Bride and groom sharing a kiss at sunset outdoors with desert plants and mountains in the background.

RETRO PLANNING

Photographers for your intimate destination wedding or elopement

For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, Creative souls and Cinema Lovers

A woman dressed in a flowing, sheer dress holding a large piece of fabric or veil in an outdoor desert landscape at sunset or sunrise.

YOUR

CEREMONY

WHAT OUR 12 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TAUGHT US

(AND OVER 300 WEDDINGS)
Here's a Retro Planning Wedding Calendar packed with advice and tasks for couples to ensure your big day is a success! This calendar outlines key milestones to help you plan efficiently and enjoyably, starting over a year before the wedding.

Black and white photo of a couple embracing on a beach.

18 Months Before the Wedding

Tasks:

  1. Set a Budget: Discuss finances and prioritize expenses. Decide who's contributing what.

  2. Create a Guest List: Draft a rough list to determine the size of your wedding.

  3. Choose a Date: Consider availability, season, and budget.

  4. CHOOSE A TYPE OF CEREMONY (CIVIL, RELIGIOUS,…)

  5. FIND YOUR DREAM WEDDING VENUE

  6. Hire a Planner (Optional): If hiring one, now is the time to lock them in.

  7. Define Your Vision: Research themes, colors, and vibes. Create mood boards.

Advice:

  • Prioritize communication with your partner to stay aligned on expectations.

  • Be flexible with dates to secure your dream venue.

A black and white photo of a couple kissing in a field, with one wearing a wedding dress and the other in a suit.

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

Tasks:

  1. BOOK YOUR DREAM WEDDING VENUE

  2. BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER, CONSIDER A CONTENT CREATOR

  3. FIND THE CATERING SERVICE

  4. FIND ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR THE VENUE

  5. CHOOSE YOUR WITNESSES

  6. VERIFY YOUR PHOTO ID AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION

  7. SEND THE RSVP AND / OR CREATE A WEBSITE PAGE

Advice:

  • CREATE A WEBSITE PAGE.

  • CREATE A PINTEREST BOARD, DECORATION. FLOWERS, PHOTOGRAPHIC STYLE …

A couple embracing in a lush green garden, standing under an archway covered in ivy and foliage. The woman is wearing a white dress and the man is in a suit.

9-12 Months Before

Tasks:

  1. Book Vendors: Secure photographers, caterers, florists, and entertainment.

  2. Dress Shopping: Start shopping for the wedding dress and outfits for key members of the party.

  3. Engagement Photos: Book a session to use for invitations or keepsakes.

  4. GO TO THE CITY HALL OR START COLLECTING INFO FOR THE OFFICIAL WEDDING PAPERWORK.

  5. BOOK THE SERVICE OF A WEDDING PLANNER

  6. START ORGANISING THE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE

  7. Begin Planning Your Ceremony: Decide on officiants and ceremony details.

Advice:

  • Book early to avoid disappointment, especially for popular vendors.

  • Don’t forget to consider weather contingencies if outdoors, TEMPERATURE,…

Close-up of a red flower arrangement with anthurium and calla lily on a dark background.

6-9 Months Before

Tasks:

  1. Select Bridal Party Attire: Decide on dresses and suits for the wedding party.

  2. FIND YOUR ACCESSORIES, VEIL, SHOES, HEADPIECES

  3. FIND THE GROOM’S SUIT

  4. Finalize the Guest List: Send to caterers and ensure RSVPs will be tracked.

  5. Plan Your Honeymoon: Book flights, hotels, and excursions.

  6. Register for Gifts: Set up a wedding registry or an alternative like a honeymoon fund.

  7. DIY Projects: Start any DIY decorations to save time later.

  8. FIND DECORATION (OR RENT)

  9. SEND YOUR WEDDING PAPERWORK TO THE ADMINISTRATION

Advice:

  • Schedule fittings early to allow for adjustments to attire.

  • Consider accessibility for guests with disabilities or dietary needs.

Close-up of a couple exchanging vows, with one person in a white dress holding hands with another in a black suit, holding a handwritten note between them.

3-6 Months Before

Tasks:

  1. Book Hair and Makeup Artists: Schedule a trial run to test styles.

  2. Order Invitations: Send them out 2-3 months before the wedding.

  3. Plan Rehearsal Dinner: Choose a venue and guest list for this event.

  4. Prepare Music Playlist: Decide on must-play and no-play songs with your DJ or band.

  5. Draft the Schedule: Work with vendors to create a timeline for the day.

  6. FIND YOUR WEDDING RINGS

  7. SET YOUR FIRST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLE APPOINTMENTS

  8. BOOK THE FLORIST

  9. CHOOSE THE SONGS TO PLAY DURING THE CEREMONY

  10. DO YOUR HEN Do and STAG PARTY

  11. FIND THE WEDDING CAKE PROVIDER

  12. DRINKS AND CHAMPAGNES

Advice:

  • Keep an emergency kit in your day-of plans: safety pins, blotting paper, etc.

  • Focus on creating memorable experiences for your guests.

  • LEARN CHOREGRAPHY WITH YOUR PARTNER FOR THE FIRST DANCE

Bride with a veil near the ocean shore

1-3 Months Before

Tasks:

  1. Confirm Details: Reconfirm with all vendors and finalize schedules.

  2. Create a Seating Chart: Based on RSVPs, arrange tables strategically.

  3. Write Vows: Personalize your ceremony with heartfelt vows.

  4. Break in Shoes: Avoid discomfort by wearing your wedding shoes in advance.

  5. CONTACT ALL GUESTS IF THEY HAVE NOT REPLIED YET TO YOUR RSVP

  6. DEFINE THE FINAL MENU (ALLERGIES AND SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS)

  7. GUEST GIFTS and guest favours

  8. FINALISE TABLE PLAN and seating chart

  9. PLAN A NOTEBOOK WITH ALL PROVIDERS’ PHONE NUMBERS,

  10. dress fitting, and final retouches

  11. BOOK TRANSPORT

Advice:

  • Stay flexible. Some things may not go as planned, but focus on what matters most: celebrating love.

  • Allocate a buffer time in the schedule for unexpected delays.

Bride wearing a veil with intricate lace detail in a soft, diffused light.

1 WEEK
Before

Tasks:

  1. Pack for the Honeymoon: Prepare everything you need, including travel documents.

  2. Prepare Final Payments: Arrange vendor payments or tips.

  3. Drop Off Items at Venue: Provide any décor, guest books, or favors.

  4. Delegate Tasks: Assign responsibilities to trusted friends or family.

  5. PRACTICE WEDDING VOWS

  6. Relax: Schedule self-care like massages or quiet time.

Advice:

  • Get plenty of rest leading up to the big day.

  • Have a Plan B for the weather if you’re hosting an outdoor wedding.

Blurred image of a woman wearing a sequined dress holding white flowers

THE
Wedding Day

Tasks:

  1. Eat Breakfast: Fuel up to keep your energy high.

  2. Follow the Timeline: Allow others to manage details so you can enjoy.

  3. Take a Moment Together: Steal a quiet moment with your partner amidst the celebration.

  4. Capture Memories: Make sure your photographer captures candid and emotional moments.

  5. Celebrate!

Advice:

  • Embrace imperfection. The day will be beautiful because of the love you’re celebrating.

  • Take a step back to soak in the atmosphere.