2027 Wedding Checklist

Dresses | August 21, 2026

Left: A bride in sunglasses and a strapless white gown with a draped cowl neckline sits in a vintage red convertible, holding a bouquet of burgundy and white florals. Center: A long outdoor dining table dressed in a damask cloth with candles, place settings, and a cascading floral runner of burgundy and white blooms sits on a lawn in front of a red brick manor house. Right: A close-up of the smiling bride adjusting her dress strap under a white parasol, wearing pearl earrings and holding a bouquet of blush and white flowers. Photos by Love and Luna Photography.

Just got engaged? If you’re wondering where to start wedding planning, you’re in the right place. Planning a 2027 wedding comes with plenty of exciting decisions, from choosing your date and venue to finding your dream dress and booking your favorite vendors. In this guide, we’re breaking down the first steps after getting engaged, sharing tips for building your 2027 wedding checklist, and answering some of the most common questions in our wedding FAQ. Whether you’re newly engaged in 2027 or working with a shorter timeline, consider this your starting point for a beautifully organized celebration/

Wedding FAQ

What to Do First as a 2027 Bride

Congratulations, bride-to-be! Before you dive into the details, start with the big four. These foundational decisions will shape the rest of your celebration and give you a clear direction for your planning journey.

For a smooth 2027 wedding planning timeline, aim to tackle these essentials roughly one year before your wedding date:

Set your wedding date: Choose a date that works for your vision, season, and vendors.
Book your venue: Your venue sets the tone for your celebration and often determines your date, guest count, and overall aesthetic.
Find your photographer: Look for a photographer whose style captures the feeling you want to remember for years to come.
Shop for your wedding dress: Start your search early so you have time for appointments, alterations, accessories, and all the finishing touches.

These are some of the most important first steps after getting engaged, so take your time and enjoy them. Once these big decisions are in place, the rest of your 2027 wedding checklist will feel much more manageable.

n ornate red sign with a silver decorative frame, displayed on a metal easel outdoors on a lawn. The sign reads "Welcome to the wedding of Bethany and Joe, Eaves Hall, 9th September 2025" in white cursive script. A lace-covered table with white florals and glassware is visible in the background, along with trees and a gazebo. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

Flat lay of wedding stationery in a raspberry pink, deep red, and olive green color palette on dark speckled stone. A scalloped-edge menu card reading "Bride" lists a starter, main course, and dessert, next to a pink-and-white striped envelope with a die-cut "Groom" cocktail glass tag. An olive green card details venue, parking, and gift information. A striped invitation reads "Bethany and Joe," alongside a small card with a bow illustration, two cherries, a burgundy book, a sage velvet ring box with an engagement ring, a pink velvet earring box with pearl earrings, and pink and white florals. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

Set Your Wedding Date

Your wedding date is more than a detail on the calendar. It’s the starting point for nearly every major decision that follows. From your venue and photographer to your dress and other must-have vendors, availability often depends on the date you choose.

Consider your season: Think about the setting, weather, and overall atmosphere you envision for your celebration.
Check venue availability: If you already have your dream venue in mind, let their available dates help guide your decision.
Think about your vendors: Popular photographers, planners, florists, and other vendors can book quickly, especially during peak wedding season.
Give yourself room to plan: Choosing your date early gives you a clear timeline for booking the rest of your wedding day essentials.

A red brick manor entrance with a stone-trimmed arched window and a wooden front door. On the steps below, a round table draped in white cloth holds a tiered champagne coupe tower with citrus garnish. Beside it, a tall floral arrangement in deep burgundy, ivory, and green sits atop a white-draped pedestal, with matching floral arrangements and greenery spilling across the stone steps. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

A long outdoor dining table set on a lawn in front of a grand red brick manor house with an arched stone doorway and multiple windows. The table is dressed in a light damask cloth with wooden cross-back chairs, burgundy napkins, white taper candles, and place cards. A lush floral runner of white hydrangeas, burgundy blooms, and red anthurium-like flowers cascades down the center of the table and onto the grass below. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

Book Your Venue

Once you have a date in mind, your venue is the next major piece to secure. Other than providing the backdrop for your celebration, your venue helps shape the guest experience, wedding day aesthetic, and even which vendors will be the best fit.

As you continue planning, keep these details in mind:

Narrow down your guest count: Your venue needs to comfortably accommodate everyone on your guest list, from an intimate gathering to a grand celebration.
Define your wedding day feel: A garden estate, modern ballroom, or rustic mountain setting can instantly influence the look and feel of your day.
Consider vendor options: Some venues have preferred or exclusive vendor lists, which can shape your choices for catering, rentals, florals, and more.
Book early: Once your venue and date are secured, you’ll have a much clearer foundation for the rest of your one year wedding planning timeline.

bride and groom laugh together beside an outdoor reception table styled with burgundy and white florals and lace linens. The groom, in a black tuxedo with sunglasses, sits on a wooden chair while the bride stands beside him in a strapless white gown with a draped cowl neckline, sunglasses, and a burgundy and ivory bouquet, with tall trees and red foliage in the background. Photo by Love and Luna Photography. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

A bride and groom ride in the back of a vintage red convertible car, both wearing sunglasses and smiling. The bride, in a strapless white gown with a draped cowl neckline, holds a bouquet of burgundy and white flowers, while the groom in a black tuxedo sits beside her, with garden greenery and autumn-toned trees visible around the car. Photo by Love and Luna Photography. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

Find Your Dress and Accessories

Now for one of the most exciting first steps after getting engaged: finding the wedding dress that feels like you. With your date and venue secured, you’ll have a better sense of your timeline, setting, and overall bridal vision.

Not sure where to start? Begin with a little inspiration and let your personal style lead the way:

Take the quiz: Discover silhouettes, details, and styles that complement your bridal vision with the Maggie Sottero style dress quiz.
Explore online: Browse gowns from the comfort of home to save favorites, compare styles, and start narrowing down your dream look.
Book a bridal appointment: Once you have a few favorites, find an Authorized Boutique and schedule an appointment to see gowns in person.
Complete your look: From veils and detachable sleeves to bows and other finishing touches, explore wedding dress accessories to make your bridal look feel entirely your own.

Bride’s Favorite Wedding Dresses

Need bridal inspiration? Start with the brides who have been in your shoes. Explore Maggie Bride’s Favorite Wedding Dresses to see some of the gowns real Maggie brides have loved most.

Rane by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a model wearing the Rane Ballgown Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, featuring a strapless structured bodice with a folded-cuff neckline and a full satin ball skirt with a fitted, pointed waistline.

Back view of a model wearing the Rane Ballgown Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, showing the strapless bodice with boning details, a row of covered buttons running down the back seam, and a voluminous satin ball skirt with a long train, set against a muted painted backdrop.

For the old soul in a modern world, Rane brings vintage-inspired romance into the present day. This strapless ballgown pairs a sculpted basque waist with a full, billowing skirt for a silhouette that feels straight out of a timeless fairytale. A banded neckline adds a touch of refined structure, while covered buttons trail elegantly to the hem. Pair Rane with the Amor veil for a beautifully romantic finish that feels both heirloom-inspired and completely your own.

Ryland by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a model wearing the Ryland Ballgown Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, featuring an off-the-shoulder beaded lace bodice with sweetheart neckline and detached cap sleeves, paired with a full lace ballgown skirt with a scalloped hem.

Back view of a model wearing the Ryland Ballgown Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, showing the low scalloped-lace back with a row of covered buttons down the spine, and a voluminous floral lace ballgown skirt.

It’s all in the details with Ryland. This luminous Chantilly lace ballgown is made for the bride who believes a little sparkle is always a good idea. A basque waist and exposed boning sculpt the bodice, while beaded and sequined motifs shimmer against the lace for a look inspired by chandelier-lit celebrations. Take it one step further with the detachable beaded embellishments for an extra touch of drama.

Bernadine by Rebecca Ingram

Front view of a model wearing the Bernadine A-line Wedding Dress by Rebecca Ingram in ivory, featuring a strapless plunging sweetheart neckline with floral lace appliqués, a fitted lace bodice, and a flowing tulle A-line skirt scattered with lace floral motifs and a train.

Back view of a model wearing the Bernadine A-line Wedding Dress by Rebecca Ingram in ivory, showing an illusion lace back with a row of covered buttons down the spine, and a flowing tulle A-line skirt with scattered lace floral appliqués and a long train.

Effortlessly divine, Bernadine brings a soft, romantic spirit to the aisle. Designed for nature-inspired venues and sun-kissed celebrations, this sparkle tulle gown pairs a sweetheart neckline with luminous layers of beaded and sequined lace. Exposed corsetry and a basque waist add a touch of structure, while delicate floral motifs drift from the bodice into the skirt and train. For a little extra romance, add the matching detachable cap sleeves for an off-the-shoulder finish that feels as dreamy as the day itself.

Tamar by Sottero and Midgley

Front view of a model wearing the Tamar A-line Wedding Dress by Sottero and Midgley in ivory, featuring an off-the-shoulder scalloped lace bodice with sweetheart neckline, detached sheer lace long sleeves with scalloped cuffs, and a full lace A-line skirt with scalloped hem and train

Back view of a model wearing the Tamar A-line Wedding Dress by Sottero and Midgley in ivory, showing the strapless lace bodice with a row of covered buttons down the back, and a flowing lace A-line skirt with scalloped hem and long train.

Truly ethereal, Tamar is a Maggie bride favorite made for the romantic at heart. Allover lace feels timeless and delicate, while an asymmetrically draped bodice and sweetheart neckline create a feminine silhouette. Tamar lets the beauty of the lace speak for itself, making it the perfect canvas for your bridal accessories. Add the detachable sleeves for an elegant, versatile finish that takes this nature-inspired look from ceremony to celebration.

Petra by Sottero and Midgley

Front view of a model wearing the Petra Ballgown Wedding Dress by Sottero and Midgley in ivory, featuring an off-the-shoulder beaded lace bodice with sweetheart neckline, a fitted satin waist with lace appliqués trailing down, and a full satin ball skirt.

Back view of a model wearing the Petra Ballgown Wedding Dress by Sottero and Midgley in ivory, showing the strapless lace bodice with a row of covered buttons and lace trim down the back seam, and a voluminous satin ball skirt with a long train.

Explore the details Petra has to offer. This fairytale-inspired gown brings a couture sensibility to a classic silhouette. First, a sculpted cat eye neckline frames the bodice beautifully. Then, luminous Cartago satin creates lavish volume through the skirt. Intricate 3-D beaded and sequined lace traces the bodice and basque waist. Meanwhile, a draped pearl detail adds an unexpected romantic touch. For a fresh styling twist, add the detachable cap sleeves.

Aberdeen by Sottero and Midgley

Front view of a model wearing the Aberdeen Ballgown Wedding Dress by Sottero and Midgley in blue, featuring a metallic floral brocade fabric with silver and gold accents, a strapless folded-cuff bodice with sheer side cutouts, and a dramatically full skirt.

Back view of a model wearing the Aberdeen Ballgown Wedding Dress by Sottero and Midgley in blue, showing the strapless metallic brocade bodice with a corset-style lace-up back and sheer side cutouts, paired with a voluminous floral jacquard ball skirt with a train.

Aberdeen is a true Maggie Sottero classic, now with even more ways to make it yours. Available in several color options, including black, this floral jacquard ballgown brings romance with a dramatic edge. First, a drop waist and topstitched bodice create a beautifully defined silhouette. Then, the strapless sweetheart neckline adds a timeless finish. The black colorway feels especially fashion-forward for brides embracing the rise of black wedding dresses. As we head into the 2027 wedding season, we think this daring trend is here to stay.

Quick Ship Wedding Dresses and Accessories

Planning a shorter engagement? You can still find a gown that feels completely you. With Maggie Sottero’s Quick Ship collection, select wedding dresses can ship in 10 weeks at no additional cost. Some styles may also qualify for even faster delivery options through your Authorized Boutique.

So, if your wedding date is approaching quickly, don’t panic. Explore Quick Ship wedding dresses to discover romantic lace, luminous satin, sparkling details, and timeless silhouettes. Then, complete your look with pieces from the Essentials Edit.

Not sure how Quick Ship works? Read our guide to Quick Ship wedding dresses for more details. Most importantly, connect with your Authorized Boutique. They can help you find eligible styles and choose the best delivery option for your timeline.

Estelle by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a model wearing the Estelle Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, featuring an off-the-shoulder sweetheart bodice with 3D floral lace appliqués, sheer long lace sleeves, a fitted lace-covered bodice and skirt, and a detachable sheer lace-edged overskirt train.

Back view of a model wearing the Estelle Fit-and-Flare Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, showing the fitted lace bodice with an illusion back and covered buttons, sheer lace sleeves, and a dramatic lace-edged detachable overskirt train.

It’s hard to believe Estelle is a Quick Ship gown. This breathtaking design brings couture-level detail to a shorter wedding timeline. A deep plunging cat eye neckline beautifully frames the décolletage. Then, a basque waist and exposed boning create a sculpted silhouette. Across the bodice, beaded and sequined 3-D lace adds luminous dimension. For an extra styling option, add the matching detachable long sleeves.

Hazel by Rebecca Ingram

Front view of a model wearing the Hazel A-line Wedding Dress by Rebecca Ingram in ivory, featuring a strapless beaded lace bodice with sweetheart neckline and a smooth crepe A-line skirt with hand pockets and a lace-trimmed hem train.

Back view of a model wearing the Hazel A-line Wedding Dress by Rebecca Ingram in ivory, showing the lace bodice with a row of covered buttons down the back, and a flowing crepe A-line skirt with a lace-trimmed hem train.

Simple yet enchanting, Hazel lets your natural beauty take center stage. First, a sleek Solstice crepe skirt creates an effortless A-line silhouette. Then, shimmering lace and exposed boning add delicate dimension to the illusion bodice. For another styling option, add the detachable cap sleeves for a soft, elegant finish.

Hudson by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a curve plus size model wearing the Hudson Ballgown Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, featuring a strapless asymmetric draped neckline, a fitted structured bodice with pockets, and a full satin skirt.

Back view of a curve plus size model wearing the Hudson Ballgown Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero in ivory, showing the strapless bodice with a row of covered buttons down the back, and a voluminous satin ball skirt with a long train

Hudson is for the bride who believes more is more. This satin ballgown pairs effortless glamour with a little extra drama. An asymmetrically draped bodice creates beautiful movement across the waist. Then, the dramatic cat eye neckline adds a confident, fashion-forward finish. Finally, complete the look with the matching bridal bow veil for a playful, polished finish.

Amante by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a curve model wearing the Amante Essentials Edit fingertip veil by Maggie Sottero in ivory with a lace-trimmed edge, paired with a strapless lace A-line wedding dress featuring a plunging sweetheart neckline.

Back view of a curve model wearing the Amante Essentials Edit fingertip veil by Maggie Sottero in ivory with a scalloped lace border, paired with a lace wedding dress featuring a row of covered buttons down the back and a flowing lace train.

Meet Amante, a timeless finishing touch with just enough romance. Soft tulle is edged with delicate scalloped lace for an effortlessly elegant finish. Better yet, choose from several lengths to complement your gown and venue.

Astoria by Maggie Sottero

Front view of a model wearing the Astoria veil from the Essentials Edit by Maggie Sottero, a long pearl-scattered tulle cathedral veil, paired with a beaded satin fit-and-flare wedding dress featuring a draped sweetheart neckline and a fitted corset bodice.

Front view of a model wearing the Astoria veil from the Essentials Edit by Maggie Sottero, a pearl-scattered tulle veil with a beaded edge, paired with the Zurielle A-line Wedding Dress by Maggie Sottero.

Add a little sparkle to your bridal look with Astoria. This soft tulle veil features delicate pearls scattered throughout for an effortlessly romantic finish. Better yet, choose from blusher, fingertip, waltz, or cathedral lengths. Each veil is sold separately, so you can find the perfect finishing touch for your gown.

Minuet by Maggie Sottero

Side back view of a model wearing the Minuet veil from the Essentials Edit by Maggie Sottero, a long lace-edged cathedral veil, paired with a strapless lace wedding dress featuring a scalloped bodice with a row of covered buttons down the back.

Front view of a model wearing the Minuet veil from the Essentials Edit by Maggie Sottero, a lace-edged veil, paired with an off-the-shoulder lace A-line wedding dress featuring a folded sweetheart neckline and a flowing lace skirt with train.

Boldly romantic, Minuet makes a beautiful finishing touch. Soft tulle is finished with oversized floral lace for an artful, dimensional look. Plus, its versatile design pairs beautifully with so many gowns.

Book Your Photographer

Once your dress is underway, it’s time to capture all the moments you’ll want to remember. Photographers often book months in advance, especially for popular wedding dates and peak seasons. Therefore, this is one vendor you’ll want to secure early, right alongside your dress.

Research their style: Look for a photographer whose work feels natural to you and fits your wedding day vision.
Check availability: Reach out early to make sure your favorite photographer is available for your date.
Review packages: Compare coverage, engagement sessions, albums, and other offerings before booking.
Book with confidence: Once you find the right fit, secure your photographer and check another major item off your 2027 wedding checklist.

A bride smiles while lying on a white bed, wearing a white silk robe and holding a vintage coupe glass tied with a burgundy ribbon, with floral wallpaper visible softly in the background. Photo by Love and Luna Photography. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

A bride laughs while standing in a bedroom with floral bird-print wallpaper, wearing a white silk slip and matching robe. She holds a vintage coupe glass tied with a burgundy ribbon in one hand and touches her ring to her lips with the other, with an ornate mirror and a bed visible beside her. Photo by Love and Luna Photography. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

Everything Else Can Wait (a Little)

Once your date, venue, dress, and photographer are booked, take a breath. The rest of your planning can unfold at a more relaxed pace.

From there, you can start booking the vendors who bring your celebration to life:

Florist: Find flowers that complement your venue, season, and overall wedding aesthetic.
Caterer: Explore menus that suit your guest list, style, and budget.
DJ or band: Choose entertainment that keeps the celebration moving and feels true to you.
Other vendors: From rentals to beauty services, tackle each detail as your wedding day gets closer.

Close-up of a bride's hand resting on a groom's hand atop a burgundy leather chair arm, showing her engagement ring with a green emerald-cut stone and diamond halo alongside a wedding band. The groom wears a dark suit with a white shirt cuff. A lush bouquet of blush roses, white dahlias, deep red blooms, and dark burgundy hydrangea sits beside them, with a bride's white dress visible in the soft-focus background. — PC: Love and Luna Photography

What to Do First as a 2027 Bride

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming at first. However, knowing where to start wedding planning makes everything feel much more manageable. Begin with your date, venue, wedding dress, and photographer, then give yourself time to build out the rest of your 2027 wedding checklist. Whether you’re newly engaged or planning a shorter engagement, remember that your timeline is a guide, not a rulebook. Take it one decision at a time, leave room for the unexpected, and enjoy the moments along the way. After all, your wedding planning journey should feel just as special as the celebration you’re creating.

Make sure to book an appointment at an Authorized Boutique to try on your favorites IRL.

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