Planning your wedding décor, flowers, attire, dance, menus and vows can seem overwhelming. It’s a lot of work for one day, but it’s well worth it. You’ll cherish the memories for years and reminisce about your big day each anniversary. One of the best parts is the planning — you and your partner spend months choosing flowers and menus and looking forward to that golden-hour photo op.
While this process might seem overwhelming, there are many ways to make the experience hassle-free and memorable. Maximize every moment with an organized timeline for wedding planning.
Planning a wedding can be enjoyable, especially when you know what to prioritize. You can cover all the necessary details with an organized checklist. Here’s an 18-month wedding planning timeline to help you get started.
Here are some initial items to check off 15 to 18 months before the big day.
Setting your budget is one of the most essential wedding planning steps. As a couple, decide how much you want to spend on your big day and set a limit. Be realistic and agree on a figure you’re both comfortable with. It should include the components you’ll pay for together and individually, plus any costs your families will cover. Once you’ve created a budget, you will have a reasonable idea of what you can afford for your venue, guests, wedding attire, vendors, décor and bridal party.
If you and your partner have your heart set on an extravagant celebration, a wedding coordinator can help you oversee your planning from start to finish. They use their professional experience to ease your workload. Some venues offer a wedding coordinator as part of the package, saving you money on individual costs.
Plus, an in-house coordinator will know the ins and outs of a venue and offer you some valuable suggestions and advice when planning a reception or ceremony.
Researching and picking your venue can help iron out your guest list size, wedding date and reception menu costs. Some wedding venues have maximum guest limits, while others might be flexible and cater to weddings of all sizes. Your location will determine your wedding date, whether you need to hire a caterer and if you exchange your vows indoors or outdoors.
It’ll also influence if guests must travel to your wedding and book accommodations. Finalizing your venue and date early is vital for communicating factors like hotel and transportation arrangements, save-the-date announcements and whether you’ll invite kids.
If you haven’t already decided on your wedding decor and theme, you’ll need to put together some inspirations. Research your reception and ceremony décor, flowers, color schemes and patterns. Your planning will take shape once you’ve picked your décor and design.
Here are the things to do 10 to 12 months before you tie the knot.
Creating your guest list can be challenging. Sit down together and decide whether you want an intimate or extravagant ceremony. Your budget will significantly influence this decision.
Buying your outfits well in advance can save you later, especially if you’re getting them custom-made. Start shopping for your attire or sending your designs to tailors. Leave yourself plenty of time to make any necessary alterations before your wedding.
If you haven’t already, secure your date and venue so you can send your save-the-date announcements and make specific arrangements for your décor and other items.
Some venues might require you to use an in-house celebrant, while others may be flexible. Once you have a marriage officiant, meet with them to start planning your ceremony. You’ll need to provide specific information and instructions if you want to write your vows or add unique elements to make your day more memorable.
Sit down together and start thinking about which friends or family members you’d like standing beside you on your special day. Once you know who these people are, you can start planning your bridal party proposal gifts.
Researching and securing vendors is crucial, as you want to hire a florist or photographer months before your wedding. Start getting recommendations and samples and read reviews to select and hire your florist, photographer, videographer, band or DJ.
If you’re going on a honeymoon, select and book a destination and accommodations months before your wedding. Then, you can head to the airport straight from your reception and treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation after 15 to 18 months of wedding prep.
Here are the details to finalize eight to nine months before your big day.
If your out-of-town guests need accommodations, start researching and securing hotel rooms and transportation to avoid anyone getting stranded without a room or ride before or after the celebration.
Many venues offer in-house catering, and you can work with the catering team to select your ideal menu. Set a date with your venue to taste and plan the dishes you’ll serve your guests.
Shopping for your wedding party’s attire together can help you align your outfits so the whole group pairs perfectly.
Your save-the-dates can be a short and sweet message, letting people know to clear their schedule and keep the day open for your wedding. Send them out eight to nine months beforehand to give people enough notice.
Things to do four to seven months before your wedding:
Two to three months before your wedding:
One month before your wedding:
Here’s what to check off with a few weeks to go until forever:
Colonial Golf & Tennis Club offers more than a venue to say your vows — we provide comprehensive wedding packages. We understand the importance of smooth and efficient wedding planning. That’s why we offer a versatile venue to meet your needs.
Our in-house catering team can help you pick a menu that fits your wedding theme and season. We cater to big or small weddings and have an experienced, in-house wedding coordinator to oversee your timeline for planning a wedding. Let us help you get hitched without a hitch.
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