Planning your wedding in Los Angeles is like setting the stage for a beautiful adventure. With the breathtaking venues, perfect weather, and endless design possibilities, LA is truly a wedding dream come true. But let’s be honest—it can also get a little overwhelming. From choosing the right vendors to finding the perfect ceremony backdrop, staying organized is key to ensuring your big day goes off without a hitch.
At Archbride, we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether you’re planning months in advance or need a last-minute wedding rental for a spontaneous “I do” moment, we’ve got you covered. To make sure the journey to your wedding day is as fun as it is stress-free, we’ve put together this ultimate wedding planning checklist—because you deserve to enjoy every moment leading up to your “I do.”
12+ Months Before the Wedding: Laying the Foundation
✅ Set Your Budget
The first step? Setting your budget! This is your chance to figure out how much you want to spend overall and where it makes sense to allocate more for things that matter most—venue, catering, decor, and more.
✅ Create Your Guest List
It might feel like a big task, but knowing how many guests you’re inviting helps with choosing the perfect venue and finalizing catering details.
✅ Choose Your Wedding Date
The perfect date means different things to everyone. Keep in mind that Los Angeles’ peak wedding season (spring and fall) is beautiful, but can also mean higher prices. If you’re open to a quieter time of year, off-season weddings can help you secure some great deals!
✅ Book Your Venue
You’ve got the date—now lock in your venue! Whether it’s a Malibu beach wedding, a glamorous Hollywood ballroom, or a cozy rustic vineyard in Temecula, securing your venue early guarantees you get your dream spot.
✅ Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
If you’d like expert help with logistics and vendor coordination, it’s a great time to bring a planner on board. Their experience can save you a ton of stress!
Whether you’re planning months in advance or need a last-minute wedding rental for a spontaneous “I do” moment, we’ve got you covered
9-12 Months Before: Securing the Essentials
✅ Book Key Vendors
Photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ, florist—these folks fill up fast! Make sure to book them early to lock in your preferred team.
✅ Choose Your Wedding Theme & Style
From a laid-back boho beach wedding to a sleek, modern downtown rooftop celebration, decide on your theme and color palette so your vision starts coming together.
✅ Select Your Wedding Party
Who will stand by your side on this big day? Invite your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or other special attendants early to ensure they’re there to support you every step of the way.
✅ Start Dress Shopping
Gowns and tuxedos often require time for ordering and alterations, so start shopping early to avoid any last-minute stress.
6-9 Months Before: Bringing Your Vision to Life
✅ Rent Key Decor Elements
Looking for a hassle-free way to create a stunning ceremony backdrop? Renting a wedding arch from Archbride is an easy way to add a beautiful touch to your ceremony without the stress of arranging fresh flowers. (And if you’re in a rush, we can help with last-minute rentals too!)
✅ Book Hair & Makeup Artists
Hair and makeup trials are a must to make sure you look and feel amazing on your big day. Schedule yours early!
✅ Plan the Menu
Work with your caterer to plan a menu that not only reflects your taste but also accommodates dietary needs. It’s your day—let your food be just as memorable as the ceremony!
✅ Send Save-the-Dates
Let out-of-town guests know when your big day is so they can plan accordingly.
3-6 Months Before: Finalizing Details
✅ Order Invitations
These should reflect your wedding theme and include RSVP details. Be sure to order them in advance to avoid any last-minute rush!
✅ Organize Transportation
If your wedding spans multiple venues or you’ve got a large bridal party, it’s a good idea to arrange transportation early.
✅ Select Flowers & Decor
If you’ve chosen realistic artificial flowers for your wedding arch (great choice!), confirm your rental early to make sure everything matches your theme. And if you’re tight on time, we’re happy to help with last-minute bookings to ensure your ceremony is gorgeous!
✅ Book the Honeymoon
It’s easy to forget, but securing your honeymoon plans early means less stress after the wedding!
1-3 Months Before: The Final Touches
✅ Create a Seating Chart
Once RSVPs are in, it’s time to arrange seating for a smooth reception experience.
✅ Write Your Vows
Personal vows are a beautiful way to express your love. Start writing them early so they’re heartfelt and polished by the time you say “I do.”
✅ Purchase Wedding Favors
Small gifts for your guests make a personal touch and leave lasting memories.
✅ Confirm All Vendors
It’s a good idea to check in with your vendors about arrival times, services, and payments—making sure everything is squared away.
The Final Weeks: Last-Minute Details
✅ Pick Up Attire
Make sure all wedding outfits are altered and ready for the big day. This includes dresses, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories!
✅ Prepare an Emergency Kit
Pack essentials like a sewing kit, stain remover, and extra makeup just in case.
✅ Rehearse the Ceremony
Run through the ceremony with your wedding party and officiant so everyone feels confident.
✅ Relax & Enjoy
This is your moment. You’ve planned everything, and now it’s time to soak in all the love and joy leading up to your big day.
Make Your LA Wedding Effortless with Smart Rentals
One of the easiest ways to reduce stress and enhance your wedding aesthetic is by choosing affordable wedding rentals in LA. A wedding arch rental from Archbride, with its stunning realistic artificial flowers, creates the perfect picture backdrop without the worry of fresh flowers wilting in the California heat.
✨Need a last-minute wedding arch for an elopement or spontaneous ceremony? We’ve got you covered with quick and easy bookings to ensure your special moment is as beautiful as you imagined.
With this ultimate checklist, you’ll stay organized, reduce stress, and enjoy every step of the wedding planning process.
Ready to book the perfect wedding arch for your LA wedding? Whether you’re planning months in advance or need a quick rental, browse our selection today and let us help bring your dream wedding to life!
