Planning a wedding is a bit like taking on a part-time job with all the tasks you have to juggle! Not only do you have to create a budget, but you also have to decide how much money you'll spend, who you'll invite, and where you'll have it, to name a few. Trying to memorize everything you have to do can get overwhelming, especially because it goes alongside other life responsibilities.
Getting ready for your big day should be a fun time filled with positive memories, so in the busy lead up, don’t forget to soak up those moments you’ll want to look back on fondly. This step-by-step guide breaks down the essential wedding planning tasks into a checklist to keep the path to your dream wedding seamless.
SET A BUDGET
You’ll want to establish a budget before you get too deep into planning, to ensure your wedding spending doesn’t spiral! Sit down with your partner and any contributing parties to determine the total amount you have to work with.
Once you know how much money you can spend on the entire event, break it down into categories so you can track your spending. Think about how much you want to spend on your venue, your dress, photography etc. As you allocate your spending, also establish an emergency fund that you can draw from if any areas exceed their set amount.
Bridal Tip:
Create a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to keep track of your wedding budget throughout the process. Additionally, with a digital spreadsheet, you can access it from multiple devices and share it with your partner to make updates and changes.
CREATE A GUEST LIST
Creating the guest list can be tricky, as you don’t want to leave anyone out, but you also don’t want to invite people you won’t interact with. After all, every guest incurs a cost, and the more invitations you need, the higher the expenses rise. Most venues set fees based on the number of guests attending or the maximum capacity for the space.
As you create your guest list, ask yourself questions such as:
-
-
When was the last time I spoke to this person?
-
Would I care if I didn’t go to their wedding?
-
What role do they play in my life?
-
You should never feel pressured to invite someone to your wedding day, as it is an intimate event. Everyone you invite should uplift you throughout the celebration.
Bridal Tip: The Wedding Party
As you create your guest list, start thinking about who you’ll invite to your wedding and note what individuals you want in your wedding party.
Bridal Tip: Save the Dates
Hold off on sending save-the-dates until 6 to 8 months before the wedding or 9 to 12 months if guests have to travel. Likewise, invitations should go out 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.
PICK A TIME OF YEAR
The season you choose for your wedding determines much more than the weather. It also influences venue availability, pricing, and decor options. Discuss with your partner whether either of you has your heart set on a specific season or month.
Moreover, the time of year you select often comes down to key factors such as the importance of dates, personal preference, and your availability. Likewise, decide whether you want to get married inside or outside. If you decide on an outdoor wedding, you may need to rule out seasons such as winter or mid-summer, when conditions can become too extreme for you and your guests.
GET THEME INSPIRATION
Now the fun starts! Start by visiting social media sites like Pinterest or Instagram to gather inspiration for your theme and decorations. Are you and your partner nature lovers? Do you enjoy fairytales? Or maybe you want some rustic charm? There are endless possibilities for a wedding theme, so take your time and have fun exploring different options.
Once you have a general idea of what you want your theme to be, start creating mood boards or vision boards to help organize your thoughts. Use terms related to your vision to get better inspiration.
VISIT VENUES
Finding the perfect venue is one of the most exciting aspects of wedding planning that you and your partner do together, but it often requires time. Ideally, you should start the search 12 to 18 months before the big day so you have enough time to tour options and make a decision. Begin by researching venues online and creating a list of those that align with your budget, guest list, and ideal theme.
Once you have a list, it’s time to start touring your top choices. When you visit venues, ask questions such as:
-
-
What does the rental package include?
-
Are there any vendor restrictions?
-
Are there any noise or time restrictions for the event?
-
If you have an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, be sure to ask about the venue’s backup plans for inclement weather. Note everything the venue manager shares during your visit, including policies, fees, and available amenities, so that you can compare options later.
Bridal Tip:
While you should start touring venues with a month or approximate date in mind, you’ll finalize your wedding date once you book the venue.
GO DRESS SHOPPING
Dress shopping is arguably the most exciting part of wedding planning, as it’s the moment when you truly feel like a bride rather than a party planner. Begin dress shopping 9 to 12 months before your wedding to allow ample time for fittings, alterations, and any unexpected changes that may arise. Bring along trusted friends or family members to provide honest feedback and make the day even more special.
To make shopping easier, start by browsing online for dresses to get an idea of the styles you like and the designers you gravitate towards. From here, you can find boutiques offering the specific wedding dresses that you want to try on and any spur-of-the-moment options.
Bridal Tip:
Wedding dresses by Justin Alexander are perfect for any bride! Whether you’re looking for a vintage Hollywood style or ethereal beauty, you’ll find it in our collection.
HIRE VENDORS
Vendors play a critical role in bringing your vision to life, so choose them carefully. Start by booking the most in-demand vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and florists, 9 to 12 months before your wedding. This ensures you secure your top choices, especially during peak wedding seasons, and gives you ample time to coordinate details and preferences with them.
As you meet with vendors and review contracts, pay attention to details like cancellation policies, payment schedules, and exactly what services your rental includes. These details help you know what to expect from each service.
REHEARSE FOR THE BIG DAY
Our ultimate wedding planning checklist would be incomplete without including the rehearsal. The day before the wedding is your opportunity to iron out any last-minute details and ensure that everyone feels ready. Coordinate with your venue to schedule a walkthrough and practice key moments, such as the processional, ceremony, and recessional.
Wedding planning is all about finding what works best for you and your partner. Take it step by step, stay prepared, and focus on the things that matter most to not only create a day to remember but also enjoy the moments leading up to it.
