I remember when I first got engaged… The happiness! The excitement! The… overwhelming panic about planning a wedding. Where was I supposed to start? If you’re feeling lost in a sea of Pinterest boards and flower arrangements, like I was don’t worry. This guide will walk you through the essentials of wedding planning, from 18 months before your big day all the way to your honeymoon. Let’s do this!
Your Wedding Planning Checklist
Click below for our downloadable PDF checklist. Print this and keep it in your planning area (I was without a dining room table for a year lol).
The Big Picture | 12-18 Months Before
First things first: breathe. You’ve got this! Here’s what to focus on early…
- Make a guest list
- Book your venue
- Pick a theme and style
- Choose your bridal party
- Hire a photographer
- Book a band or DJ
- Go wedding dress shopping
Making a guest list might seem easy, but trust me, it can get tricky. Do you invite your third cousin twice removed? What about your college roommate you haven’t spoken to in years? My advice is to start with the must-haves and work from there.
As for the dress… oh, the dress! I tried on what felt like a million gowns before I found “the one.” It’s okay if you don’t cry when you find it – I didn’t. But when I put on that dress, I just knew.
Getting Organized | 9 Months Before
Now that the big stuff is sorted, it’s time to get into the details…
- Choose a caterer
- Pick bridal party outfits
- Book a florist
- Arrange rentals
- Order invitations
- Create a wedding website
Food can make or break a wedding. I once went to a wedding where they served mini tacos and it was the talk of the town for weeks! Don’t be afraid to get creative with your menu. I also recommend choosing a venue like The Loft that offers onsite catering services for peace of mind.
When it comes to flowers, remember that seasons matter. I wanted peonies for my June wedding, not realizing they’re typically only available in May. Oops! Learn from my mistake and chat with your florist about what’s in season.
The Nitty-Gritty | 6 Months Before
Time’s flying by! Here’s what to tackle next…
- Book your honeymoon
- Plan bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Send invitations
- Order the wedding cake
- Start thinking about decor
Booking the honeymoon was my favorite part of wedding planning. After all the stress, you get to daydream about beaches and adventure! While this might age me… I’d recommend using a travel agent if you’re not a frequent trip-planner. They can often snag you great deals and upgrades.
As for the cake, don’t feel pressured to go traditional. I went to a wedding where they had a tower of donuts instead of a cake. It was a hit!
The Home Stretch | 3-5 Months Before
You’re in the final countdown now…
- Create a seating chart
- Order guest favors
- Choose an officiant
- Do a hair and makeup trial
- Book transport if needed
- Make your wedding playlist
The seating chart can be a puzzle, but here’s a trick I learned: use sticky notes on a big board. It makes it easy to move people around until you find the perfect arrangement.
For favors, think useful and meaningful. I gave out little bottles of locally made olive oil – guests loved them and actually used them!
One Month to Go!
Deep breaths. You’re almost there…
- Have your final dress fitting
- Pick up your marriage license
- Write your vows
- Finalize your guest count
Writing vows can be scary, but it’s so worth it. I practiced mine in front of my dog until I could say them without crying (or until my dog fell asleep – whichever came first).
The Week of the Wedding
It’s here! This week, focus on…
- Practicing your vows
- Getting a mani-pedi
- Treating yourself to a facial and massage
- Having your final hair appointment
This is your time to relax and pamper yourself. You’ve earned it!
After the Big Day
Congratulations, you did it! Now…
- Send thank you notes
- Share photos
- Relax and enjoy your honeymoon! <3
Wedding Style Quiz
Not sure what style fits you best? Take this quick quiz!
- Your ideal date night is…
- a) A fancy dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
- b) A picnic in the park
- c) Dancing the night away at a club
- d) Cozying up with Netflix and takeout
- Your favorite season is…
- a) Winter
- b) Spring
- c) Summer
- d) Fall
- If you could travel anywhere, you’d pick…
- a) Paris
- b) Bali
- c) Las Vegas
- d) A cozy cabin in the woods
- Your go-to outfit is…
- a) Tailored and classic
- b) Flowy and bohemian
- c) Bold and trendy
- d) Comfy and casual
- Your dream home decor style is…
- a) Modern minimalist
- b) Rustic farmhouse
- c) Eclectic and colorful
- d) Cottagecore
Now, tally up your answers…
Mostly A’s – Classic Elegance – You’re all about timeless sophistication. Think white tie affairs, minimalist decor, and champagne towers.
Mostly B’s – Rustic Romance – You love the outdoors and all things natural. A barn wedding or garden party would be perfect for you.
Mostly C’s – Party Central – Your wedding is going to be the event of the year! Consider a large tented wedding with a big dance floor and a super niche, unique theme that reflects your shared interests.
Mostly D’s – Intimate Affair – You value close connections and comfort. A small indoor wedding or cozy restaurant reception might be your style.
Use this as a starting point to discuss your vision with your partner. And don’t be afraid to mix and match styles to create something uniquely you. I took a similar quiz when I was planning my wedding. It suggested a rustic theme, which I never would have considered before, but it actually ended up being perfect for us!
You’ve Got This!
Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love. Don’t get so caught up in the details that you forget to enjoy the journey. So take a deep breath, grab your planner, and let’s make your wedding dreams come true. Happy planning!
