Everyone has their dream wedding in mind—wearing a wedding dress or a smart tuxedo, engaging with the “first dance”, and leaving for the honeymoon in a beautiful vintage car. However, planning for a special occasion like a wedding is not as easy as planning for a children’s party. There are a lot of big and small things you don’t think matter but are—surprise—immensely important.
This post may be useful for you as it can help you condense your wedding planning in a timeline.
14 to 12 Months Before the Wedding
More often, wedding preparations and plans are made a year before the wedding. During these times, you should be able to collect different designs as an inspiration. You can do this by looking through bridal magazines and browsing different lifestyle and fashion sites.
This is also the time to determine your working budget based on you and your families’ contributions. Also, take this time to pick who’s going to be part of this important celebration. It will be beneficial to create a headcount spreadsheet. You can use it throughout the entire planning process. Include the addresses, contact information, gifts, RSVPs, and other important information in the spreadsheet.
If necessary, you can also hire a planner and event production services to help you with all the programs and event organizing tasks at the wedding.
Use this time to book your venue and decide on the specific wedding date. It’s also a great time to look and hire event professionals like a caterer, videographer, photographer, florist, band, and other wedding vendors. If you have a wedding planner, it’s best to ask for suggestions and recommendations because they most likely have connections with these vendors.
9 Months Before the Wedding
Nine months before your wedding, you should determine the menu of the food and drinks that will be served in the reception. This is the perfect time to pick and purchase your preferred wedding outfit. You can do the veil shopping four to six months before the wedding.
Also, use this time to reserve hotel rooms if you have guests from out of town. It is also the perfect time to canvass gifts and giveaways. You can look for different retailers that offer packages that suit your budget.
6-7 Months Before the Wedding
During this time, you can select and buy invitations. You can also plan for the honeymoon this early. Check your passports to know if it’s up-to-date. See if you have scheduled doctor’s appointments and if you need additional flu shots. This is also the best time to shop for the dresses that your bridesmaids will wear.
4-5 Months Before the Wedding
At this time, you can check the wedding invitations, look and book the venue for the rehearsal and dinner, and test and order the wedding cakes.
Also, use this time to start fitting the outfits for the wedding. It’s also the perfect time to schedule hair and makeup artists.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding
Since the wedding is drawing near, you need to finalize the order of the ceremony and reception. It’s now time to buy wedding rings and send your schedule to all the vendors. It’s also the time to send out the invitations.
A month before the wedding, make sure you already have your marriage license. Make the last fitting with your tailor.
The Week of the Wedding
During the wedding week, it would be best to reconfirm the arrival time with your vendors. Also, check everything with your wedding planner. This time, you should be relaxing and getting ready for the big day.
Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Make sure you’re planning it the right way by sticking to these easy-to-follow guidelines.
