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A Sample Wedding Planning Timeline: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Celebration in Maryland

Updated: Oct 15, 2024


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Island View Waterfront, Essex MD - photo by Captured By Alyssa

Planning a wedding at Island View Waterfront can be an unforgettable experience. Here's a customized timeline to help you navigate the planning process:


12-18 Months Before the Wedding


  • Set the Date: Choose a date that works best for you and your partner, considering factors like seasons, availability of Island View Waterfront, and guest preferences.

  • Create a Budget: Determine your overall budget and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding, including the rental of a tent and dance floor if needed.

  • Choose Your Venue: Reserve Island View Waterfront as your wedding venue.

  • Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional): If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional wedding planner to assist with the planning process.


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    Waterfront Ceremony at Island View Waterfront - photo by @Bobby A Photography

9-12 Months Before the Wedding


  • Create a Guest List: Determine your guest count and prioritize your invitees.

  • Select Your Wedding Party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other attendants.

  • Book Key Vendors: Reserve your photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, DJ or band, and any additional vendors needed for a waterfront wedding, such as a tent and dance floor rental company.

  • Choose Your Wedding Dress and Bridal Party Attire: Start shopping for your wedding dress and bridal party attire.


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    Panoramic view of Island View Waterfront in Essex, MD - photo by @Bobby A Photography

6-9 Months Before the Wedding


  • Send Save-the-Dates: Inform your guests of the wedding date and location.

  • Finalize Your Guest List: Confirm your final guest count.

  • Choose Wedding Invitations: Select and order your wedding invitations.

  • Plan Your Honeymoon: Research and book your honeymoon destination.

  • Develop a Rain Plan: Discuss contingency plans with Island View Waterfront and your vendors in case of inclement weather.


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    Prime waterfront location with stunning views in Essex, MD - photo by @Captured By Alyssa

3-6 Months Before the Wedding


  • Finalize Vendor Details: Confirm details with your vendors, including timelines, contracts, and payments.

  • Plan Your Rehearsal Dinner: Choose a venue and menu for your rehearsal dinner.

  • Create a Wedding Website: Set up a website to share information with your guests.

  • Register for Gifts: Create a registry at your preferred stores.

  • Rent a Tent and Dance Floor (if needed): If you plan on having your reception outdoors, rent a tent and dance floor to ensure your guests' comfort and enjoyment.


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    Perfect for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. - photo by @Captured by Alyssa


1-3 Months Before the Wedding


  • Send Wedding Invitations: Mail your wedding invitations.

  • Finalize Seating Arrangements: Create a seating chart for your reception.

  • Plan Wedding Day Activities: Arrange transportation, accommodations, and activities for your guests.

  • Confirm Vendor Details: Follow up with your vendors to ensure everything is on track.


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    Create unforgettable memories at this stunning waterfront venue. - Photo by @Bobby A Photography

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding


  • Finalize Details: Confirm all details with your vendors and wedding party.

  • Pack for Your Honeymoon: Prepare your luggage for your honeymoon.

  • Relax and Enjoy! Take some time to relax and enjoy the excitement of your upcoming wedding.


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    Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay at Island View. Photo by @Bobby A Photography

Post-Wedding:


  • Send Thank You Notes: Express gratitude to your guests and vendors.

  • Review and Share Photos: Review your wedding photos and share them with friends, family, and vendors! Don't forget to leave Google reviews for your favorite wedding vendors and for Island View Waterfront. We love hearing about your special day!

  • Preserve Attire: Have your wedding dress and other attire cleaned and preserved if desired.


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    Experience waterfront luxury at Island View in Essex. Photo by @Captured By Alyssa

Everyone's timeline will look just a bit different. Depending on your engagement, your wedding day timeframe, yours could be longer or shorter. Be sure to adjust as needed for your preferences to ensure your wedding day is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!


Remember, this is just a sample timeline, and your planning process may vary. The key is to stay organized, delegate tasks when possible, and enjoy the journey of planning your special day at Island View Waterfront.


Happy Wedding Planning - this is the fun stuff!

xo - Jess


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Prime waterfront location for weddings and events in Essex

Island View Waterfront is committed to making your wedding dreams a reality. 

Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your unforgettable wedding.



About us:  Island View Waterfront is an independent, locally-owned wedding venue near Baltimore Maryland. We have been family owned and operated since 1968. What started as a small bar and marina (read the history here), we are proud to be the current stewards of this waterfront property on the Chesapeake Bay.

When you choose an independent, locally owned venue like ours, you work directly with the owner, and third generation operator Jessica, throughout your entire wedding planning process!

We are committed to supporting other locally owned wedding venues around the country. A shout-out to the following venues who are offering their continued support and encouragement:



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Island View Waterfront, Maryland

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Island View Waterfront

2542 Island View Road, Essex, Maryland 21221

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