The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide: Creating Memorable Wedding Events

At Founding Farmers Co. Catering & Events, we've had the privilege of bringing wedding dreams to life. From intimate garden ceremonies to grand ballroom receptions, our team understands that your wedding journey begins long before you walk down the aisle. This comprehensive wedding planning guide draws from our expertise to help you navigate every aspect of planning your perfect day.

Understanding Your Wedding Planning Timeline

Creating a realistic wedding planning timeline is essential for a stress-free experience. Based on our experience working with couples, here's a roadmap to success: 

12+ Months Before 

• Establish your wedding budget and guest list 

• Select and book your venue 

• Begin researching and interviewing wedding caterers 

• Choose your wedding party members 

• Start your wedding dress search 

9-12 Months Before 

• Book your full service wedding catering team 

• Reserve other key vendors (photographer, entertainment, florist) 

• Send save-the-dates 

• Plan and schedule your engagement party 

6-8 Months Before 

• Finalize your wedding catering package and menu 

• Order wedding attire 

• Book wedding transportation, if needed 

• Plan honeymoon details 

• Plan bridal shower catering and details 

3-5 Months Before 

• Send wedding invitations 

• Schedule final dress fittings 

• Plan rehearsal dinner catering and details 

• Finalize wedding day timeline 

1-2 Months Before 

• Attend your bachelor/bachelorette parties  

• Follow up with guests who haven't RSVP'd 

• Finalize wedding menu and guest list with your caterer 

• Confirm all final details with vendors 

• Coordinate bridal suite lunch catering  

• Create wedding day itinerary for wedding party 

Wedding Week  

• Pick up wedding attire 

• Prepare final payments and tips for vendors 

• Confirm all arrival times 

• Host a bridal luncheon 

• Enjoy your rehearsal dinner! 

Note: This timeline offers a general guideline, but it can flex depending on your wedding’s size, season, or location. Destination weddings or shorter engagements may require a condensed or accelerated plan. A trusted partner can help you adjust accordingly. Founding Farmers Co. Catering & Events has successfully planned and facilitated weddings and wedding events with shorter timelines.  

Major Wedding Events to Plan: A Complete Checklist 

Beyond the ceremony and reception, several wedding events create a complete celebration experience: 

Engagement Party Planning Tips 

Your engagement party sets the tone for your wedding journey. Consider these engagement party planning tips: 

• Host 2-3 months after your engagement while excitement is high 

• Keep the guest list intimate (typically immediate family and close friends) 

• Choose engagement party catering that reflects your personal preferences & style 

• Consider a theme that might carry through your wedding events 

We specialize in creating engagement party menus that serve as a delightful preview of your wedding cuisine, often incorporating signature cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres that tell your unique story as a couple. 

Bridal Shower Planning Guide 

This special pre-wedding celebration traditionally honors the bride. Our bridal shower planning guide suggests: 

• Hosting the event 1-3 months before the wedding 

• Assigning planning responsibilities to the maid of honor or a close family member 

• Selecting bridal shower catering that feels festive yet sophisticated 

• Incorporating meaningful activities beyond gift-opening 

Our bridal shower catering packages range from elegant afternoon teas to champagne brunches, each designed to create a memorable experience. We can also help plan event activations and fun activities to make your bridal shower truly special. 

Planning a Rehearsal Dinner 

The rehearsal dinner brings your closest loved ones together before the big day. Consider these rehearsal dinner planning essentials: 

• Hosting immediately following your ceremony rehearsal 

• Inviting wedding party members, immediate family, and out-of-town guests 

• Selecting rehearsal dinner catering that complements rather than competes with your wedding menu 

• Creating a relaxed atmosphere that allows meaningful toasts and stories 

How to Choose a Wedding Caterer: Finding Your Perfect Match 

As a full service catering & events company, we believe your catering team should be more than just food providers. Here's what to consider: 

• Experience and Specialization: Look for wedding caterers experienced with your venue type and wedding size. 

• Tastings and Customization: Ensure they offer tastings and are willing to customize menus to reflect your personal preference. 

• Full Service Capabilities: Determine what's included beyond food (staff, rentals, setup). 

• Communication Style: Your caterer should be responsive and attentive throughout planning. 

• Reviews and References: Seek feedback from past clients about reliability and quality. 

Wedding Catering Ideas to Impress Your Guests 

The menu is a central element of your celebration. Explore these wedding catering ideas: 

• Heritage-Inspired Menus: Incorporate family recipes or cultural traditions. 

• Seasonal Excellence: Design menus around peak-season ingredients for the best flavor and value. 

• Elevated Comfort Foods: Transform familiar favorites into elegant presentations. 

• Progressive Dining: Guide guests through a culinary journey throughout your event spaces. 

• Interactive Food Stations: Create memorable experiences with chef-attended stations. 

• Late-Night Bites: Surprise guests with crave-worthy snacks to fuel dancing. 

Your Wedding Journey Begins Here

At Founding Farmers Co. Catering & Events, we believe successful wedding planning balances practical organization with creative vision. Whether you're just beginning your wedding planning journey or looking to enhance specific elements, our team is dedicated to creating distinctive celebrations that reflect your unique love story.  

Ready to start planning your wedding events? Schedule a consultation with our catering & events specialists to discover how our team can bring your vision to life. Contact us today to begin creating your perfect celebration.