Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when you're trying to balance your vision for a chic, stylish, and unique celebration with the practical realities of time and budget constraints. To help alleviate some of this stress, I've put together a comprehensive wedding planning checklist that is both helpful and accurate in terms of timeframes and when certain tasks should be done.
Before diving into the checklist, it's important to note that every wedding is unique, and timelines and priorities will vary depending on a multitude of factors such as wedding size, location, and personal preferences. Use this checklist as a guide and modify it to suit your specific needs.
Without further ado, let's get started!
12-18 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING:
- Set your wedding budget and determine your guest list.
- Choose your wedding date and book your venue.
- Hire a wedding planner (optional but highly recommended).
- Start researching and booking your wedding vendors, such as your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment.
- Begin shopping for your wedding dress and attire.
9-12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING:
- Finalize your guest list and send out save-the-date cards.
- Book your wedding officiant and start planning your ceremony.
- Choose your wedding party and ask them to be part of your special day.
- Order your wedding invitations and stationery.
- Plan your wedding decor and start sourcing rental items or working with a designer.
- Begin planning your honeymoon.
6-9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING:
- Schedule your engagement session with your photographer.
- Plan and book your wedding transportation.
- Start planning your rehearsal dinner.
- Begin working on your wedding website or app.
- Schedule your hair and makeup trial and book your wedding day beauty services.
- Register for gifts.
3-6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING:
- Finalize your wedding menu and cake design.
- Choose your wedding favors or welcome bags.
- Begin planning your wedding day timeline.
- Finalize your wedding day details, such as your ceremony readings, music, and vows.
- Book your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
1-3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING:
- Purchase your wedding rings.
- Finalize your seating chart and place cards.
- Schedule your final dress fitting and purchase your wedding day accessories.
- Confirm your wedding day details with all of your vendors.
- Obtain your marriage license.
- Finalize your wedding day timeline and share it with your vendors and wedding party.
1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING:
- Confirm all wedding day details and appointments with your vendors.
- Pack for your honeymoon and confirm all travel arrangements.
- Have a final meeting with your wedding planner and vendors.
ON YOUR WEDDING DAY:
- Relax and enjoy your special day! Let your wedding planner and vendors handle the details.
- Take a moment to soak in the love and joy of your wedding day.
I hope that this wedding planning checklist helps to alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty that can come with planning a wedding. Remember to prioritize what is most important to you and your partner, and always communicate openly with your wedding planner and vendors. With careful planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful and unique wedding celebration that will be remembered for a lifetime.
Congratulations on your recent engagement, this is such a special moment in your lives and I couldn't be happier for you and your partner. If you're on the hunt for a wedding photographer, let's connect! It would be an absolute honour to be a part of your big day and to capture all of the intimate and memorable moments for you to cherish forever. Don't hesitate to reach out - let's start planning your dream wedding photography experience together.
Warmly,
Chelsea
