Unless you are a professional wedding planner or have an experienced friend to turn to for help, planning your wedding will likely be the biggest event you’ve ever planned (and paid for). There is so much to think about and do that it can feel daunting. But don’t panic! If you take it slow and steady, your day will be everything you dreamed of and more.
The first step in any successful planning journey is establishing what’s most important to you and your partner. It’s crucial to communicate this clearly so that you can remain aligned throughout the process and avoid any conflicts or disagreements that may arise.
As the date approaches, it’s a good idea to start booking some of your major vendors. This will allow you to get a better idea of your budget, which will in turn guide decisions about guest lists, venues and other details. It also ensures that your preferred vendors are available on the dates you want.
Ideally, by the time you send out invitations, you’ll have a definitive headcount and can start working on tasks like creating a seating chart. If not, don’t hesitate to reach out to any guests that haven’t RSVP’d to let them know the latest information and extend the invite if necessary.
Once you’ve locked down your venue, date and vendors, it’s a good idea to create a timeline that you can share with your wedding party and family so they can be as involved in the planning process as possible, without adding any unnecessary stress to their lives. Whether they’re assisting with dress shopping, helping select favors or creating the welcome sign for your wedding, their efforts will make a big difference on your day!
A lot of smaller details can be overlooked, but they can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For this reason, we recommend that you prioritize the following:
It’s a good idea to finalize and publish your wedding website by now so your guests have all of the key information they need. This should include a clear breakdown of your payment schedule, a link to your gift registry (if you choose to use one), transportation and lodging options and any other relevant information that you might not have room for on your invitations.
This is also a good time to ask your parents to cover any out of town travel costs and/or hotel rooms for any guests they’d like to host. This will save you some money in the long run and will ensure that your loved ones have a seamless experience on your wedding day.