and throughout this gallery, you'll see little nodes to their beginning: matching Nike's for the groomsmen, mini Nike shoe cake toppers (no, it wasn't a baby announcement!), etc. They both loved the beauty of the venue, so they kept it classic and on the minimalistic side. They opted for a head table and a centered dance floor, so that way everyone could be a part of the party whether they were sitting or standing. And we LOVED the personal touches the added. Michelle and Cameron spent the last month or so crafting 1000 paper cranes: a Japanese tradition that symbolizes honor, good fortune, loyalty, and longevity. Their place cards doubled as favors: lottery tickets! Such a pleasure to be along for the ride with these two! See The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. The Vendor Team Coordination- Your Perfect Bridesmaid (Lexi) Venue- Abbey Road Farm Catering- Pearl Catering Cake - Lux Sucre Mini Desserts - Nothing Bundt Cakes Photographer- Lindsay Blair Photography Videographer- Fireside Media Florist- Songbird Floristry (Robyn Hunter) DJ- Brother of Groom - Michael Drumm Rentals- Party Place Photo Booth- Little Photo Bus Hair & Makeup- The Wildeflower Collective Save the Dates- Minted Invitations- Paper Jam Day of Signage- DIY Dress- Ania Bridal Suit- Black Tux Transportation- EcoShuttle Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Starting Monday, January 6, applications are available for weddings in Portland Public Parks locations and venues. | Photos By Marissa Solini Photography , Mackenzie Ford , The Ashers , Angelina Lusetti | Starting Monday, January 6, Portland Parks & Recreation will be opening reservations for 2025 weddings at their more than 200 beautiful parks, gardens, and picnic areas across the area. So many of our couples have loved the natural beauty of these venues, including Cathedral Park and Hoyt Arboretum, and we know you will too! Here's what will be helpful to know if you're hoping to snag a spot at your favorite location: In-person applications will begin at 8am at the Portland Building Customer Service Center located at 1120 SW 5th Ave on the ground floor. Lines are expected to accumulate outside prior to doors opening, so couples should plan to arrive early to secure their desired date. Portland Parks & Recreation will also be hosting local wedding vendors to showcase their services at the Portland Building between 8am-12pm. If you can't make it in person, phone and online reservations will be available starting at 1pm on January 6. Permits are required for these sites and are issued by the Portland Public Parks & Recreation Customer Service Center. Keep in mind, some locations allow only ceremonies, and receptions will need to be held elsewhere. If you're only looking to have a reception and not a ceremony, your event is considered a "picnic" and reservations are handled differently. For more information regarding restrictions, locations, fees, and more, visit the Portland Parks & Recreation Wedding Reservations website or check out these great articles from Portland Parks & Recreation and The Oregonian . Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Jun e | Ciara and Alex had a gorgeous spring wedding, full of vibrant florals and gold accents. | Photos By Kelly Robbins Photo & Film | Ciara and Alex got married on a rainy spring day at the stunning Twin Willow Gardens , a perfect venue for any day but especially a drizzly one! The ceremony space is nestled in the woods under a canopy of trees. They have their own tent which is a huge bonus - no need to rent one! Then there's a covered "barn" that's perfect for cocktail hour and dancing in any weather! We're also obsessed with the colorful, full flowers throughout Ciara and Alex's wedding day. The bride and bridesmaids even had a bouquet-making station in one of the venue's tiny homes which is a great activity idea for bridal parties! Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Twin Willow Gardens Reception at Twin Willow Gardens The Vendor Team Coordination : Your Perfect Bridesmaid  (Lead: Nicolle) Venue : Twin Willow Gardens Photographer : Kelly Robbins Photo & Film Videographer : Ridgewood Films Florist : Snohomish Gardens Catering/Bar Service : ACT 3 Catering DJ/Photo Booth : waSOUND Rentals : CORT Party Rental Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

November | Jessica and Salvatore's wedding was modern and moody, a perfect fit for Fremont Foundry. | Photos By Clancey | Jessica and Salvatore's wedding was modern and moody with black and white decor with pops of heavy greenery and lots of candlelight. Fremont Foundry was the perfect venue for their wedding of about 60 guests. Their ceremony and reception were held downstairs over the iconic glass floor, and they used the upstairs space for cocktail hour to allow their vendor team time to flip the room which also made for a great reveal for their guests as they came back down for dinner. This venue has plenty of separate areas to bring variety to your wedding day timeline, it's like multiple venues in one! Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Fremont Foundry Reception at Fremont Foundry The Vendor Team Coordination : Your Perfect Bridesmaid  (Lead: Samantha) Venue : Fremont Foundry Catering : Fremont Foundry Photographer : Clancey Florist : Nadira Design Dessert : Cannolo   DJ : Silvicious Productions Rentals : CORT Party Rentals Makeup : OffBlack Arts Hair : Hair By Alise Favors : Forever Fiances Place Cards : Songbird Paperie Dress : Grace Loves Lace Suit : StudioSuits Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

"For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others." -Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute The 2025 Pantone Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse and we're obsessed! Here are some ways you can integrate this gorgeous color into your wedding day design: Tablescapes Linens, plates, glassware. Mixing contrasting colors and using negative space will give a “less is more” feeling of luxury. Attire Arguably the easiest way to incorporate the Color of the Year. Think brown suits, ties, shoes, bridesmaid dresses, etc.! Mixing texture into this, such as velvet, corduroy, and satin give these warm earthy tones even more dimension. Paper goods Brown will be the new black. Brown signage, text, envelopes, leather, wood - the materials and possibilities are endless and can break up classic whites. Desserts Our favorite way! We can't wait to see more chocolate cakes, espresso martinis, and candy favors! Embrace the indulgence and beauty of mocha mousse LITERALLY and serve chocolate. Feeling inspired? We can design your day in any style or budget - and we’d love to dream with you!

July | Radu and Payton incorporated traditions from each of their cultures to make their wedding truly unique. | Photos By J and L Photography | So much of Radu and Payton's wedding day was unique to them: from traditional songs, to a canoe launch, to the Romanian tradition of "kidnapping" the bride, the couple incorporated their cultures throughout their wedding. With so many special elements, a thoughtfully constructed timeline was crucial to ensure their wedding day flowed. In addition to the unique schedule of their wedding, Radu and Payton had unique decor that made their wedding even more special. Their florist, Iris & Fig , used plenty of fruits and vegetables as part of their tablescapes! Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Alderbrook Resort Reception at Alderbrook Resort The Vendor Team Coordination: Your Perfect Bridesmaid (Lead: Laura) Venue: Alderbrook Resort Photographer: J and L Photography Florist: Iris & Fig Catering/Bar Service/Rentals: Alderbrook Resort DJ: Headsmile Productions Specialty Rentals: CORT Party Rentals Hair & Makeup: I.M Artistry Dessert: Lady Grey Cake Design Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

August | A classic, timeless, and romantic wedding incorporating the natural beauty of Olympic Sculpture park. | Photos By Brittney Hyatt Photography | Amanda and John wanted a romantic wedding, utilizing greenery and the natural aesthetic of Olympic Sculpture park. Their color palette focused on neutrals, champagne, solf cream and oat tones, with hints of soft green, and pops of blue. Their florals and decor made for stunning tablescapes. Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Olympic Sculpture Park Reception at Olympic Sculpture Park The Vendor Team Coordination & Design: Your Perfect Bridesmaid (Lead: Kara) Venue: Olympic Sculpture Park Photographer: Brittney Hyatt Photography Florist: Flora Pacifica Catering/Bar Service: Shooby Doo Catering Dessert: Lady Gray Cake Design DJ/Band: Blue Wave Band Rentals: Pedersens Rentals Hair & Makeup: K. Marina Beauty Save the Dates/Invitations: Minted Getting Ready Location: The Edgewater Hotel Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Laura + Kurtis - August 2022 | Photo By Bear Beau Photography | Laura and Kurtis's wedding was a gorgeous day in the Pacific Northwest. Their special moment highlighted the two things they love the most, each other and the mountains! From the ceremony backdrop to the table table signs, this wedding was truly a mountain lover's dream. Notice how the green, terracotta, and brown hues of the day complimented the earthy theme of the event perfectly. See The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. The Vendor Team Coordinator - Your Perfect Bridesmaid Venue - North Fork Farm Catering - Green Apple Catering Dessert - A-la Mode Pies Photographer - Bear Beau Photography Videographer - Toast Wedding Films Florist - The Petal and the Stem DJ/Band - Injoy Entertainment Hair & Makeup - Angie Evans Makeup Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Whether you're planning a simple backyard wedding on a budget or want to host an elevated wedding on at private property, here's are invaluable tips from a team of PNW wedding planners to ensure a seamless and stress-free day, and a few weddings to take inspiration from. What's more memorable and sentimental than hosting a backyard wedding? As planners, we like to call them "private residence" weddings, which could be in the backyard of your parents' home, the barn on your grandparents property, or maybe it's an undeveloped area of family farm. No matter the scale, if you want a seamless and stress free wedding, there are quite a few logistics and challenges involved. One myth we'll dispel is that the cost of backyard weddings are not always cheaper than renting a venue. But, one thing we do know is that a venue will never replace the sentimental aspect of a private property or family home. As planners, our goal is to not only show you how to plan a seamless backyard wedding, but how to keep a realistic budget throughout the planning process. This blog is for all the engaged couples hoping to host their wedding in a sentimental place in Oregon or Washington, but want it to feel seamless, thought out, and disaster-free. We've compiled a list of invaluable tips to consider as you're planning your backyard wedding. Tips and Tricks For Planning Your Backyard Wedding 1. Plan your home improvement project early, and give extra time. One of the perks of having a private residence wedding at your property is that it gives you an excuse to tackle those improvement projects that have been piling up on your to do list. Clean out the garage, plant some flowers, clear the alleyway, repave the driveway, finish the barn, etc. We have seen time and time again that these projects take more time than most people plan on and so often families are still working on things the week of the wedding. No one needs that much stress in your life. If you decide to tackle a few things, make a list, allot extra times, and don't forget to factor in the weather. Alex and Melissa mowed and leveled a part of their family's field to allow for chairs to sit evenly on the ground. They also moved and lined the path to the field with wildflowers. Projects like this take time - they started months in advance! 2. Secure the Necessary Permits and Permissions Before you dive into the planning process, check local regulations and obtain any required permits or permissions and make friends with your neighbors. Each county and city in the Pacific Northwest may have specific rules regarding noise, parking, and the number of guests allowed, so it's essential to stay compliant to avoid any unexpected surprises on your big day. Have no fear, having planned 100+ private residence weddings over the past 15 years, we will walk you through all the legalities and take the guess work out of keeping things compliant. 4. Have a trash plan. You would not believe how much trash a wedding generates, and your backyard wedding will trash will definitely overtake a normal residential trash can. I always recommend bringing in a dumpster service for the weekend - they are honestly super affordable and they will ensure the property isn't littered with trashbags afterwards. There are also wonderful people like The Waitstaff Team who help with food service if you don't have a full service caterer, and have options to add on trash removal services. 5. Consider the Weather The Pacific Northwest is known for its unpredictable weather. When planning your wedding at a private residence, have a contingency plan in case of rain or other adverse weather conditions such as rain, extreme heat or wildfire smoke (yes, sadly this is our new reality). Guest comfort is key to a fun event. While we can hope and pray for the best weather, we create plan A's, plan B's, and plan C's and D's for all of our couples, which range from renting a tent, umbrellas, misters, patio heaters, or even an having an alternative venue in mind. Whitney and Justin had a simple tent for their guests, but stood outside in the drizzle for their ceremony to embrace the PNW rain. 6. Rent Adequate Facilities Private residences may not have the facilities needed to accommodate a large wedding party. Renting portable restrooms is often necessary. Additionally, the need for generators to ensure a consistent power supply, especially if you're hosting an outdoor event is a key component of any private residence. Did you know there are math calculations we can help you navigate to ensure the lighting plan, the bathrooms, the dj, the band, the catering tent all have enough power? If you are using generators, we will help you calculate how much fuel you will need and if we are using the electricity of the home, we will help you split the power across the various circuits so that every is smooth sailing. 7. Map Out Parking and Transportation Parking can be a significant challenge at private residences. Some properties can provide ample parking space, and other times we recommend considering offering shuttle services from nearby hotels, schools or churches to ease the transportation burden for your guests. We help our couples map out the little details like calculating parking spaces, ensuring proper traffic flow so headlights aren't streaming into your party tent, mapping out turnaround spaces, hiring parking attendants or valet services, or even planning lighting for the walk out to the parking lot at the end of the night are all details we help couples with. Melissa and Alex's family had an ATV onsite, which help for helping to transport guests like Melissa's father who had trouble walking. 8. Create a Well-Defined Layout Design a layout that maximizes the space available onsite and ensures smooth transitions throughout your wedding. A well-organized seating plan, clear signage, and designated areas for different activities, such as the ceremony, reception, and dance floor is key. When we are planning weddings at private residences, we have found multiple walk throughs are crucial to creating a seamless plan and elevated design. 9. Plan For Renting Tables, Chairs, and More When planning a wedding at a private residence, you'll need to rent tables, chairs, linens, and other essential items. Coordinate with rental companies well in advance to ensure you have everything you need. Do you know we start your rental order, hold your delivery date the same day you sign our contract - that is how essential it is to quick secure the services of a rental company. All of our packages include rental coordination for a reason. There are so many details to consider and we love taking couples to the showrooms to build the perfect tablescape. We will ensure nothing is missed, that you have the correct quantities, that your catering team is looped in and taken care of, and oh...we also get a discount which we pass along to you. Win, win, win! 10. Hire Catering and Food Service Hiring a professional catering service is crucial to ensure your guests are well-fed and satisfied. Ensure the catering team has access to a functional kitchen or catering tent and that they are familiar with the logistics of your location. Not only will we help find an incredible partner but we will make sure to work with them to ensure they have the equipment necessary to prepare your meal and serve your guests including working out plans for water, ice, a bussing station and ensuring the bar and catering tent is lighted (and that light is accounted for in all electrical calculations) to ensure they can continue to serve well into the evening. 11. Hire Someone to Handle Sound and Entertainment Nobody wants the party to be interrupted by sound equipment failure or rough transitions. Hire a professional sound and entertainment company that can handle the unique challenges of an outdoor or private residence wedding. They should have experience with setting up sound systems in different environments and be prepared for any technical issues. We will ensure they have enough gear (for the multiple setups), are prepared to handle the wind (so your mics aren't all full of wind static) and we will of course ensure their gear is safe regardless of whether. DJ Hunter Quinn kept the party going for Riley and Brian so no one had to worry about changing the song or keeping to the right mood, and everyone got to dance their hearts out. 12. Safety First Have a plan in place for emergencies, including a first aid kit and fire extinguishers is key. As your planner, we are first and foremost your advocate. As such, we love creating self care stations with bug spray, sun screen, shoe wipes, and cool towelettes. We will also work with you and the property owners to get the insurance necessary to protect you from any accidents that could happen. We have your back from day 1. 13. Designate a "venue manager" When we do private residence weddings, we always designate one of our team members or have our couples designate a either family member to act as venue manager. As vendors arrive on the day of, people will have questions, look for places to set up, and guests will no doubt have questions about access to the house. The property owner (your mom, dad, aunt, grandparents, etc.) shouldn't have to play host and miss out on the fun. If you aren't working with us, I highly recommend you designate someone to play this role or allow one of our teammembers to take this off your hands. 14. Communication with Vendors and Guests Effective communication is key to a successful private residence wedding. Keep your vendors informed about the location's specific requirements (up hills, exposed sun, etc.) and ensure your guests receive clear directions and any pertinent information about the event. We have been known to send emails about bees, the need for heel protectors or wedges, or reminders about the PNW cool ocean evening breezes. 15. Call on Your Perfect Bridesmaid Our goal is to make your backyard wedding dreams come true and help you navigate all the logistics, ask the right questions, and find you the most fitting vendors. Whether that's an elevated wedding, or simple backyard wedding on a budget, everyone deserves to have peace of mind during the process and on their wedding day. We are there to help make that happen. Hosting your wedding at a private residence in the Pacific Northwest can be a dream come true, offering a unique and personal touch to your special day. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges and create beautiful memories that you, your partner, and your guests will cherish forever. Embrace the natural beauty of the region and enjoy your wedding day in this enchanting corner of the world. We would love to be by your side, making this the best day possible! View More Private Residence Weddings on Our Blog