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Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you navigate this journey with a bit more ease and perspective, I’ve created a wedding planning timeline. Each planning journey is different, so read through this guide and feel free to adapt it to suit your requirements.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown so you don't miss any crucial steps and to help you stay on track from engagement to "I do!"
12 Months Before
Set Your Budget: Determine how much you can spend and allocate funds for different aspects of the wedding. Weddings can quickly become expensive, so it’s good to have a figure in mind for you and your partner.
Create Your Guest List: Draft a preliminary list of guests to get an idea of your venue size and budget. This can also be used for other events beforehand, like an engagement party if you choose to do so.
Choose a Date: Pick a few potential dates for your wedding and consider any significant events or holidays that might affect availability.
10-11 Months Before
Book Your Venue: Research and visit potential venues. Once you find the perfect one, secure your date with a deposit. (You can also choose to host at your own property—check out my blog on this to avoid making the same mistake I almost did!)
Hire a Wedding Planner (if desired): Consider whether you need professional help to ease the planning process. If you choose to throw an engagement party and find the workload is too much, reach out to me or check out my planning services. (Look into other alternatives like an online wedding planning website where you can track all your guests and have immediate correspondence.)
8-9 Months Before
Select Vendors: Start researching and booking essential vendors, including caterers, photographers, and florists.
Choose Your Wedding Party: Decide who you’d like to stand by your side on your big day and ask them to be part of your wedding party. Try not to get caught up in the moment about pleasing everyone; choose the people who have been by your side in the past, present, and future!
6-7 Months Before
Send Save-the-Dates: Once your guest list is finalized, send out save-the-date cards to inform guests of the upcoming celebration. Especially if you're going to have a large guest list, this will ensure your guests have an open schedule and are available to attend on your wedding date.
Shop for Attire: Begin searching for wedding dresses, suits, or other attire for the wedding party. Factor in your venue and weather forecast to guide what dresses or suits are best suited for everyone. (This also depends on delivery times and the schedule for alterations for your wedding dress.)
4-5 Months Before
Finalize Your Menu: Work with your caterer to create a menu that reflects your tastes and dietary considerations for guests. (Tip: If you have an online wedding planning website, this is where you can request your guests' dietary restrictions.)
Plan Décor and Flowers: Decide on your floral arrangements and décor themes, and coordinate with your florist and decorator. (Hint: Talk with your designer and florist about reusing some decorations from the ceremony to the venue—this can save on costs and create a seamless look.)
2-3 Months Before
Send Invitations: Design and send out your wedding invitations, ensuring they match your theme. If you want a custom design to reflect your own personal love story or have a specific theme in mind, check out my custom stationery and signage service.
Confirm Details with Vendors: Touch base with all your vendors to confirm details and timelines. This ensures everyone is on the same page and that nothing has been forgotten.
1 Month Before
RSVPs and Final Counts: Check in with guests who haven’t responded and finalize your headcount for the venue and caterer. Sometimes guest availability can change, and you may find you have an increased or decreased guest list.
Final Dress Fitting: Schedule your final dress fitting and ensure all alterations are complete. Check in with your bridal party to confirm that all their wedding attire has been selected and fits comfortably.
1 Week Before
Revise a Day-of Timeline: Run through a detailed schedule for your wedding day, including the ceremony, reception, and vendor arrivals. Ensure that nothing has been missed and that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
Pack for the Day: Gather everything you’ll need for the day, including rings, licenses, and a bridal emergency kit. (Remember, you can't control everything; if or when something doesn't go to plan, focus on adapting and enjoying the moment, as the memories you create will last a lifetime.)
Day Before
Rehearsal: Conduct a rehearsal of the ceremony with your wedding party to ensure everyone knows their roles. This is the perfect time to get all the nervous jitters out!
Extra Tip: Ask a family member to prepare and pack some sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for you and the bridal party. You can keep these in an esky in the car for the procession. After the ceremony, you might find yourself busy greeting guests and heading straight into photos. If you didn’t have a big breakfast, you might not get a chance to eat until the reception, so having some snacks on hand can be a lifesaver!
Relax and Enjoy: Take some time to pamper yourself, relax, and soak in the excitement. (Hint: Make sure you get an early night; you don't want to be yawning on your wedding day!)
Wedding Day!
Enjoy Your Moment: Trust in your planning and let yourself enjoy every moment of your special day!
By following this timeline, you can approach your wedding planning with a bit more confidence and excitement, ensuring that you create the celebration of your dreams. Happy planning!
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