Old Town Alexandria Wedding Venues | Morrison House Hotel

YOUR GUIDE TO

WEDDING TIMELINES

Plan your dream wedding with ease at Morrison House, a boutique hotel wedding venue in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Our expert timelines guide you from engagement to “I do,” helping you stay organized every step of the way. From a detailed planning checklist to a seamless day-of schedule, we make creating your perfect Alexandria wedding simple and stress-free.

Your Planning Timeline

12+ MONTHS BEFORE

Set Budget
Hire wedding planner, if using
Draft guest list and start collecting addresses, emails, and phone numbers
Reserve ceremony and reception venues, and set wedding date
Begin wedding dress shopping
Establish a rain plan, if outdoors
Select and invite wedding party
Hire a photographer

9+ MONTHS BEFORE

Order gown
Order tuxedo/suit
Reserve a caterer, if applicable
Reserve DJ or band
Begin your wedding gift registry
Create a wedding website
Reserve a hotel wedding room block for guests

6+ MONTHS BEFORE

Select and maile save-the-dates
Reserve and officiant
Hire a florist
Order stationery, if necessary
Order wedding party outfits
Start planning the honeymoon

4+ MONTHS BEFORE

Begin gown/suit fittings
Finalize catering menu
Reserve rentals
Reserve transportation
Plan rehearsal dinner
Order cake
Make a favorite song list for the DJ or band

3+ MONTHS BEFORE

Mail invitations, if you are planning a destination or holiday wedding send your reservations 12 weeks ahead
Select ceremony readings and music
Reserve a hairstylist and makeup artist
Attend hair and makeup trials
Order favors
Finalize florals

2 MONTHS BEFORE

Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
Attend tasting with caterer
Discuss vendor meals with caterer
Select wedding party gifts
Gather wedding-day details

6 WEEKS BEFORE

Purchase rings
Buy garter, if doing a toss
Create signature drink

4 WEEKS BEFORE

Plan reception seating chart
Visit Clerk of the Circuit Court office for marriage license
Decide who will share readings and/or toasts
Finalize and print ceremony programs
Finalize day-0f-schedule with vendors, see an example below
Write/select vows

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Give caterer final guest count
Finalize playlist with DJ/band and ceremony music
Finalize your shot list with the photographer
Finalize transportation and assign leaders who will assist guests
Finalize reception decor plans
Break in wedding shoes
Plan snacks for getting-ready rooms

WEEK-OF WEDDING

Pick up gown and tuxedo/suit
Gather your day-of essentials
Organize emergency wedding kit supplies
Assign someone to help gather family/attendants for photographs
Assemble favors and welcome bags
Assign day-of point person (to answer guest questions), if not planner
Pick up wedding rings
Confirm all vendor delivery or arrival times
Confirm wedding party members know their arrival times
Make some spa time for a manicure and pedicure

DAY BEFORE WEDDING

Attend rehearsal dinner
Prepare drinks and snacks for getting-ready rooms
Organize tip envelopes for vendors
Confirm transportation pickup times and addresses
Double-check your outfit details, including shapewear and shoes
Pack bags for wedding night and honeymoon

DAY OF WEDDING

Stay hydrated with lots of water and be sure to eat something
Gather your essentials including phone, lipstick, etc. in a purse or tote and assign a party member to be in charge of getting you and your things to the wedding
Remember to let others take care of the details of the day. Your job will only be to enjoy it!