Wedding Planning Checklist, Santa Fe & Taos

The Checklist

Twelve months, one plan.

12 Months Out

Date, planner, caterer

Pick a season and a rough guest count. Estimate a little conservatively: guests can be added later, but counts cannot come down after booking.
Inquire to receive our price sheet and catering estimator, then book a free 30-minute Zoom consult from the price sheet.
Reserve your planner and caterer. We take 18 events a year, and most dates are spoken for by March.
Shortlist venues. Ask about live fire, kitchens and outside caterers — see the venue guide.

10–11 Months

The venue

Sign your venue. Vacation rentals need the owner’s written consent.
Walk the site with us over Zoom: the food-service layout, the cook-tent spot, the particulars of your day.
Book your photographer and florist — start with Vendors We Love.

8–9 Months

The design

Your contract review, then your first event design meeting with Amy — two free 30-minute Zoom calls.
Design the table with Amy: tableware, glassware, BioWare, decor and flowers. Event Design is sold separately. Ask us.
Book tables, chairs and tents through our partner Summit Rentals, with a weather plan for an outdoor day.

6–7 Months

Your guests

Send save-the-dates and set aside lodging for out-of-town guests.
Plan the welcome party or a longer cocktail hour, if you want one.

4–5 Months

The details

Choose your bar: the Full Bar & Small Bites, with or without Wine Table Service.
Choose your add-ons: table boards, small bites, dessert or a dessert station, the Hydration Station, composting.

2–3 Months

The timeline

Send invitations.
Set the day around our event times: 5:00 PM cocktails, 6:00 PM dinner, 7:00 PM dessert, 8:00 PM service ends.
Schedule photos earlier in the day, and keep toasts to the cocktail hour.

2 Weeks Out

Final review

Confirm your final guest count and vendor meals; we lock your catering build.
Final payment is due 14 days before your event.

The Day

Be a guest

Our crew arrives at 2:00 PM to set up. With Full-Service Planning & Design, Amy runs the day; you enjoy the evening.

Questions

Good to know.

How far ahead should we book a Santa Fe or Taos wedding caterer?

As early as you can. Net Zero Ranch takes 18 events a year; dates open a year ahead, and most are spoken for by March. A signed contract and 50% deposit reserve your date.

When is the final guest count due?

Two weeks before your event, you confirm your final guest count and vendor meals, and we lock your catering build. Counts cannot come down after booking, but guests can always be added.

What time does the evening run?

Our event times are set: the crew arrives at 2:00 PM to set up, cocktails at 5:00, dinner at 6:00, dessert at 7:00, service ends at 8:00 and the crew departs at 10:00. Extra cocktail hours may be added before 5:00 PM.

Do we need to visit New Mexico to plan?

No. All client meetings are Zoom video calls, including a site visit over Zoom to walk the food-service layout and the cook-tent spot. An in-person site inspection is available as an add-on.

Your wedding, month by month.