Here you will find a general overview of the steps involved in the planning process! I used this same method for planning my own special day and it was a LIFE-SAVER! Keep in mind that it's never too early to start planning. Venues, bands, photographers and videographers can be fully booked more than a year in advance! While the planner below can be used as a guide for budgeting your time, the earlier you make arrangements, the better.
NINE MONTHS BEFORE OR EARLIER
O Plan get-together for families to meet, celebrate, and discuss wedding plans
O Create blog or website to post wedding news, information, pictures etc. or sign up at a wedding site to do the same, as well as to get ideas from other brides and to have access to wedding tools and information
O Discuss budget- with each other and family (include both families in talks if both families will be sharing the costs)
O Create inspiration notebook/folder, or use a website such as Pinterest, and start gathering ideas for a theme, venue, etc.
O Select a date- and alternative ones to ensure flexibility when it comes to the availability of a venue or professional you want to hire
O Choose and ask attendants for the bridal party
O Put together guest list
O Book site for ceremony
O Book site for reception
O Book officiant
O Book caterer
O Hire band/DJ for ceremony and reception
O Order dress and veil/headpiece
SIX TO NINE MONTHS BEFORE
O Book photographer
O Book videographer
O Book florist
O Select and order attendants' dresses and accessories
O Reserve rental equipment including tent, tables, chairs, linens, china, etc.
O Meet with caterer to plan menu and schedule tasting
O Order invitations and other wedding stationary
O Send save-the-dates
O Make arrangements with hotel to hold block of rooms for out-of-town guests
O Book room for wedding night
O Investigate honeymoon destinations and travel arrangements
O Register for wedding gifts
FOUR TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE
O Start any DIY planning
O Make final honeymoon reservations
O Purchase/order/make favors
O Schedule time for ceremony rehearsal
O Plan rehearsal dinner (whether this involves making the arrangements yourself or discussing the event with the groom's family)
O Purchase tuxedo/suit, or reserve rental (groom and groomsmen)
O Meet with florist to discuss and decide upon bouquets, arrangements, etc.
O Order wedding cake
O Purchase/order/make gifts for bridal party
O Purchase bridal shoes and other accessories
O Have invitations addressed
O Plan Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party
TWO TO FOUR MONTHS BEFORE
O Investigate local requirements for obtaining marriage license
O Book/arrange for transportation for bride, groom, attendants, and immediate family on wedding day
O Meet with officiant to discuss service
O If writing your own vows, begin doing so now
O Select readings/songs for ceremony; ask those you want to read/perform if they will do the honor
O Make selections for ceremony music
O Select songs for the major highlights of reception (first dance, cake-cutting, bouquet toss, etc.)
O Purchase appropriate undergarments for wedding dress, and bring to first fitting
O Purchase wedding bands
O Select gift for groom, if you two are exchanging presents
O Select thank-you gifts for parents
O Mail invitations (this should be done six to eight weeks before wedding)
O Do trial runs with makeup artist and hairstylist and schedule beauty appointments for the wedding day
O Host bridal shower and bachelorette party
FOUR TO SIX WEEKS BEFORE
O Obtain marriage license
O Create/order ceremony programs
O Put together welcome baskets for out-of-town guests
O Give list of songs you want (and don't want) played to band/DJ
O Have final dress fitting
O Pick up ordered tuxedo/suit, if purchasing (groom and groomsmen)
O Start arranging seating plan
O Pick up wedding bands
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
O Give caterer final head count
O Finalize seating plan; write place cards
O Send shot lists to photographer and videographer
O Compose toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception
O Make a detailed schedule fo the wedding reception events (times for cocktails, first dance, dinner, cake-cutting, etc.) to give to all applicable service providers
O Break in shoes and scuff bottoms to add traction
ONE WEEK BEFORE
O Pick up dress, if not being delivered
O Pick up tuxedo, if renting (groom and groomsmen)
O Confirm reservations for wedding night and honeymoon
O Get crisp bills from bank for gratuities; put tips in labeled envelopes and seal
O Organize final payments for service providers who need to be paid on wedding day
O Pack for honeymoon
O Make list of everything you need to bring to wedding, and gather all necessary items together
O Confirm final details with all service providers
O Arrange for mail to be held at post office during honeymoon
O Call stores where you're registered to hold deliveries
ONE DAY BEFORE
O Drop off welcome baskets for out-of-town guests at hotel (or ask attendant to do so)
O Get manicure and pedicure
O Have rehearsal; hand out gifts to wedding party if you haven't already done so
O Assign tasks and duties to wedding party for next day
O Give attendants anything they need to execute said duties
O Attend rehearsal dinner
Easy right? Wedding planning can be very overwhelming and sometimes it's hard to know where to even begin! I hope this timeline relieves a bit of the stress and helps you execute your exact wedding vision! At the end of the day, this season of engagement FLIES BY and you are marrying the love of your life! Remember to enjoy the process and this special time!
Until next time,
Xoxo Sabrina
