As you bask in the glow of this exciting milestone, you might be wondering, “What’s next?” Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with a clear timeline and some practical tips, you can turn your dream wedding into a reality. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the journey from “Yes” to “I do.”
12 Months Before: Initial Planning and Budgeting
1. Announce Your Engagement
Share the good news with family and friends. Consider hosting an engagement party to celebrate the occasion.
2. Set a Budget
Discuss and finalize your wedding budget. This will guide all your decisions moving forward.
3. Create a Guest List
Draft a preliminary guest list to estimate the size of your wedding and help with venue selection.
4. Hire a Wedding Planner (optional)
If your budget allows, hire a wedding planner to help streamline the planning process.
5. Select a Date and Venue
Choose a few potential dates and tour venues. Book your venue early to secure your preferred date.
10-11 Months Before: Vendor Selection
1. Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask friends and family to be part of your wedding party.
2. Hire Key Vendors
Book your photographer, videographer, caterer, and entertainment. Popular vendors can book up quickly, so secure them early. Find the full list at the end of the article.
3. Shop for Wedding Attire
Start shopping for your wedding dress, and don’t forget attire for the groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen.
4. Save-the-Date Cards
Send out save-the-date cards to give your guests ample notice.
8-9 Months Before: Details and Decorations
1. Plan the Ceremony and Reception
Discuss and finalize details for your ceremony and reception, including décor, flowers, and themes.
2. Hire Additional Vendors
Book a florist, officiant, and any additional entertainment (like a live band or DJ).
3. Register for Gifts
Create your wedding registry and share it with your guests.
4. Plan the Honeymoon
Start planning your honeymoon, including booking flights and accommodations.
6-7 Months Before: Invitations and Final Details
1. Send Out Invitations
Finalize your guest list and send out formal invitations.
2. Finalize the Menu
Work with your caterer to finalize your menu and schedule a tasting.
3. Plan Wedding Day Timeline
Create a detailed timeline for your wedding day and share it with your vendors and wedding party. Usually, your photographer is the one who can assist you with that.
4. Book Transportation
Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests, if necessary.
4-5 Months Before: Attire and Pre-Wedding Events
1. Finalize Attire
Ensure all wedding attire is ordered and schedule fittings.
2. Plan Pre-Wedding Events (optional)
Organize pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinner.
3. Finalize Decorations
Confirm all décor details with your vendors and make any necessary purchases.
4. Wedding Bands
Pick & Purchase your wedding bands
2-3 Months Before: Confirmations and Final Touches
1. Confirm Details with Vendors
Reach out to all your vendors to confirm details and timelines.
2. Prepare the Marriage License
Apply for your marriage license and ensure all legal documents are in order.
3. Create a Seating Chart
Finalize your seating chart based on RSVPs.
4. Write Your Vows
If you’re writing your own vows, start drafting them now.
1 Month Before: Rehearsal and Relaxation
1. Final Payments
Make final payments to your vendors.
2. Hair and Makeup Trial
Schedule a trial run for your hair and makeup.
3. Final Dress Fitting
Have your final dress fitting to ensure everything fits perfectly.
4. Pack for the Honeymoon
Start packing for your honeymoon and prepare any necessary travel documents.
1 Week Before: Last-Minute Preparations
1. Confirm Arrival Times
Confirm arrival times with all vendors and members of the wedding party.
2. Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Include items like safety pins, a sewing kit, makeup, and snacks. See the full list of items in the separate article in my blog.
3. Enjoy the Rehearsal Dinner (optional)
Relax and enjoy your rehearsal dinner with family and friends.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
Ensure you get enough rest and stay hydrated.
Wedding Day: Celebrate!
Relax, enjoy, and savor every moment of your special day.
Essential Wedding Vendors
Wedding Planner: Coordinates all aspects of the wedding.
Venue: Hosts the ceremony and reception.
Caterer: Provides food and beverages.
Photographer/Videographer: Captures memories of the day.
Florist: Supplies flowers and decorations.
Entertainment: Provides music and entertainment (DJ, band, etc.).
Officiant: Conducts the wedding ceremony.
Baker: Creates the wedding cake.
Hair and Makeup Artists: Prepares the bride and wedding party for the big day.
Transportation: Arranges travel for the couple and guests.
Final Tips
Stay Organized: Use a wedding planning binder or app to keep track of all details and contracts.
Communicate: Keep open communication with your partner, vendors, and wedding party.
Be Flexible: Be prepared for minor hiccups and focus on what truly matters – your celebration of love.
Enjoy the journey of planning your wedding, and remember to cherish every moment. Your dream day is just around the corner!
