From Engagement to 'I Do': A Summer Wedding Planning Timeline at Dell-Lea

There’s something magical about a New England summer wedding — warm breezes, mountain views, and long golden-hour evenings. If you’re newly engaged and envisioning a summer wedding at Dell-Lea Weddings & Events, this is your personalized month-by-month roadmap to planning a beautiful, seamless celebration.

What sets Dell-Lea apart isn’t just the breathtaking views or all-inclusive offerings — it’s the support and expertise of a team that truly cares about making your big day feel effortless and unforgettable.

12+ Months Before: Celebrate and Secure the Essentials

You're engaged — take a moment to enjoy it, then set your foundation.

Start with:

• Booking your venue (Dell-Lea books up quickly for summer and fall dates)

• Creating your guest list and budget

• Choosing your ideal wedding date or season

• Hiring a wedding planner (optional, our in-house wedding planning services team offers exclusive planning guidance. From budget planning, vendor search, assisting with guest list, to sending you off at the end of the wedding)

• Booking your officiant/ceremony location

Dell-Lea Tip: Our panoramic views and customizable packages often help couples cross off multiple big decisions early — saving time and stress.

10–11 Months Before: Build Your Vendor Dream Team

Now that your venue is secured, focus on assembling the right professionals.

Tasks for this stage:

• Book your photographer and/or videographer

• Hire entertainment (DJ or live band)

• Start dress/suit shopping

• Book your accommodations (Dell-Lea works with preferred local places that provide savings)

• Find a florist to help bring your vision to life

• Plan your engagement photo session (our grounds are the perfect backdrop)

Pro tip: Engagement photos taken on-site at Dell-Lea give you a preview of your wedding magic.

8–9 Months Before: Define Your Style and Details

This is where your vision really comes to life.

Focus on:

• Choosing a color palette and theme

• Booking a florist and any rental companies (Our inventory of decoration rental not only saves time and money but all the hassle of storing it until your wedding day and the day after.

• Sending save-the-dates

• Booking ceremony musicians or special performers

Dell-Lea Advantage: Couples love our seasonal galleries and decor ideas — ask our team for inspiration based on past weddings.

6 Months Before: Lock In the Logistics

You’ve laid the groundwork — now it’s time to get specific.

Your checklist:

• Finalize attire for you and your wedding party

• Confirm menu and bar selections

• Review ceremony and reception layouts

• Arrange transportation and guest lodging (Dell-Lea has nearby recommendations)

• Confirm any rentals or add-ons

• Attending menu tastings and have a good sense of food and beverage packages

Planning Tip: Plan out your guest book table, entry way, centerpieces, etc and take pictures to see how it looks and if you like it.  Purchase plastic tubs to put decorations in to keep it neat and organized.

4–5 Months Before: Personal Touches and Paper Goods

Details matter. Now’s the time to ensure everything is both functional and beautiful.

To-do list:

• Order invitations and send them out

• Write your vows or plan custom ceremony wording

• Finalize your registry

• Book hair and makeup trials

• Book your rehearsal dinner location

Dell-Lea Tip: We help you manage the guest experience from ceremony seating to rain backup plans, so your event is smooth from start to finish.

2–3 Months Before: Confirm and Customize

You're almost there.

Tasks to complete:

• Finalize guest count and seating chart

• Confirm all vendors and timelines

• Schedule your final venue walkthrough

• Prep your decor, signage, and day-of materials

Check-in: Our team will review your timeline, layout, and ceremony flow so you feel completely confident heading into the final stretch.

Final Weeks: It’s Almost Go Time

With just weeks to go, it’s about fine-tuning and enjoying the moments.

Final prep:

• Pick up wedding attire and accessories

• Pack your day-of emergency kit

• Confirm arrival times with your vendors

• Get your marriage license (you have 90 days to perform your ceremony)

• Breathe — you’ve got this

Final walkthrough: At Dell-Lea, we walk through every step with you, ensuring your day feels calm, curated, and completely yours.

Make Your Wedding Seamless — With Dell-Lea

Planning a wedding shouldn’t feel overwhelming and at Dell-Lea, it won’t. Our venue offers more than just a stunning backdrop. Our full service model simplifies and lessens the workload off of  you. Allowing you to focus on marrying your best friend and having the best day ever. 

Ready to start planning your summer wedding?

Schedule a tour or request more information with Dell-Lea Weddings & Events today.

If you would like to have a free 30 minute wedding planning consultation, please reach out to our team to set up some time.

Let’s turn your vision into something unforgettable.