Wedding Planning Checklist: Month-by-Month Guide from a Photographer’s POV (Indianapolis Edition)

Planning your wedding in Indianapolis? You're in the right place. As a wedding photographer who has documented celebrations at stunning local venues like Scottish Rite Cathedral, and Newfields, I know how important (and overwhelming!) it can be to juggle all the moving parts that go into your big day.

Whether you're newly engaged or already deep into the planning process, this month-by-month wedding planning checklist—tailored to Indianapolis couples—will help keep things smooth, stress-free, and photo-ready.

12+ Months Out

🎯 Set Your Budget & Priorities

Start with a realistic budget and list your top priorities (venue, photography, food, etc.). In Indianapolis, prime dates at top venues book quickly, so knowing what matters most will help you move faster.

💍 Begin Your Guest List

📍 Book Your Venue:

Popular venues like Laurel Hall, Regions Tower, The Sixpence, Black Iris Estate,  Scottish Rite Cathedral, and Hotel Carmichael can book up 12–18+ months in advance.

📸 Hire Your Photographer:

Photographers often book early, especially for spring and fall weddings. If you love a romantic, editorial style vibe....filled with candid fun moments.....that’s my specialty. 😉

💡 Photographer Tip: The earlier you hire your photographer, the more time you have to plan your engagement session, get timeline advice, and feel totally comfortable before your big day.

9–11 Months Out

🎟️ Book Other Key Vendors:

This includes your day of coordinator, caterer, band/DJ, and hair/makeup team. In Indy, planners like Bridget Davis Events and Indy Gigz offer amazing full or partial planning services. Book earlier if you plan to do full wedding planning.

👗 Start Wedding Dress Shopping:

Boutiques like Marie Gabriel Couture Bridal in Indianapolis or The Wedding Studio in Carmel have incredible selections—but remember, alterations take time.

📸 Schedule Engagement Session

Seasonal favorites for Indianapolis engagement sessions include Newfields, Downtown Indianapolis, and The Palladium Gardens.

🍽️ Book Your Caterer (if not through your venue)

🌸 Hire your florist and select your style

Indianapolis vendor Pomp & Bloom creates editorial-worthy designs.

6–8 Months Out

💻 Set up your wedding website:

Let's display those gorgeous engagement photos 

💌 Send Save the Dates:

Especially important for out-of-town guests or destination weddings.

🌸 Finalize Floral design + Rentals:

Think about how your floral and décor choices will photograph. Natural light, candles, and textured florals always elevate your photos.

👗 Order Bridesmaid Dresses + Groomsmen Attire

4–5 Months Out

🎂 Schedule Cake Tastings

Indy fav: Classic Cakes

📃 Start dialing in Your Timeline

This is where I help a lot! I’ll recommend the ideal photo timeline based on your venue’s lighting, ceremony time, and season. Golden hour? First look? I’ve got you. We do a photo timeline for all of our DHP couple's at booking.

2–3 Months Out

🖋️ Send Formal Invitations

🪑 Confirm Rentals & Finalize Decor Details

🎤 Confirm Music + Readings for Ceremony

💄 Do a Hair & Makeup Trial

1 Month Out

✔️ Finalize Guest Count + Seating Chart, dietary restrictions

🧾 Prepare Final Payments + Gratuities

📸 Double-Check Details with Photographer

We'll confirm everything from getting-ready addresses to sunset portrait timing. I'm a Type A, plan-ahead girlie who thrives on timelines, checklists, and making sure everything runs like clockwork. I’ve got you covered so you can be fully present while I capture the magic.

1–2 Weeks Out

💐 Confirm with All Vendors

📦 Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit

👰 Break in Shoes (Indoors) + Steam Outfits

📸 Create a “Details Box” for Me

Include your rings, invitation, vow books, perfume, jewerly, and heirloom items. I’ll start the day by photographing these meaningful pieces.

💅🏻 finalizing beauty appointments

Ensure your skin, hair, and nails are ready for the big day. This is NOT the time for major changes, or new procedures.

Wedding Week!

🧘 Relax & Delegate

Let your coordinator or day-of team handle the logistics so you can soak it all in.

🛏️ Get Rest & Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

💍 Attend Rehearsal + Rehearsal Dinner:

Call it an early night and drink lots of water. I've seen too many wedding day's ruined by the pre-party.

📸 Charge Your Phone, Bring Your Timeline, and Trust Your Vendor Team

You’ve done the planning—now it’s time to enjoy the magic.

Look at you, planning like a pro! Whether you’ve got spreadsheets for days or you're more of a “let’s wing it (with guidance)” kind of bride, having a month-by-month plan helps keep things fun instead of frantic.

As your photographer, I’m not just here to snap pretty pictures—I’m also your timeline cheerleader, sunset-chaser, and go-to gal for making sure you don’t forget the small stuff (like where your flowers are supposed to be or when golden hour hits).

So plan ahead, stay organized, and don’t forget to soak it all in. You only get to do this once—let’s make it beautiful, stress-free, and totally you.

I’ll bring the cameras—you bring the love. 💫