Congratulations! You’re getting married and planning the beginning of a new life together. It can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Now, onto the fun and challenging part. Who will be there? Where will you host them? How much money do you have to spend on a wedding? Do you have colors or a theme? What should everyone wear? Flowers and invitations and food and linens and photography - the list is endless.

Naturally, we’re all more excited about some parts of planning than others. Maybe it’s the food you’ll get to share. Or the music you’ll dance the night away to. Or maybe, it’s the flowers that set the tone for the entire day and bring all the pieces together.

Now, I’m not a wedding planner, but I talk to many couples about planning and have compiled a few resources to help you get started.

Rocky Mountain Bride - “I do checklist”

Brides.com The Ultimate Wedding-Planning Checklist and Timeline

Zola - Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline!

Florist making a bouquet wyoming Captured by Kaylie Sirek Photography

As a general rule of thumb - you should have your date and venue locked in before booking additional vendors, including your florist. This way, we can ensure availability for your date and typically happens 6-12 months before your wedding. Now if you have your heart set on a specific, vendor, checking their availability before setting a date can’t hurt. (Just know we might not provide a full proposal before you’re booked.)

The basics Whirly Girl requires for booking your date is a confirmed (under contract) venue to ensure your date and a few inspiration pictures to get an idea of what you’re dreaming of. If you have an idea of your colors or style (classic, rustic, elegant, wild) and a general idea of your guest list it’ll help.

Things you don’t need to book your florist: final numbers of pretty much anything (flower girls, boutonnieres, even guest tables). A general idea is helpful but we understand these specific details will come together as your planning continues and will be finalized 4-6 weeks ahead of your wedding.

Want to learn more about working with Whirly Girl Flowers and planning your wedding flowers for an event in or near Sheridan, WY? Click here.