Plan Like a Pro

Your Complete Guide to Planning in St. Lawrence County

Explore

Wedding Planning Quick Start Guide

From "Yes!" to "I Do" — A straightforward timeline for North Country couples

12+ MONTHS OUT

Set Your Foundation

Before anything else, have the honest conversations: budget, guest count, and general vibe (formal ballroom vs. rustic barn vs. intimate gathering). These three decisions drive everything else.

  • Determine realistic budget and who's contributing
  • Create rough guest list (be ruthless—numbers inflate fast)
  • Pick your season (North Country weather matters)
  • Choose your venue—this is priority #1

St. Lawrence County Venues Worth Seeing:

The Stables at Windy Point Tanner Creek Farm Shindigz on the River
Reality Check: Your venue date determines your photographer's availability. Book both together if possible. Popular Potsdam and Canton venues fill 12-18 months ahead for peak season.
9-12 MONTHS OUT

Lock Down Your Team

Once you have a venue and date, immediately book your photographer, caterer, and officiant. Everything else can wait. These three are non-negotiable and book fast in St. Lawrence County.

  • Book your photographer (do this early—good ones are gone fast)
  • Secure caterer or confirm venue catering
  • Find and book your officiant
  • Reserve hotel blocks if you have out-of-town guests
  • Order your wedding dress (8-10 month lead time is standard)
6-9 MONTHS OUT

Fill in the Details

Now you handle the elements that make your wedding yours—music, flowers, rentals, and the wedding party logistics.

  • Book DJ or band
  • Choose and order bridesmaid dresses
  • Reserve tuxes or suits for groomsmen
  • Book florist
  • Arrange transportation if needed
  • Order wedding bands
  • Book hair and makeup artists
4-6 MONTHS OUT

Nail Down Logistics

This is when planning gets granular. Finalize your menu, order invitations, and start thinking through the timeline of your actual wedding day.

  • Finalize menu with caterer (schedule tasting)
  • Order and send invitations (8 weeks before wedding)
  • Book rehearsal dinner location
  • Order cake or desserts
  • Finalize ceremony and reception music selections
  • Plan honeymoon
Invitation Timing: Send invites 8 weeks out, request RSVPs 3-4 weeks before your wedding. Give people enough time but not so much they forget.
2-3 MONTHS OUT

Confirm Everything

Start confirming details with every vendor. Create your day-of timeline and make sure everyone—vendors, wedding party, family—knows the plan.

  • Confirm final guest count with venue and caterer
  • Create detailed day-of timeline
  • Finalize seating chart
  • Break in your wedding shoes
  • Apply for marriage license (timing varies by NY county)
  • Final dress fitting
1 MONTH OUT

Final Touches

Last-minute details and confirming your final headcount with everyone who needs it.

  • Share final timeline with all vendors and wedding party
  • Confirm final guest count and meal selections
  • Write vendor tip envelopes
  • Assign someone to handle vendor payments day-of
  • Do final walk-through with venue
  • Pack for honeymoon
WEEK OF

Trust Your Plan

You've done the work. Now let go and trust the people you hired. Something will go wrong—it always does—and it won't matter.

  • Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
  • Confirm all vendor arrival times one final time
  • Delegate day-of tasks to reliable friends or family
  • Get good sleep (seriously)
  • Eat breakfast on your wedding day
  • Stay present and enjoy it
Day-Of Sanity: Assign one organized friend to be your point person for vendors, emergencies, and logistics. This should NOT be a bridesmaid or groomsman—they're in photos. Pick someone responsible who won't be missed in the action.

Need a Photographer Who Gets North Country Weddings?

From The Stables at Windy Point to Tanner Creek Farm, I've shot weddings at every major St. Lawrence County venue. Let's talk about capturing your day.

Check Availability