Welcome to the roller-coaster ride of wedding planning! As exciting as it is, this journey is peppered with tasks that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But guess what? With a sprinkle of organization, a dash of planning, and a healthy dose of excitement, using a wedding planning checklist can be as much fun as the big day itself!

Short Summary

• Create your dream wedding with a budget, style & theme, timeline, and team!
• Assemble the perfect guest list and find an ideal venue to express yourselves.
• Enjoy every moment of the planning process, from designing stationery to capturing memories - let’s get excited for 2023 weddings!
• Get your wedding planning checklist!

Creating Your Wedding Budget

Embarking on your wedding planning journey begins with setting a budget. It’s the backbone of your entire wedding, dictating every decision, from the size of your guest list to the style of your wedding dress. The first task, therefore, is setting your budget, which should include all aspects of your wedding, from the grand venue to the wedding shoes you’ll be dancing in on your special day.

Involving all your wedding stakeholders - the people funding your wedding - at this stage is crucial. This includes not just you and your partner but also any additional family members who will contribute. Once you’ve established how much you’re willing to spend, it’s time to start tracking your expenses.

But how do you keep track of everything? A detailed spreadsheet is your best friend here, and Google Sheets is a fantastic tool for this purpose. Not only does it help keep track of spending, but it also makes it super convenient to adjust numbers along the way, including the cost of your wedding bands.

Choosing Your Wedding Style and Theme

Once your budget is in place, the next exciting stage is to decide on your wedding style and theme. This choice will mirror your personality, values, preferences, and the venue you select. From a garden-themed brunch wedding to a glitzy evening ballroom affair, the options are endless. But remember, your wedding should be a reflection of you as a couple, so choose a theme that resonates with your shared values and what is important to you.

So, where do you find inspiration for your wedding style and theme? The internet is awash with ideas. Wedding planners’ Instagram pages, especially those local to your wedding area, are a treasure trove of inspiration and information. You can also browse real wedding galleries to gather ideas and info from other couples just like you.

Once you’ve gathered inspiration, narrowed down a look, and chosen a color palette, start thinking about your overall design. This is when you take all those beautiful ideas and start making them a reality. From your wedding dress to your table decorations, every detail should reflect your chosen style and theme.

Building Your Wedding Planning Timeline

Now that you’ve decided on your style and theme, it’s time to create a personalized wedding planning timeline. An ideal timeline is 12 to 14 months, giving you ample time to plan your dream wedding. The first step? Celebrate your engaged status and then invest in a brand new wedding planning notebook to keep you on track and motivated.

Your wedding planning timeline should be comprehensive and detailed, with tasks broken down into manageable chunks. For example, 5-8 months before the wedding, you should start researching hair stylists, meeting with florists, and saying ‘yes’ to your wedding gown. Keeping track of all these tasks can seem daunting, but remember, staying organized from the beginning is essential for a stress-free planning process. Utilizing a wedding planning checklist can be a helpful tool in staying organized and on track.

As the big day approaches, your timeline will become more detailed. Don’t forget to confirm all RSVPs a week before giving the final headcount to the venue, and mail your invitations no later than six weeks before your wedding date.

Assembling Your Dream Wedding Team

Assembling your dream wedding team is a crucial step in bringing your wedding vision to life. This team includes vendors such as planners, photographers, caterers, and florists. Start by researching wedding vendors. Ask friends for recommendations, check out reviews online, and consider the vendors your venue or planner recommends. Once you’ve done your research, start compiling a list for outreach.

Your wedding planner is the captain of your wedding team. They will guide you in all decisions, from selecting a venue to tracking your budget and handling logistics. As for your caterers, hire people you trust to deliver. Whether it’s the venue’s in-house caterer, a recommended caterer, or even your favorite food truck, make sure they align with your vision and budget.

Don’t forget about the aesthetics. Your florist will play a huge role in bringing your wedding theme to life. Ask for a floral mock-up, which includes a sample of the wedding flowers, centerpiece, and bouquet. Once you’ve assembled your team, stay in touch with your vendors and confirm their availability for your wedding date.

Crafting the Perfect Guest List

Crafting the perfect guest list is an art. It’s a delicate balance of accommodating family wishes, maintaining your budget, and including all the people who mean the most to you. Start by considering your budget and venue capacity. If you’re having an intimate wedding at a small venue, your guest list will need to reflect that.

Once you’ve drafted your guest list, remember RSVPs are crucial. If physical RSVP cards are used, track them efficiently in a spreadsheet. A week before giving the final count to the venue, confirm all RSVPs. If any guests haven’t responded one to two weeks after your RSVP deadline, reach out with a polite phone call, email, or text.

Don’t forget about accommodation for out-of-town guests. Book hotel room blocks and consider providing transportation if necessary. This is especially important if you’re having a destination wedding or if the cost of transportation is $20 or more. Having family and friends stay together at one location allows them to truly relish their time together.

Selecting Your Ideal Wedding Venue

Selecting your ideal wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your wedding planning process. It sets the stage for your big day and can greatly impact your wedding theme and style. Begin by considering the type of venue that aligns with your vision, whether it’s a rustic barn, a modern city loft, or a grand hotel ballroom.

Before booking a venue, there are several factors to consider. Check if the venue can accommodate the number of guests you’re inviting and find out if they require you to use only their approved vendors. Once you’ve narrowed down your top contenders, plan to visit them in person. You might find that a venue looks different in person than it does in photos, and visiting in person allows you to gauge whether it feels right for you.

Finally, remember to book your venue well in advance to secure your desired date. Venues often get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season, so the earlier you book, the better. Once you’ve booked your venue, the fun part begins: planning how to transform the space into your dream wedding setting!

Designing Your Wedding Stationery

Your wedding stationery is an important part of your wedding planning process. Not only does it provide your guests with essential information, but it also gives them a glimpse into your wedding style and theme. Start with the ‘save-the-dates’, which should be sent out once you’ve secured your wedding date and venue. This allows your guests to mark their calendars and start making travel arrangements if necessary.

Next, design your formal wedding invitations. These should be ordered right away and should match the vibe of your wedding and express the couple. When designing your invitations, don’t forget to include important details like the date, time, and location of your ceremony and reception, along with information about the dress code and any other relevant details.

In addition to your ‘save-the-dates’ and invitations, consider other wedding stationery you may need, such as RSVP cards, menu cards, and programs. All of these pieces should feature a cohesive design that matches your wedding theme and style. Remember, your wedding stationery is the first taste of your wedding that your guests will get, so make it count!

Dressing the Wedding Party

Dressing the wedding party is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. It’s the moment when your wedding vision starts to come to life. Start by selecting attire for the couple, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other participants. Consider style, comfort, and budget when making your selections.

Once you’ve found the perfect wedding gown, dress, or suit, inquire about the fitting schedule and pricing for alterations. The first wedding dress fitting should happen 2-3 months after ordering, and the final alterations should be completed at least one month before the wedding. Remember, your wedding attire isn’t just about what you look like; it’s also about how you feel, so make sure everyone in your wedding party feels comfortable and confident.

Don’t forget about the groom and groomsmen. The focus should be on fit, function, and excitement. Whether they’re wearing classic tuxedos or laid-back suits, make sure the attire complements the wedding style and theme. And, of course, the wedding party isn’t complete without wedding party gifts. Consider giving meaningful gifts to show your appreciation for their support and love during this special time.

Planning the Wedding Ceremony

Planning the wedding ceremony is a deeply personal part of the wedding planning process. It’s where you’ll exchange vows and officially become a married couple, so it’s important to spend time carefully planning this part of the day. Start by choosing an officiant and obtaining your marriage license. If you’re not getting married in a religious institution, book an officiant who is available and aligns with your values.

Next, select readings for your ceremony. Consider both religious and non-religious options that reflect your values as a couple. This is also the perfect time to start writing your wedding vows. They should reflect your relationship and the promises you want to make to each other.

Finally, coordinate with musicians and other participants. Give your musicians your song selections, and make sure everyone knows their roles and timings. Remember, a well-rehearsed ceremony will ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

Organizing the Wedding Reception

Organizing the wedding reception and the rehearsal dinner is the part where you get to plan the party! This is where you and your guests will celebrate your marriage, so it’s important to make sure it’s a night to remember. Begin by finalizing your menu. Consider your budget, tastes, and timing when selecting your food and drink. And don’t forget the wedding cake! Arrange a cake tasting during the menu planning stage to ensure it’s exactly what you want.

Next, arrange your seating chart. This can be a challenging task as you’ll need to consider family dynamics, friendships, and potential conflicts. But remember, the goal is for everyone to have a good time, so place your guests where you think they’ll be happiest. Then book your entertainment. Whether you choose a live band or a DJ, make sure they align with your style and the atmosphere you want to create.

Finally, plan your personalized details and decor. This includes everything from table centerpieces to lighting. These details can transform your venue and make your wedding unique. Remember, your reception is a celebration of your marriage, so make sure it reflects your personality and style.

Capturing Your Wedding Memories

Capturing your wedding memories is a key part of your wedding day. After all the planning and preparation, your wedding will pass by in a blur of love, laughter, and celebration. To make sure you remember every moment, hire a professional photographer and videographer. Provide them with a short list of key moments you want to be captured, from the first look to the first dance.

In addition to professional photos and videos, consider additional ways to capture your wedding memories. Creating a hashtag for your wedding allows your guests to share their own photos and experiences from the day. You could also consider setting up a photo booth for your guests. This can be a fun activity for guests and provides additional memorable photos from your big day.

Remember, these memories are not just for you but also for your friends and family who shared this special day with you. So, make capturing your wedding memories a priority in your wedding planning.

Preparing for the Big Day

As your wedding day approaches, there are some final preparations to be made. First, finalize your wedding attire alterations. Whether it’s your wedding gown, suit, or bridesmaid's dresses, make sure everything fits perfectly. Also, give your wedding jewelry, including your wedding rings, a deep clean so they sparkle to their fullest potential on your big day.

Next, confirm all details with your vendors. This includes finalizing the wedding day schedule, confirming vendor arrival times, and ensuring all logistics are in place. You’ve done all the hard work of planning; now it’s time to entrust the day to the professionals you’ve hired.

Finally, practice self-care. This can include anything from a spa day to spending some quiet time alone. Remember, your wedding day is not just about the details and logistics. It’s a celebration of your love. Take the time to reflect, relax, and enjoy the moment.

The Wedding Day: Enjoying the Moment

The big day has finally arrived! After all the planning and preparation, it’s time to enjoy the moment. Your wedding day will be filled with love, joy, and lots of celebration leading up to the much-anticipated wedding night. Trust in your planning and know that you’ve done your best to create a beautiful day.

Delegate any last-minute tasks to your wedding team. This could be anything from managing vendors to coordinating the wedding party. Your job is to be present, relax, and enjoy the day.

And most importantly, focus on the love and joy of the occasion. Take the time to soak in the moment, look around at all the people who have come to celebrate with you, and create lasting memories with your new spouse. This is your day, so make sure you enjoy every moment.

Post-Wedding To-Do's

Once the wedding celebrations are over, there are still a few tasks to complete. Start by sending thank-you notes to your guests. It’s a nice gesture to express your gratitude for their presence and gifts. Then, review your vendors. Your feedback can be useful for other couples planning their wedding, and it’s a nice way to show your appreciation for the services provided.

Next, consider how you want to preserve your wedding keepsakes. From your wedding dress to the guest book, there are many ways to keep these mementos safe for years to come. And don’t forget about your photos and videos. Consider creating a digital photo album or even a wedding scrapbook to capture all the magical moments from your day.

Finally, plan your honeymoon if you haven’t already. Whether you’re jet-setting to a tropical location or opting for a cozy staycation, your honeymoon is a chance to relax and enjoy your first days as a married couple. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the start of your new life together.

Summary

Planning a wedding is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and love. From setting a budget to choosing a theme, from assembling your dream team to crafting the perfect guest list, each step is a crucial part of creating your dream wedding. And while the process may seem daunting at first, remember that the goal is to celebrate your love. So embrace the planning process, trust in your decisions, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be on the wedding planning list?

Exciting times ahead - make sure to choose bridal party attire and accessories, reserve ceremony and reception venues, book officiant, hire the photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ/band, florist, and planner, mail your Save the Dates, purchase a wedding dress, veil, and undergarments, and establish a fitness routine for your big day!

• Choose bridal party attire and accessories
  • dresses
  • suits
  • shoes
  • jewelry
• Reserve ceremony and reception venues
• Book an officiant
• Hire
  • photographer and videographer
  • caterer
  • DJ/band
  • florist
  • planner
• Mail your Save the Dates to your guests
• Purchase your wedding dress, veil, and undergarments
• Establish a fitness routine to look and feel your best on your big day.

What is the 5/30 rule wedding?

The 5/30 rule is a rule of thumb for weddings, as it accounts for tasks that usually take five minutes but will take thirty minutes on your wedding day and suggests that thirty minutes on the day will feel like five!

So get ready for your wedding day to fly by!

What are the steps to start planning a wedding?

Start your wedding planning by dreaming up the vision, setting a budget, and forming your wedding party, then make a guest list, find the perfect venue, and finally get a wedding planner or coordinator to help you.

Don’t forget to check out my free wedding planning checklist!

How do we choose a wedding style and theme?

Your wedding style and theme should reflect you both as a couple. Think about what values you both share, the impact of the venue, and what inspires you. With a little bit of thought, you’ll be able to find the perfect combination.

How can we ensure our wedding day goes smoothly?

Relax, delegate tasks, and trust in your planning- that’s the key to making sure your wedding day goes smoothly.

Enjoy every moment of the day and focus on the love and joy that it brings!