Don't Wait for the First Snowfall: Your Ultimate Holiday Lighting Pre-Season Checklist

I know what you’re thinking. It’s late July here in Central Illinois. We’re in the thick of sweet corn season, the fireflies are putting on a nightly show, and the last thing on your mind is a snow-covered roofline. Holiday planning right now feels like eating a Thanksgiving dinner at a pool party.

But let me pull back the curtain and give you the single best piece of advice from someone on the inside of the holiday magic business: The secret to a stunning, stress-free holiday display isn't what you do in December; it's what you plan in the summer.

Scrambling in late November is stressful. The best professionals are already booked, the design process is rushed, and you settle for something less than what you envisioned. Planning now, while the days are long and lazy, is the key. Here’s your pre-season checklist to ensure your home is the star of the block this winter.

Step 1: Dream and Diagnose (The Fun Part!)

Before you even think about a single bulb, you need a vision. And right now is the perfect time for it. One evening this week, grab a cold drink, walk out to your curb right around dusk, and just look at your home.

What are its best features? Do you have a beautiful architectural peak? Stately columns by the front door? A lovely winding walkway or a gorgeous old tree in the front yard? These are the features we want to highlight. This is your canvas.

Start gathering inspiration. Scroll through Pinterest, create a board, and notice what you’re drawn to. Is it the classic, warm white look? A modern, single-color design in blue or red? Or a whimsical, multi-color explosion of joy? Understanding the feeling you want to create is the most important first step.

Step 2: Have an Honest Budget Conversation

Holiday lighting is an investment, and a professional installation is a premium service that involves design, custom-fit materials, labor, insurance, takedown, and storage. Deciding on a budget now, before the financial pressures of the holidays hit, is a financially savvy move.

Having a range in mind helps the design process immensely. A professional can help you maximize your budget, focusing on high-impact areas to give you the most bang for your buck. Knowing your numbers in July means you can plan for the expense, rather than having it be a surprise during the most expensive time of the year.

Step 3: Survey Your Power Situation

This is a pro-level step that most homeowners overlook. Walk around your property and locate your exterior outlets. Are they conveniently located for where you envision your display? Most importantly, are they GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets? That’s the kind with the little "test" and "reset" buttons, and they are a non-negotiable for outdoor lighting safety. Knowing what you have—and where—can save a lot of headaches and design revisions down the road.

Step 4: Book Your Professional (The Game-Changer)

If you take away only one thing from this post, let it be this: Book. Early.

I cannot overstate this. By the time the first frost hits, our schedule is often completely full. The prime installation dates—the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving—are the first to go, often claimed by returning clients before September even starts.

Booking now doesn't just guarantee you a spot. It guarantees you a better experience. It gives us the luxury of time to have a thoughtful design consultation, to walk your property with you, and to create a truly custom plan. It ensures we have the time to source the perfect materials for your unique vision. It’s the difference between a rushed, cookie-cutter job and a bespoke lighting display that perfectly fits your home.

Imagine heading into the busy fall season knowing your holiday lighting is designed, scheduled, and completely handled. That peace of mind is a gift you give your future, less-stressed self.

So, while you’re enjoying the rest of this beautiful Illinois summer, take a few moments to dream. Then, give us a call. Let’s start planning the magic now, and make sure that when the holidays do arrive, all you have to do is flip a switch and enjoy the glow.