So, you’re engaged. ✨ Cue the confetti cannons! 🎉 But now you’re thinking, “How do I plan a wedding that’s as unique and cool as we are?” Don’t sweat it. I’ve been there, done that, and I’m here to spill the tea on how to plan your wedding at The Penny without having a breakdown. That being said… let’s break it down, shall we?
The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
Click below for our downloadable PDF checklist. Print this and keep it in your planning area (I was without a kitchen table for a year lol).
The Big Picture: 12-18 Months Out
First up…
- Curate that guest list
- Lock down The Penny (trust me, it books up fast)
- Nail your vibe (Rustic chic? Industrial glam? You do you!)
- Choose your wedding party
- Snag a photographer who gets your style
- Book a DJ or band that’ll keep everyone movin’
- Find your dream dress
The guest list can be tricky. We ended up doing a “no ring, no bring” policy for plus-ones. Controversial? Maybe. Drama-free and cheaper? Absolutely.
The Penny is fire, but dates go quickly. We almost missed out on our dream fall wedding because we waited too long. Don’t make my mistake!
For the dress, I hit up some indie boutiques and found this excellent designer who customized my gown. It was part jumpsuit, part dress, and 100% me. Don’t sleep on online retailers, though; while it sounds scary, most have return policies and a wider selection of options.
Getting into the Details | 9 Months to Go
Time to level up your planning game…
- Choose a caterer that vibes with your taste
- Style your party (mix-and-match is so in right now)
- Find a florist who thinks outside the vase ;)
- Sort out your rentals
- Design your invites
- Build a wedding website
- Browse The Penny’s decor closet (it’s a treasure trove, trust me)
Food is everything. We did an “around the world in 80 bites” theme, and people lost their minds. Think mini tacos, bite-sized banh mi, and tiny pizzas. It was epic. The Penny’s catering partner, Sidecar Cocktail Co., was amazing to work with.
The Penny’s decor closet is also next level. I found this amazing arbor that became the backdrop for our ceremony. Total game-changer for our photos.
Crunch Time | 6 Months Out
You’re halfway there! Here’s what’s next…
- Plan that honeymoon (beach, city, mountains? or all three!)
- Throw your bachelor/bachelorette parties (keep it classy… or don’t)
- Send out those invites
- Order a cake
- Finalize your decor vision
For our honeymoon, we crowd-sourced ideas from our well-traveled friends. I ended up doing a Japan trip that was a blast.
Instead of a traditional cake, we did a giant sheet cake and served it family-style.
The Home Stretch | 3-5 Months to Go
The finish line is in sight…
- Tackle the seating chart (may the odds be ever in your favor)
- Choose your favors
- Find an officiant who you’re comfortable with
- Do your hair and makeup test run
- Sort out transportation
- Create the ultimate playlist
Seating charts are the worst. We turned it into a game night with our wedding party. Add wine, and suddenly it’s not so bad!
For favors, we did custom hot sauce bottles. Spicy, like us. 🌶️
One Month to Go!
Deep breaths. You’re almost there…
- Final dress fitting (strut your stuff)
- Get that marriage license (it’s about to get official)
- Write vows that’ll make ’em laugh and cry
- Lock in the final headcount
Writing vows is tough. We wrote them together over a bottle of wine. Romantic and (dare I say) practical.
The Week of the Wedding
It’s showtime!
- Practice those vows (but keep some spontaneity)
- Treat yourself to some pampering
- Have your final hair trial
- Take a moment to chill (seriously, don’t forget this step)
I booked a massage the day before the wedding. Best. Decision. Ever.
After You’ve Crushed It
You did it! Now…
- Send those thank yous (old school, but appreciated)
- Share your epic photos
- Jet off on that honeymoon!
Remember, at the end of the day, you’re marrying your person. Everything else is just extra sparkle on an already amazing day.
The Penny Wedding Style Quiz
Not sure what style fits you? Take this quick quiz!
- Your ideal Friday night is…
- a) VIP table at the hottest new club
- b) Indie concert at a secret venue
- c) Rooftop yoga followed by craft cocktails
- d) Bonfire and stargazing with your besties
- Your go-to drink is…
- a) Custom cocktail with gold flakes, obviously
- b) Whatever the mixologist recommends
- c) Biodynamic wine
- d) Locally brewed IPA
- Your dream honeymoon spot is…
- a) Chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean
- b) Road-tripping across Route 66 in a vintage convertible
- c) Forest lodge in Costa Rica
- d) Glamping under the Northern Lights
- Your style icon is…
- a) Beyoncé
- b) Margot Robbie
- c) Zoë Kravitz
- d) Stevie Nicks
- Your ideal wedding gift is…
- a) High-tech home gadgets
- b) Donations to your favorite charity
- c) Contributions to your honeymoon fund
- d) Vintage goodies
Tally your answers…
Mostly A’s – Glam Luxe – Okay Great Gatsby! You’re all about that high-end life. Think: gold accents, champagne towers, and a killer late-night set from a surprise DJ.
Mostly B’s – Indie Edge – You march to the beat of your own drum. Your wedding might feature food trucks, a rock band, and decor from local artists.
Mostly C’s – Eco Chic – Sustainability is your middle name. Imagine a farm-to-table feast, locally-sourced flowers, and favors that give back.
Mostly D’s – Boho Dream – Free spirit alert! Picture macramé backdrops, crystal decor, and bare feet on the dance floor.
No matter what you scored, The Penny can make it happen. Our quiz results were a mix of B and D, which led to our music festival-inspired bash. It was epic, if we do say so ourselves.
Au Revoir Lovebirds
Go forth and plan the coolest wedding The Penny has ever seen. You’ve got this! :)
