Your Coastal Virginia wedding planning checklist

By CVA Editorial · October 24, 2026

First: agree on the decisions that affect everything

Set your spending limit, likely guest range and preferred season. Discuss who is contributing and who can approve spending. Choose two or three priorities: food, photography, a particular setting, a large guest list or a relaxed weekend together. Keep a shared record of estimates, deposits, due dates and contact names so that decisions do not disappear into separate messages.

Once the venue and date are confirmed

Decide whether you need full planning support or coordination closer to the wedding. Contact photographers, caterers, music providers and other professionals whose availability could shape the day. Ask for written descriptions of coverage, deliverables, travel charges and cancellation terms. Book services based on confirmed needs and availability rather than treating a generic month-by-month schedule as a rule.

Build the guest plan alongside the celebration

Choose lodging options and ask hotels about room-block terms before advertising a group rate. Consider guests who will drive, fly, bring children or need accessible accommodations. Create one place for the schedule, addresses, dress guidance and transportation details. For a beach ceremony, check the current city requirements before ordering chairs, an arch or other equipment.

Give clothing and fittings their own timeline

Ask the boutique or tailor for realistic ordering, alteration and final-fitting dates. An off-the-rack gown can shorten the purchase stage, but fittings and adjustments still need planning. Confirm shoes, accessories, steaming and garment transport. Assign responsibility for collecting and bringing everything to the getting-ready location.

As the wedding approaches

Review final guest deadlines with your caterer and venue. Collect meal choices and accessibility requests. Build a timeline with your planner or coordinator that includes vendor arrival, setup, photographs, travel, ceremony, reception and cleanup. Share the relevant version with each vendor and confirm who can make decisions if you are unavailable.

The final week and the day after

Confirm balances, emergency contacts, weather decisions and the transport plan. Give someone responsibility for rings, personal items, gifts and items being returned to vendors. Plan who checks out of rooms, collects decorations and handles rentals after the celebration. Leave room in the schedule to enjoy your guests rather than managing every task yourself.

Keep one shared planning record

For every booking, record the contact, service, agreement, total cost, paid deposit, remaining balance, deadline and person responsible. Review this together before making the next commitment.