There is nothing quite like exchanging vows on the edge of a shimmering lake, surrounded by nature’s best backdrop and the people who matter most. A lakeside wedding feels effortless on the day itself, but behind every breathtaking ceremony is months of careful planning that turns a dream into a flawless reality.
At Windows on the Water, our award-winning venue sits on 86 manicured acres of waterfront landscape in Millstone Township, New Jersey, and our senior wedding planning team has guided hundreds of couples through every stage of this process. Before diving in, take a look at our wedding packages to get a sense of what is possible at our Central Jersey venue.
Start 12 to 14 Months Out
According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average engagement in the U.S. lasts about 15 months, and with good reason. The earlier you begin, the more options you have. This initial phase is all about setting a foundation, and the single most important decision you will make is choosing your venue.
For an outdoor lakeside wedding, venue availability is everything. At Windows on the Water, we host one wedding at a time, meaning each couple receives full access to the property and the undivided attention of our team. Securing your venue first establishes your wedding date, which then drives every other vendor decision. Once confirmed, you can begin reaching out to photographers, bands, and officiants, and set a realistic budget with a clear picture of what your package includes.
The 9 to 11 Month Window
With your venue secured, this stretch is about assembling your vendor team. In-demand photographers in New Jersey often book a year or more in advance, so do not wait on this step. Our team can connect you with trusted professionals from our preferred vendor list to make the process easier.
This is also the time to send save-the-dates, especially if guests will be traveling from out of state. Guests coming to Monmouth County from New York or nearby states need lead time to plan travel and accommodations.
Six to Eight Months Out
Now the planning begins to feel real and exciting. The tasks below are the priorities during this phase, each one building toward a seamless day.
- Book your catering tasting: Schedule time to narrow down menu selections with our culinary team, who work with farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients and accommodate a wide range of dietary needs.
- Choose your wedding party attire: Give bridesmaids and groomsmen ample time to shop, order, and alter their outfits, as specialty orders can take several months.
- Send formal invitations: Invitations typically go out six to eight weeks before the event, but ordering and addressing them should begin now.
This period is also a great time to schedule any pre-wedding events at our waterfront venues, making it convenient to host multiple celebrations in one stunning location.
Three to Five Months Out
With the big decisions behind you, this phase is about fine-tuning the details. Schedule a hair and makeup trial, finalize your seating chart with our planning team, and lock in your day-of timeline from ceremony start to final send-off.
If you have not completed a full tasting, do so now and communicate any dietary restrictions to our kitchen team in advance. At Windows on the Water, we take orders table-side on the wedding day, so every guest receives exactly what they want, fresh and prepared to order. Confirm arrival times, setup requirements, and outstanding balances with all vendors, and make sure your florist has toured our outdoor wedding locations along the lake.
The Final Month
The last few weeks are for final confirmations and personal preparation. Submit your guest count, confirm the rehearsal time, and prepare any personal items such as favors and décor. Share a detailed day-of timeline with your wedding party and vendors so everyone stays aligned.
Take time in this final stretch to breathe. The logistics are in order, and the only thing left is to show up and celebrate.
Plan Your Lakeside Wedding at Windows on the Water
A well-executed wedding starts with the right venue and the right team behind it. Windows on the Water offers an incomparable setting, from our 4,000-square-foot all-weather luxury tent and two-tiered waterside cocktail reception patio to our award-winning cuisine and attentive staff. We have received both the Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award and The Knot Best Of Weddings recognition, and every couple receives the personalized planning experience that makes a real difference from the first tour to the final send-off.
If your vision includes a ceremony lakeside and a reception surrounded by natural beauty on our 86-acre New Jersey property, we would love to be part of your story. Complete our contact form to check availability and start planning the lakeside wedding you have always imagined.