The ultimate wedding planning checklist
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).
How to find the perfect wedding venue
A dream wedding location is the perfect place to start your happily ever after, and with this guide, you’ll be on your way to finding the ideal spot for your special day. Finding the perfect wedding venue can be a daunting task, but one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is where to host the event. By following these steps on how to find the perfect venue, you’ll be able to select the place that best fits your vision, needs, and style. When is the best time to start looking? Oh, it’s always good to plan ahead! If you want to make sure you get your dream wedding venue and date, it’s best to start looking around 12–18 months in advance. Well, if you’re not too particular about when or where it takes place, you could probably get it all sorted out in about 9 months. What are some things you should keep in mind when it comes to logistics? Do you happen to know how far the venue is from the nearest airport? Would guests with limited mobility find it easy to get there? Do you think there’s enough room for the bridal party and all the guests? Do you think your visitors will be able to find accommodations nearby? When looking for your ideal wedding venue, consider your guest list When selecting a wedding venue, it’s important to keep your guest list in mind. A seaside house or garden may be ideal for modest wedding numbers. If you’re having a big wedding, you may want to consider a ballroom. So, is it easy for everyone to book a transfer or not? Take into account both your travel requirements and the number of guests you plan to invite. If you have many out-of-town visitors, choose a venue near hotels and transportation, considering shuttles and parking before booking. Keep in mind: guest comfort, easy access for those who need step-free options, kid-friendly accommodations, as well as the view and ambiance of the venue. If your preferred wedding location cannot fit your guest list, consider having a smaller ceremony or reception there and a larger celebration elsewhere. You can have your perfect venue without sacrificing guest comfort and experience. What non-negotiables should a venue have? When you’re thinking about your dream wedding location, what are the things that you absolutely can’t compromise on when it comes to the venue?It might be helpful to figure out your ideal location first. Would you prefer to have your wedding indoors or outdoors? Are you thinking of having a destination wedding, or would you prefer to keep it closer to home? You can then start searching with a clear goal in mind. Wedding venue pricing policy should be clearly stated on their brochure, including restrictions, and extra charges. If they don’t, I’d look elsewhere. venue hunt tour Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues, it’s important to schedule tours to see them in person. While photos online may look stunning, seeing the space in person can help you envision how your wedding day will come to life. During your site inspections, be sure to pay attention to the small details that may not have been evident in the pictures. Is the space large enough to comfortably fit all of your guests? Do you have any specific decor or catering ideas in mind for your wedding? Are there any rules or limitations that you need to consider? Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential wedding venues, it’s important to schedule tours to see them in person. While photos online may look stunning, seeing the space in person can help you envision how your wedding day will come to life.During your site inspections, be sure to pay attention to the small details that may not have been evident in the pictures. Is the space large enough to comfortably fit all of your guests? Do you have any specific decor or catering ideas in mind for your wedding? Are there any rules or limitations that you need to consider? Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience! In fact, did you know that visiting potential wedding venues can actually be a fun date idea? It allows you and your partner to envision your future together and get excited about the big day ahead. Once you’ve completed all of your venue tours, take some time to review your notes and make a list of pros and cons for each location. Then, discuss your thoughts with your partner and wedding planner to make an informed decision. Remember, choosing the right venue is a big decision and can set the tone for your entire wedding day! What questions do you need to be asking when looking for your perfect wedding venue? Do they only work with exclusive vendors? Is there on-site catering? What is included in their fee? Is there a music curfew in effect? How many guests can Plan A+B accommodate? Is there anything else you should be aware of? Do they have a civil wedding license? Do they have a separate area for children to play? Read their wedding venue client reviews Stating the obvious here, a wedding planner can help you find the perfect venue with the overall planning process. We can recommend venues that fit your style, budget, and guest count. Not to mention, we often have connections in the industry that can help you secure your ideal venue, even if it’s not on the market yet.A wedding planner can also help you negotiate prices with the venue, vendors, and other service providers. They know what the standard rates are and can help you get the best deals. They can also help you avoid hidden fees and unexpected costs. Choose your perfect wedding venue Finally, it’s time to make a decision! This is the fun part, right? You’ve toured countless venues, asked a million questions, and have now collected enough information to make an informed choice. Or have
Wedding Planning Advice: frequently asked questions to ask a potential wedding planner
If you’re ready to start looking for a wedding planner (meaning scheduling a meeting, as opposed to price shopping on an app or a website), there are some essential questions you should ask during your consultation and why they’re important. Typically, before contacting them, you should check their reviews, blogs, and social media to find out if they’re the right people for you. The second stage would be a face-to-face call to tell them about your big-day ideas and ask them the right questions. If you need help figuring out what questions to ask a wedding planner, here is a list that will most likely assist you. 1. Availability It’s essential that you ask for their availability in the first instance. No wonder this is one of the top 10 questions to ask a wedding planner before booking them. In fact, on your first meeting with the wedding planner, this is the first question you need to ask. You must know they are available on and before the date. Remember that they may be booked up, especially during the busy summer season. 2. Budget What you need to ask a wedding planner is whether there is common ground when it comes to the budget. Would they be available and interested in working with you based on the allocated amount? This is also considered an important question for your first meeting with the wedding planner. 3. Deciding on vendors You might want to clarify this challenging task before you hire your planner. One of the top 10 questions to ask your wedding planner is how to make the final decision on your vendors. Since it is your wedding, you should have the final say regarding which vendors to use. What you need to ask a wedding planner is – Do they work just with certain suppliers? Do they take a commission from their recommended vendors, or are they more objective in their selection process? How do they select the wedding vendors they pitch to you? 4. How do they charge? This is considered one of the trickiest questions. Before going into the details of how often you should talk to your wedding planner, you need to clear the air regarding their fee. Will there be any hidden charges on top of the flat fee that you have agreed upon? If so, how are these calculated? What’s included in the fee, and what’s not? Make sure to get your notes out on this one and listen carefully so you can avoid an awkward situation later on when the payment is due. 5. How often should you communicate? If you are wondering about how often you should talk to a wedding planner, the answer is as often as possible. They should keep you informed of the most recent developments and guarantee that they are on top of any situation that may arise. Investing in a professional is always a good idea; it saves you the trouble of organizing everything yourself. In addition, the right planner will relieve you from any stress and anxiety, so what you need to ask your wedding planner before booking them is extremely important. We strive to deliver excellence when it comes to saving time, energy, and money, and we let you take your course instead of pushing our suggestions. Feel free to get in touch and ask us everything you want to know! Frequently asked questions In my initial appointments with couples, I am often asked the following questions, which you may find helpful if you are thinking about working with me: Read how to plan a wedding in 3 months
All you need to know about the breakdown of wedding costs.
What factors contribute to the higher wedding costs? You have started thinking about planning your big day, and there are plenty of things to go through! You may find yourself with a long list of things you need to complete so you can have your perfect day. Of course, everything on that list will have a cost. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you with the financial aspect of planning. Let’s look at all wedding costs, breakdown them, and make the most of your budget. Wedding venue The first thing on your wedding cost breakdown list should be the venue! Make a guest list and see how big of a venue you need. Also, consider other parameters, such as the location of your venue, whether outdoor or indoor, etc. The wedding venue can cost up to 40% of your budget (less if catering isn’t involved). Catering wedding budget As you embark on the journey of planning your wedding, you will soon discover that a significant portion of your budget will be dedicated to customising your menu. The total expense is closely linked to the size of your guest list. A bigger list means increased costs. Another aspect to consider is the quality and the type of meals you wish to have served. The catering costs can increase significantly, potentially reaching up to 23%, based on your specific requirements. Photography The wedding cost breakdown guide would not be complete without photography and videography. Look into photographers, their style, portfolio, and the services they offer. This would consume about 15% of your funds. Wedding cake They say a wedding without a cake is just a party. So setting aside a small chunk of your budget for a spectacular cake is just a must! Currently, depending on how many guests you plan to have and how large you want the cake to be, the cost should be about 3%. wedding flowers The floral decor will compliment your wedding aesthetic, reflecting your personal style. It is an investment that is bound to amaze everyone and set the tone of your celebration. Besides the ceremony and reception decor, the bouquet and boutonnieres enter the overall equation. The wedding budget breakdown for florals can go as high as 10%. Music Entertainment Music is one of the most important factors in setting the mood for your big day. From ceremony to the afterparty, whether you fancy a show band or a DJ, working out the cost of wedding music is a top priority, and it will typically require about 10%. Wedding outfits Do not forget your attire! Everything from a wedding gown to shoes, make-up, hair, a suit, and a tie can cost from 5–7%, depending on your preferences. The funds that you spend on your wedding outfits don’t need to be reported to your wedding planner, but they’re still part of your wedding cost breakdown. The same goes for accessories. Wedding rings Essentials check! You can’t have a wedding without wedding bands! The price of the wedding rings will vary, so look into the styles you desire and see which style would fit you and your partner’s personalities the most. An average expense is about 3%. Wedding costs breakdown: miscellaneous Wrap up the ultimate wedding budget guide with everything else that forms part of your big day! From the stationery (3%) to the officiant fees, and from the transportation (3%) to favors and welcome baskets (2%), go through everything you need and set aside these extra funds. Before diving deep into the organization, make sure to prioritize what’s important to you two. See what to book first and which items are not essential. This can help you get a more realistic picture of what you would spend on your celebration. Keep this wedding costs breakdown guide to keep track of your budget and keep in mind that you don’t need to fully stick to it, but rather take it as advice that can assist you in managing your costs while organizing your wedding. Consider this invaluable advice on effectively spreading your budget, and start planning. Plan a sustainable yet luxurious wedding What does a Wedding Planner really do?
Everything you need to know about planning your wedding during the holidays
Planning a wedding during the holidays can be an exciting and magical experience. However, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. With so many festivities and commitments during this time of year, it’s important to approach the planning process with a clear and organized mindset. From setting a budget to choosing a date that works for everyone, there are several key steps to consider when starting to plan your dream holiday wedding. You may feel that it can be a lot to navigate, but I’m going to help you figure out how to do it. Here’s a mini guide that breaks down into simple steps on how to start planning a wedding during the holidays. How to Start Planning a Wedding During the Holidays Start the fun part early, browsing social media for style inspo to find what you really want and feel. Put together a mood board or two and then narrow down the choice during the planning process. Use holiday get-togethers to celebrate your engagement and help with your planning. Who needs an extra reason for celebration during the holidays? Engaged couples, of course! Announce the good news, enjoy your engagement phase, and maybe throw a party too. December is a busy month with family and friend visits and lots of reasons to host a party, but one of the most fun is to celebrate an engagement! Don’t send save-the-date cards in the rush of the Christmas card season. Save the dates are more likely to be ignored during Christmas, so I advise my couples not to send them then. Also, so many packages and mail get lost during the holiday season; you don’t want your beautiful card to be one of them! If possible, I always recommend sending them either before December or right after the New Year. Bonus: You can start collecting your family and friends’ addresses! the ugly part of planning a wedding is setting a budget I know it’s not fun, but it needs to be done initially. The last thing you want to do is splurge on a venue or vendor and find out later that it’s completely out of range, with little left for everything else. If you decide to go with a wedding planner, they can help you set it up. Take advantage of the holiday sales. All good sales to use to your advantage while you are planning! You can buy wedding dresses and suits, accessories, invitation suites, decor, and some vendors have end-of-year specials! First and foremost, enjoy your engagement! Use the holiday get-togethers, share the news in person, and, if possible, celebrate by throwing an engagement party with your friends. Holiday parties are fun for many reasons, but celebrating an engagement is especially fun! If you recently accepted your partner’s proposal, get ready to share your beautiful story with eager family and friends. They will be excited to hear all about it and may even share their own wedding planning experiences. After that, put the champagne on ice and prepare for an amazing time! I hope this serves you well! If you feel you need help with wedding planning and design, be sure to contact us here Did you enjoy this article? You might be interested in City chic wedding in London Westminster
