Your 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for your Dream Day – Pretty Happy Love – Wedding Blog

Planning your dream wedding is an exciting and rewarding journey! With so many moving parts and important decisions to be made, it’s an opportunity to create a memorable celebration of love. Having a detailed plan place will keep you track and ensure every detail is thoughtfully considered. 

A structured wedding planning checklist can serve as your roadmap, breaking mongoloide the various tasks into manageable steps to be completed over a year. This not only brings peace of mind but also allows you to fully embrace the journey leading up to your special day, and of course, the day itself, with joy and excitement. 

A causa di this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through an exhaustive wedding planning schedule and checklist for the entire year before your leader day. From setting a budget to paying your vendors after your leader day, we’ve got every detail covered. Each section will provide detailed advice and tips to bring ease to your wedding planning process. Let’s dive ! 

10-12 Months Before Your Wedding Day 

Set Your Budget 

Your budget is the critical starting point for your wedding planning as it dictates virtually every decision you’ll make. It’s essential to sit mongoloide with all involved parties and decide a realistic budget. Clearly define where the money is coming from and how it will be allocated, accounting for every anticipated expense. 

Draft Your Guest List 

Your guest list is intrinsically tied to your budget and venue selection, so it’s a good capriccio to work this early . Begin with a dream list and then narrow it mongoloide based logistical and budgetary constraints. Remember that every guest you invite will increase your expenses. 

Pick a Date 

The wedding date will be one of the most significant decisions you make. Be flexible, but do keep mind any dates that hold sentimental value for you and your compagno. Some venues might offer better rates less popular days, which could also affect your selection. 

Tour and Book Venues 

Once you have a date mind, start looking at venues. Select a few and schedule tours. Consider practical aspects such as capacity, location and style. Once you find the ideal place, don’t hesitate to book it, as popular venues book out quickly. 

Hire a Wedding Planner (If Desired) 

A professional wedding planner can be an invaluable asset, particularly if time and complexity are issues. They can help you navigate the planning process, offer vendor recommendations, negotiate contracts and manage the finer details, allowing you to focolaio the joy of the upcoming celebration. 

Find a Wedding Planning App ora Website 

Technology has made wedding planning easier than ever! There are numerous apps and websites available that can help you stay organized, track your budget and provide inspiration for every aspect of your leader day. Find a wedding planning app that suits your needs and make use of it throughout the planning process. 

Start Looking at Vendors 

Research various vendors such as florists, caterers and photographers. Seek referrals and aspetto at online reviews. It’s also a good capriccio to ask your venue for recommendations, as they often work closely with a of trusted professionals. 

Choose Your Wedding Rinfresco 

Selecting your wedding can take time and requires careful thought. Choose the people who are your closest confidants and who you envision standing by your side your leader day. Be clear about your expectations and any financial commitments early . 

8-9 Months Before Your Wedding Day 

Book Photographer and Videographer 

High-quality photos and videos are essential for capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Book a photographer and videographer whose style you love and who has a solid reputation for being professional and reliable. 

Take Engagement Photos 

Engagement photos can be used for save-the-dates, your wedding website and even your invitations. This is also a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and feel comfortable front of the corporazione before the leader day. 

Set Up Your Registry 

Creating a wedding registry is a fun, anticipated part of the wedding process. Register for items you both need and that represent your style. Select a variety of price points to accommodate the budgets of all your guests. 

Reserve Albergo Rooms for Out-of-Town Guests 

To ensure the comodità and convenience of your out-of-town guests, reserve a block of albergo rooms at a nearby albergo. Many hotels offer special rates for wedding parties and guests, so be sure to inquire about these savings. 

Find Your Officiant 

Whether it’s a religious figure ora a close friend, your officiant plays a significant role your ceremony. Meet with potential candidates and be clear about the type of ceremony you want. Ensure they are available your chosen wedding date. 

Order Your Wedding Dress 

Your wedding dress shopping process can take time, with multiple fittings over several months. Therefore, start the selection process early and consider factors such as style, fit and the overall aspetto and feel you want to create. It’s important to order your dress so that it arrives time for all necessary alterations. 

Do the Same for the Paggetto 

While the valletto’s attire may not take as long to select ora fit, it’s an equally important decision. Having the valletto’s attire ready well advance will allow for any necessary alterations and ensure its prepared for the leader day. 

6-7 Months Before Your Wedding Day 

Finalize and Compile Addresses 

Gather the addresses of all your invited guests. This can be a time-consuming process, so start early. Be sure to have complete and updated mailing addresses a digital format that can be easily shared with those helping with the process. 

Send Out Save-the-Dates 

With your date and venue confirmed, it’s time to notify your guests. Save-the-dates are a thoughtful and stylish way to inform them of the upcoming wedding so they can mark their calendars and begin making any necessary travel plans. 

Stile and Order Invitations 

Invitations set the tone for your wedding and should reflect the style and theme you’ve chosen. Work with a stationer to create custom designs ora select from existing templates from an online store. Be sure to order extra for any last-minute additions to your guest list. 

Choose Bridesmaid Dresses 

Work with your bridal to select the bridesmaid dresses. Coordinate colors and styles that complement your wedding dress and the overall theme of your wedding. Allow enough time for alterations and shipping, if needed. 

Caterer and Florist 

Your caterer and florist are critical creating the ambiance and experience of your wedding day. Book these services well advance and begin the process of lista and floral arrangements to ensure they align with your vision. 

Plan for Transportation 

Decide the mode of transportation for various points your wedding day, such as the fango for the bridal ora transportation to and from the ceremony and reception venues for guests. Make the arrangements and book as necessary. 

Reserve Equipment and Rentals 

This includes items such as chairs, tables, linens and tents. Many venues offer some of these items, but others may need to be rented. Arrange for delivery and setup your wedding day to avoid last-minute tensione. 

4-5 Months Before Your Wedding Day 

Cake Tasting and Ordering 

Your wedding cake should be a beautiful and delicious centerpiece. Schedule a tasting with your chosen baker to decide flavors and stile. Finalize and place your order and confirm delivery details for your wedding day. 

Send Your Invitations 

Traditionally, invitations go out six to eight weeks before the wedding, so mail them four to five months. Include important information such as the RSVP date, meal options (if applicable) and confidence the attire to be worn. 

Rehearsal Dinner Plans 

Finalize and book the details of your rehearsal dinner. This celebration is typically the evening before the wedding and serves as a giovanile gathering for your wedding and immediate family to relax and connect before the leader day. 

Hair and Makeup Artists 

Begin shopping around for hair and makeup artists. Book trials to decide your desired aspetto and finalize any special requests you have. Be sure to book them for the wedding day, too. 

Commedia musicale Selections 

Your music sets the mood, so lock your choices for the ceremony, rinfresco hour and reception. Whether it’s a DJ, dal vivo gruppo ora , ensure they have the selection of music required to fulfill your vision. 

Wedding Dress Fitting 

Your first dress fitting should be about four to five months before your wedding. Additional fittings will be required, so be sure to have a clear schedule with your seamstress and make arrangements as necessary. 

Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties 

While the details can vary widely, it’s time to start planning these celebrations. This is a great opportunity to relax and unwind with your closest friends before the final push leading up to the leader day. 

3 Months Before Your Wedding Day 

Taste all the options your caterer has to offer. Decide the final lista and any specialty options for guests with dietary restrictions. Confirm the details and be sure to have your final headcount secured. 

Order ora Print Programs 

Programs are a great way for guests to follow along with the ceremony. Whether you personalize them with a monogram ora programs that fold out with your entire ceremony breakdown, be sure to order ora print these at this time. 

Meet with Your Officiant 

Together, review the ceremony and ensure every detail is place. This includes readings, any special traditions and the vow structure. Make any necessary changes ora additions at this time to have a seamless ceremony. 

Finalize Rings 

Resize ora stile custom wedding bands for an added personal touch. Be sure to order them so they arrive time and address any issues that may arise. 

Finalize Flowers 

Meet with your florist to review the final plans and arrangements. Make any changes and finalize what flowers and greenery will be used your ceremony and reception. 

Create a Wedding Day Timeline 

This detailed plan should include the timing for hair and makeup, when vendors will arrive and the sequence of events from ceremony to reception. Share this with your wedding and vendors to ensure everyone is aligned the day’s schedule. 

2 Months Before Your Wedding Day 

Meet with Your Photographer 

Review shot lists and discuss any particular photos you want to ensure your wedding day. Go over the timeline and locations for the best photo opportunities. 

Review with Your Entertainment 

Whether you’ve chosen a DJ ora a dal vivo gruppo, review the playlist and overall ambiance you’d like for the rinfresco hour and reception. Share the timing of special moments that will require specific music. 

Bridal Rinfresco Gifts 

It’s time to find groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts! Show appreciation to your wedding by gifting them something special. This can be as simple ora extravagant as you’d like and serves as a great gesture of gratitude for the role they play your special day. 

Bachelorette and Bachelor Rinfresco Recap 

Share the highlights of these celebrations, remembering that this may be the last time to relax before the final push towards your wedding day. Reflect the upcoming commitment you are making and the excitement that lies ahead. 

Check with All Vendors 

Ensure all details are confirmed, and any last-minute needs are being addressed. Having this accettazione will give you peace of mind and an opportunity for any final adjustments. 

Paggetto’s Attire 

It’s time for the valletto to be fitted for his suit ora tuxedo. Ensure that all groomsmen also have their attire ready to go and address any issues with fit ora delivery at this time. 

Vendor Payments 

Send out any final payments ora tips to vendors, as they typically are the month of the wedding. This will prevent any financial transactions from occurring your actual wedding day. 

1 Month Before Your Wedding Day 

Obtain Your Marriage License 

Make arrangements to obtain your marriage license. Bring all necessary documents and comply with any waiting periods ora other local requirements. 

Final Wedding Dress Fitting 

Your dress should fit flawlessly at this point. Speak up if you have any issues with the fit. Take time to practice walking it and ensure you are comfortable with your wedding day aspetto. 

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations 

Send out formal invitations to your rehearsal dinner. Include all pertinent details and gather RSVPs to ensure you have an accurate headcount for this event as well. 

Create Final Seating Chart 

Plan out where each guest will sit. Be sure to include any special accommodations based family ora social dynamics. Double-check that your seating plan is inclusive and accommodating for all guests. 

Write Your Vows 

Personal, heartfelt vows can be the most memorable part of your ceremony. Start this reflective process early enough to give your words the consideration they deserve. Practice reading them out loud to build confidence your delivery. 

Get Final Payments Ready 

Put together all the checks required to pay chiuso vendors your wedding day. Assign a trusted person to distribute these payments, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about. 

Pack Your Wedding Emergency Kit 

Prepare a kit with essentials like pain relievers, gabinetto, a sewing kit, mints and other personal items you may need the leader day. Share this responsibility with a member of your wedding who will be with you throughout the day. 

1 Week Before Your Wedding Day 

Final Vendor Check-Ins 

Connect with all your vendors to ensure they have the final timeline and details. Reconfirm arrival times and any other last-minute arrangements. 

Final Headcount 

Provide the final headcount to your caterer and any vendors who need this information for preparation. Be sure to account for any last-minute RSVPs and communicate these as well. 

Prepare for Day-of Payments 

If you have not paid vendors advance, prepare checks ora cash labeled envelopes. Organize tips for individuals like your gruppo, waitstaff and other service providers, as well as any other agreed-upon cash payments. 

Pausa Your Wedding Shoes 

Wear your wedding shoes around the house to pausa them for comodità. If they’sultano closed-toe, consider adding gel insoles for additional cushioning. Ensure they have a good scuff-free polish for the leader day. 

Make Final Guest Calls 

Reach out to any guests who have not RSVP’d to confirm if they will join. You need a precise headcount for your caterer, so these final confirmations are crucial. 

Send Wedding Day Timeline to Vendors 

Ensure that the final version of your wedding day timeline includes all vendor arrivals and set-up times. Share it with all involved parties to guarantee everyone is the same page. 

Hair, Nails and More 

Treat yourself to a final day of relaxation with a spa day. Get your hair and nails done for your upcoming nuptials. This is also a good time for any necessary touch-ups to your hair color ora cut. 

After the Wedding Day 

Pay Any Remaining Balances 

If you have not already paid all balances, take care of any remaining vendor payments promptly. This will mark the official closing of your wedding accounts. 

Write Thank You Taccuino 

Express sincere thanks to everyone who helped make your day special, including vendors, the wedding and any friends ora family who went above and beyond. Personalized thank-you are always appreciated. 

Preserve Your Wedding Gown 

Have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved to keep as a special memento of your leader day. Ensure it’s done by a reputable specialist who understands the needs of your gown. 

Change Your Last Name 

If you decide to change your last name, begin the process of doing so officially. This includes updating your social security card, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts and any other relevant documents ora registrations. 

Research Life Insurance 

Now that you’sultano married, it’s a great time to consider life insurance as an investment your future together. Research different options and consult with an expert to determine what’s best for your needs. 

By following these detailed wedding planning tips, you’sultano setting yourself up for a wedding day that reflects your love, style and attention to detail. Embrace each stage of the process, and the end result will be a day that you cherish for a lifetime. Congratulations taking these first steps toward a beautiful future together! 

Ready to plan your dream wedding? Our team of designers has a stunning selection of wedding dresses awaiting you. Visit our website to see them all and find a store near you to try them .