Welcome to our step-by-step wedding planning checklist! Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, but fear not, as we are here to help you navigate through this journey. From the initial stages of setting a budget to the final touches on your big day, it takes 12 to 18 months. It can be hard to figure out exactly when each job needs to be done, though.
As a wedding connoisseur, I’d like to share my advice for each stage of wedding planning, from over a year in advance to a week before the big event, to help you create a preliminary plan.
18 months
When it comes to budgeting, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how much you’re willing to spend because it helps you figure out how much you can invest in the venue and suppliers. It also helps your wedding planner understand your needs and how to stay within your financial means, and it also allows us to find the best possible solutions for you.
Once you’ve excitedly announced your engagement, it’s a good idea to inquire if anyone else, e.g.,
your parents might be interested in helping out with the wedding expenses.
one-year wedding planning checklist
While the venue is surely important, there is another aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to planning your dream wedding: the size of your guest list.
Once you have finalized your guest list, it’s time to reach out to your trusted stationery supplier.
Armed with the number of guests you expect to invite, you can confidently place your order for save-the-dates and the entire stationery suite.
Nine months
Choose a color palette and mood for the overall look.
Now’s also the right time to create your wedding website and send out the save-the-dates.
If you hired a planner, ask them to recommend the supplier that works best for your style. If you’re handling it on your own, you can create your dream vision board on Pinterest.
Have fun! Why not take a moment to find some inspiration? Think about the kinds of things you appreciate when scrolling through Instagram. How do you go about decorating your house? Draw inspiration from your daily life to create a look that truly reflects your interests and showcases your unique personality.
Six months
If you haven’t done so already, it is highly recommended that you set your appointments with your “smaller” wedding suppliers, including the florist, entertainment, musicians, and other related services.
Don’t overlook the importance of transportation, along with furniture and dinnerware rental services. At long last, it is time to start with the careful preparation of your enchanting honeymoon getaway.
Three Months
This is an ideal moment to indulge in exquisite bridal lingerie, meticulously curate your ensemble for pre- and post-wedding celebrations, and get delightful wedding party gifts and favors. Ensure that you secure accommodations for your valued out-of-town guests, as well as a beautiful room for the wedding night, should you choose not to stay at the venue.
Four-week wedding planning checklist
This is the perfect opportunity to add the final touches to your personal vows, should you decide to share them. It is highly advisable to begin considering the necessary paperwork relating to the process of changing your surname at the moment.
Get ready to glam up! Don’t forget to set up some precious moments for the bridal party to indulge in fabulous hair and makeup time.
Enjoy some pre-wedding pampering by treating yourself to a luxurious spa day. Not only will this blissful experience help you unwind, but it will also boost your confidence to radiate pure bridal elegance on your big day. So go ahead, mark your calendar, and get ready to go on a journey of relaxation and self-care. You deserve it, gorgeous!
Two weeks
Stay on top of your event planning game by touching base with your caterer to ensure you have the most up-to-date headcount of your guests. And while you’re at it, why not take a moment to double-check that all those oh-so-important payments to your fabulous vendors have been carried out? It’s all about that attention to detail!
It is also a good time to break in your wedding shoes so that they will be comfortable to wear on the actual wedding day.
One week
It’s the perfect moment to delegate those important tasks to your trusted entourage. Think about assigning specific responsibilities like distributing those precious rings, ensuring smooth transportation arrangements, and delivering a meticulously crafted list of directions for the big day to either the venue or your brilliant wedding planner. For me, this is the key to a stress-free and flawlessly executed wedding extravaganza! Get ready to jet off on your honeymoon.
A few things you can do until booking your venue:
Research different types of venues and their availability.
Explore different locations and consider the logistics of each option.
Create a budget for your venue expenses.
Take virtual tours or visit potential venues to get a better sense of their ambiance, getting an idea of the colors and style of the decor and the whole day.
possible welcome dinner, wedding brunch, pool party locations and style or decor.
style of invitations and paper design.
making a moodboard for the wedding day.
Research dresses online and on social media (and any possible additional outfits for the wedding events), shoes.
Preparing a guest list and choosing your bridal party.
Strat looking for entertainment options and activities for your guests (boat rides, on-site illustrators).
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