The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for Austin Couples

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Take a moment to soak it all in because the next few months are going to be an exciting whirlwind. While your engagement is an incredibly joyful time, it’s also the start of planning one of the biggest days of your life. But don’t stress; we’ve got you covered with a step-by-step wedding planning checklist for the first 90 days.

Elyse Bonner Photography

First 30 Days After the Engagement

1. Celebrate Your Engagement

You’ve just said “yes” to spending forever with your favorite person—cue the champagne! Host an engagement party, take photos, or simply bask in this milestone with loved ones. This time should be about celebrating your commitment.

Elyse Bonner Photography

2. Set a Tentative Wedding Date

Do you want a rustic fall wedding or a breezy summer celebration? Picking a general time frame (month or season) will help guide the rest of the planning process and conversations with the wedding venues you will consider for your ceremony and reception.

3. Establish a Budget

Money conversations? Not the most romantic—but absolutely essential. Sit down as a couple (and possibly with any family members who are helping to contribute) to set a realistic budget. This will set the foundation for all the decisions to come.

Blue Tree Studio

4. Create a Wedding Vision

Do you dream about a classic, elegant ceremony or a fun, outdoor bash? Start by making a mood board, pinning on Pinterest, or even just discussing your non-negotiables with your partner. Defining your vision will make the rest of the planning smoother.

Days 31–60

5. Start Your Guest List

Before you book a venue, you’ll need a rough idea of how many people you plan to invite. Begin crafting your guest list, keeping your budget and venue capacity in mind.

The wedding courtyard at Lone Star Oaks is the perfect space for cocktail hour, wedding guest dancing and a private dance under the star for the newlyweds only. Photo Credit: Blu Tree Studio

6. Research and Tour Venues

The venue sets the tone for your wedding. Research options online, check reviews, and schedule tours to see your top picks in person. Popular locations tend to book up quickly, so this step should be a priority.

Before booking a wedding venue, you must know your guest count, budget, desired date, the venue's capacity, any restrictions on vendors or decorations, availability of getting ready rooms, parking options, potential additional fees, and the cancellation policy, as well as whether the venue can accommodate both your ceremony and reception if desired.

The wedding chapel at Lone Star Oaks is cheerful, charming, bright with seating for 200. Photo Credit: Blu Tree Studio

7. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)

If you're feeling overwhelmed or just want an expert’s touch, consider hiring a wedding planner. They can provide invaluable help with vendor recommendations, timelines, and overall logistics.

8. Book the Big Vendors

Once you’ve secured your venue, it’s time to lock in major vendors like a photographer, videographer, and caterer. Be sure to read contracts carefully and ask questions to avoid surprises later.

Days 61–90

9. Choose Your Wedding Party

Who do you want standing by your side on the big day? Ask your closest friends and family to be part of your bridal party in a way that feels special to you (think cute “Will you be my bridesmaid?” boxes or thoughtful messages).

10. Find Your Dress or Attire

Shopping for your wedding day outfit is one of the most exciting parts of planning—and it can take time! Book your first appointments early to ensure you find the perfect look without being rushed.

11. Set Up a Wedding Website

Make things easier for your guests by creating a wedding website with details about your big day, including key dates, venues, and accommodation options. This is also a great place to share your love story! Many wedding venues offer an RSVP system complimentary. You can also use Godaddy or Wix to create a basic website with their easy step by step templates. When you use on of the big wedding website options, your information and the information of your wedding guests can be compromised or sold to advertisers for research before you use a “Free wedding website”.

12. Send Save-the-Dates (if Needed)

Depending on how far out your wedding is, you may want to send Save-the-Dates by month 3. This is especially true for destination weddings or busy holiday weekends.

13. Join Wedding Registries

Start building your wedding registry for guests who want to celebrate your engagement or come prepared with gifts for the actual day. Many couples opt for a mix of traditional and alternative options, like honeymoon funds.

Bonus Tips for Staying on Track

• Use a Wedding Planning Tool: Whether it’s an app or an old-fashioned binder, stay organized by keeping track of all your tasks and deadlines.

• Communicate with Your Partner: Remember, wedding planning is about both of you. Make sure you’re making decisions together.

• Don’t Forget to Have Fun: It’s easy to get caught up in the stress, but take time to enjoy the process and celebrate your engagement.

With the right approach, the first 90 days of wedding planning can feel exciting and empowering. Start ticking things off this checklist and you’ll be on your way to the wedding of your dreams!

Are you planning a wedding and in search of a wedding venue, wedding chapel near Austin Texas? If you're in search of the quintessential Texas Hill Country wedding venue that provides a breathtaking setting for your wedding photographs, consider Lone Star Oaks as your destination. Contact us today to schedule a venue tour.

We are excited to showcase our beautiful wedding venue, including the enchanting chapel, picturesque outdoor ceremony area, elegant indoor reception spaces, and all the distinctive features they offer. You can find more images on our gallery, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

If natural beauty is a must for your wedding, you will love all the beautiful outdoor spaces offered at Lone Star Oaks. Photo Credit: Blu Tree Studio