Congratulations, the love of your life has finally popped the question. And that means wedding preparations need to begin as soon as possible. Are you ready to plan the biggest day of your life like an expert? If you answered yes, you’re definitely in for a treat!
This no-nonsense and uber useful guide has you covered in all directions. Above all, it’s safe to say that wedding planning like a pro is not as daunting as it may seem.
So what’s the secret to doing it all right? Well, there’s simply no denying the fact that organization is the epitome of fabulous results and zero disappointment. And that’s exactly why this guide has you covered from one whole year in advance.
From little tips and tricks to the most intricate moments imaginable, we’re covering it all. So take a step back and relax. This is your moment to shine and our checklist will take you to wedding bliss in no time.
Wedding Planning 101: Our Exclusive One Year Checklist to make the Best of Your Big Day
12 months to the wedding day
Draft that guest list
What’s a wedding celebration without any guests? Yes, these are the most important elements of your big day so it’s important to start drafting out from the get go. And for those on an extra strict budget, experts recommend scaling down to avoid last minute cold wars between the two sides.
Remember, be selective in adding who you really want to be by your side, on one of the most memorable occasions in your life.
Set that budget
Before you get your head around any sort of planning, that budget needs to be done and dusted. And that’s because the entire planning process revolves around just that. At the same time, modern day celebrations don’t involve parents paying. So that’s why it’s important to see whose contributing and who’s not. And then go on from there.
Search and secure your dream destination
As you’ve got your guest list and budget drawn, things get so much simpler now. Experts say that there’s truly nothing worse than walking into your dream venue without having the funds to support it.
Keep a keen eye out for all the venue’s pluses and minuses. Some intricate pointers to be mindful of include cost, convenience, and true exciting vibes. Your venue should make your heart skip and beat and trust us when we say, you’ll know instantly.
Get your wedding planner on board
If you plan on hiring a wedding planner, there’s no better time to do it. Draw out a checklist of qualities that you wish to see in them. Take them to the interviews and remember, speak your heart out. This person is going to be taking care of a lot of your wedding ordeals, so pick wisely!
Put together you dream wedding party
The time has arrived to collaborate with your wedding party. Go around and ask people that love and support you to be your attendants. And yes, you don’t need an even number of groomsmen with bridesmaids. As the old saying goes, loved ones never come as matched sets.
9 months till the wedding day
It’s time to start registering
People need an excuse to shower gifts and that’s why getting your registry out there in the open is so important. Ideally, make their lives easier and set up a registry at around 2 national and one local store. They’ll thank you in the long run.
Order your wardrobe
Believe it or not, bridal dresses aren’t the easiest of decisions. And that’s why you need to be careful and select away immediately as gown take around 9 months in advance for tailoring.
Finalize all of your vendors
From the caterer and DJ to the photographer and more- you’ll need to start with the searches ahead of time. As far as the photographer is concerned, don’t forget to check out glimpses of whole weddings that they’ve shot.
Help out all of your guests
Guests and loved ones coming from abroad need the right accommodation. So ask around and help them with their bookings, ahead of time. This will also assist you during the wedding website itself.
6 to 9 months till the wedding day
Order that stationary
This is the ideal time to pick out all of your wedding stationary. Whether you’re following a theme or playing around a customized note, the choice is all yours. But remember, invites especially are the world’s first glimpse of your occasion. Hence, make it memorable.
Finalize your florist
With 6 months left for the big day, flowers need bookings ASAP! From bouquets and centerpieces to the actual cake itself- weddings are incomplete without these luscious ornaments.
Hire your officiant
This totally depends on your wedding type and the exact route you plan on taking. If you’re planning the ceremony at a religious destination, get a hold of the clergy person. If there’s a justice involved for legal paperwork, speak to them before hand.
It’s time to let your bridesmaids shine
What better time to order bridesmaids gowns than now. Remember, this squad will be your closest alibi so make sure they shine.
Give that honeymoon a thought
For those who haven’t, honeymoon travels plans need to be decided ASAP. Figure out your location, travelling plans, and accommodation too.
4 to 6 months till the wedding day
It’s time to finalize food and entertainment
Not all celebration requires five course meals. You could easily have cocktail hour or an intimate style gathering. And for that, you need the menu and entertainment in place.
Say hello to dress fittings
The moment of truth is finally here. All those months of dieting will truly take course as you enter into your first fitting.
Plan out your rehearsal dinner
From booking spaces to getting a hold of dinner reservations, rehearsal dinners need to be sorted by now.
2 to 6 months to the wedding
Send out those invites
It’s common courtesy to send out wedding invites, at least 6 weeks in advance. This gives guests enough time to accommodate your event into their busy schedules.
Finalize your hairstylist alongside the makeup artist
With all eyes on the bride, it’s critical to get your hair and makeup sorted. And if possible, allow for trials before the big day so you know exactly what look you’d like.
2 months to the wedding day
Start purchasing gifts and also asking
Wedding favors need a little thinking and planning. What you choose to give should be memorable in more ways than one.
4 weeks to the big day
Take care of fine details
This is the time to write out wedding vows. It’s also important to print out programs, arrange seating, and also confirm all those who’ll toast and read at the event.
2 weeks to the big day
Confirm all of your details
From your entrance song to the exact shots in place, your vendors need to know everything. Don’t forget that final head count with your caterer too.
Practice those heels
As daunting as it sounds, ladies, you need to practice if you wish to shine on the biggest night of your lives.
Wedding week
Start your packing
It’s time to think like a true boy scout. And that means accumulating all essentials as gear for the big day. In particular, you dress, undergarments, jewels, any last minute gifts, and of course those vows too. Don’t forget to assign your bridesmaids to assemble an emergency bag filled with medicines, setting spray, makeup fixes, sewing kits, and deodorant.
One day before the big day
It’s final arrangements time
With the wedding day tomorrow, you need to do everything you can to relax and de-stress. Call up your girls for a manicure and pedicure, surrounding with massages, scented candles, and blissful tunes. A little mediation and breathing exercises helps too. Above all, get a good night’s sleep.
Wedding day
Take care, get technical, and ENJOY!
Hydrate yourself as much as possible. And don’t forget to eat a hearty breakfast as you’ll probably not have enough time for lunch or snacks in between. Don’t rush or stress, and remember to charge your phone. If possible, squeeze in some pre-ceremony shots too with loved ones.
With the right sequence in place, your wedding planning checklist can turn into the most relaxing affair. And we hope our expert guideline to wedding day success gives you everything you’ve longed for and more on your big day.
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