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. However, determining the precise timeline for each task can be challenging.
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 clearly understand how much you’re willing to spend because it helps you figure out how much you can invest in the venue and suppliers.
Your wedding planner will learn important details about your needs and budget, enabling them to tailor their services accordingly.
This collaborative approach ensures that we can discover the most suitable solutions for your special day.
Once you’ve excitedly announced your engagement, it’s a good idea to inquire if anyone else, e.g.,
Your parents may want to contribute to the wedding expenses.
one-year wedding planning checklist
The size of your guest list is also important when planning your dream wedding, in addition to the venue.
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 managing it independently, consider creating your ideal 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 month 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. Should you choose not to stay at the venue, ensure that you secure accommodations for your valued out-of-town guests, as well as a beautiful room for the wedding night.
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.
- Consider potential locations and styles for the welcome dinner, wedding brunch, and pool party decor, style of invitations and paper design.
- Making a moodboard for the wedding day.
- Research dresses and shoes online, as well as on social media, including any potential additional outfits for the wedding events.
- Create a guest list and select your bridal party.
- Start looking for entertainment options and activities for your guests (boat rides, on-site illustrators).
