The Kester Homestead

TWELVE (or more) TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING

• Find the venue + book your date (done! yay!)

• Land on budgets (remember to ask about service fees from vendors)

• Book your caterer (we require you to book off our our Vendor Recommendations Preferred Caterers for food and bar (no exceptions)

• Compile guest list and send your save the dates

• Book a photographer (and videographer, if you wish)

• Book the band, DJ or musicians (remember, there is not electricity at Woodlands Cathedral so let them know now)

• Book a florist (we’d love to handle this for you!)

• Book accommodations and provide options to your guests

• Book the officiant

• Find the dress and bridal party attire

• Inquire about vendor’s payment schedules

SIX TO FOUR MONTHS FROM WEDDING:

• Make your registry

• Book your cake or desserts

• Order your wedding rings

• Decide on favors

• Secure bridal party gifts

• Review additional needs and finalize

• Arrange transportation (if necessary) - we have 75 parking spaces at The Homestead, which is typically plenty for 150 guests. Hiring a shuttle is a nice option if you have more guests, are having an after party, or have a lot of out of town guests staying at a hotel block. We allow cars to stay parked overnight on the property to ensure safe rides home (just pick up the next morning).

• Submit your 6 month payment to The Kester Homestead

FOUR TO TWO MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING:

• Discuss menu details with caterer

• Discuss ceremony with officiant

• Send invites (to arrive roughly ~6-12 weeks before wedding depending on your preference)

• Schedule rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner

• Schedule your Planning Meeting with The Kester Homestead (we like to meet in person if possible 4-6 weeks before your wedding day!)

TWO MONTHS BEFORE WEDDING:

• Guest book and printed materials finalized & ordered

• Make-up and hair trial booked/completed

• Marriage license

• Venue Planning Meeting (this is the 4-6 week Planning Mtg to review layout, set-up and to answer questions on site!)

• Turn in Vendor Contacts, Timeline/Flow, Flower Form, Table Layout/Seating Chart to The Kester Homestead

• Submit Day of Insurance and final payments to The Kester Homestead

TWO-THREE WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING:

• Finalize song list for band/DJ

• Notify caterer & venue of final headcount

• Touch in with all vendors and make confirmations

• Send any forms (like seating chart, vendor info, timeline, insurance) if you haven’t done so already!

WEEK OF WEDDING:

• Finalize seating chart and send any updates to The Kester Homestead

• Confirm transportation schedules and anything else outstanding

• Compile any decor/favors to deliver to venue for Hand Off Meeting at check-in

• Enjoy your magical day!