So, how do you avoid that? What is the best way to plan a wedding? Well, we have the answers to your questions. The best way to go forward is to prepare a wedding planning checklist. This article is your ultimate BFF who will take away your stress and give you a proper wedding planning checklist and timeline. So stop worrying and start reading! P.S: Get a pen and paper to jot down things or just bookmark the article. Hence, by planning in advance, you can break down the whole process into bite-size pieces. This will ensure you will complete each task in peace.
What Should Be Included In Your Wedding Planning Checklist?
Professionals suggest you begin chalking out the wedding planning checklist at least 12 to 16 months in advance. You may think it’s too early, but honestly, it’s not. Read the checklist and you’ll know why:
6 To 12 Months Before The Wedding
1. Set The Budget
Plan a budget once the wedding date is finalized. This will ensure the whole wedding process does not burn a hole in your pocket. Break down the essential expenses and decide on the final budget.
2. Prepare Guest List
Sit down with the partner or parents and decide whom to invite. This will also help decide the venue and other catering-related expenses.
3. Choose A Venue
Once you know the budget and guest count, it’s time to find a venue. If you have a special venue in mind, planning at least 10 to 11 months in advance can help.
4. Book The Caterer
Wedding venues usually offer catering. If that is not happening, you must get your own caterer. You can even ask your relatives or friends for references.
5. Try Hiring A Wedding Planner
If you have a good budget and don’t want stress, hire a wedding planner. They will take care of your wedding planning checklist – right from booking the venue to selecting the bridal makeup artists. But again, you have to hire them in advance. The wedding planner will help you send ‘Save the Dates’ cards to guests along with the appointments of a professional photographer and a florist.
3 To 5 Months Before The Wedding
6. The Invitation Selection
This is the time to decide whether you want a traditional invitation or wish to bring a twist with a video wedding invitation. Talk to the partner and get something designed that matches your vibe.
7. Hire A Photographer And A Videographer
You just cannot miss this step to capture D-day perfectly! Hire an experienced professional photographer about 6-12 months in advance and a videographer before 3-5 months of the D-day. Moreover, if you want an engagement pre-wedding shoot, take the step for that too.
8. Entertainment Preparations
Good music and entertainment – this combination can bring life to your wedding. You can book DJs or a band if you want. You can also book dance performers to impress your guests!
9. Find A Makeup Artist
You just cannot afford to skip or delay makeup artists as the best ones get booked so fast. We suggest you buy a whole package where they also include a trial bridal or groom package too.
10. Honeymoon Planning?
We are sure the honeymoon was on your mind when you were planning your wedding checklist. But if it wasn’t, hurry up. Check the destinations and prepare an itinerary. If possible, go ahead and book it.
11. Start The Shopping Spree
From the wedding dress to jewelry, indulge in buying everything you have on your shopping list. The process will take a lot of time and patience – and that is why you need at least 3 months. This also helps you grab the best discounts and try all options before it’s too late. Tip: Get your friends who know all about fashion and bargaining. They can be of great help.
12. Book Guest Accommodation
With just 3 months to go, we are sure you will have the final guest list ready. So, you should also plan on their accommodation and transportation, especially for those coming from other cities. The transportation plan may also include traveling back and forth from the venue to the hotel block during the event days.
2 Months Before The Wedding
13. Invite People
This is the best time to finally send out the wedding invitation and tick off an important task from your wedding planning checklist. You can also mail or WhatsApp the invitation.
14. Schedule The Pre-Wedding Shoot
With most of the tasks done, you can now plan for a pre-wedding shoot. If you are planning for a destination pre-wedding, you still have a lot of time. Also, if you haven’t prepared invitations yet, you can use your pre-wedding pictures or videos for a stunning and personalized invitation.
15. Plan The Bachelorette
Before getting hitched, one must plan a bachelorette. Go Bollywood style and get your besties on a trip! After all, you will not remain single for long.
16. Book A Wedding Officiant
This is one of the simplest yet extremely crucial tasks of any wedding planning checklist. Based on the type of wedding you want, hire a wedding officiant. If you don’t have any references, you can book one online too.
1 Month Before The Wedding
17. Do A Follow Up
Just to be on the safe side, call up the wedding venue management, florists, DJ, makeup artists, and the other people you have hired to just confirm if everything is all set for the wedding day.
18. Get A Choreographer
To make sure your moves during wedding performances are the best, get a choreographer and start practicing! If you are following a smaller wedding planning checklist, you also can get your relative or friend who is the rockstar of your group and ask them to choreograph.
19. Try The Wedding Outfits
Even when you have bought the dresses quite early, there’s no harm in trying them out and see if they need any alteration at all. In case there is any trouble, you still have a month.
2 Weeks Before The Wedding
20. Follow Up With The Guests
To make sure there are no last-minute emergencies or cancellations, prepare a final guest list. You can then work on how to make their stay comfortable and fun.
21. Grooming Time!
Makeup on the D-day is not enough. To feel and look special, the bride and groom should start self-care and pampering soon. Get a haircut or a facial or waxing. It’s your wedding, so make sure you enjoy all sorts of grooming!
1 Week Before The Wedding
22. Lay Out The Wedding Outfits
To be 100% sure of your wedding outfits, check them again. Also, don’t forget to get them ironed and conditioned.
23. Prepare The Payment Receipts
Wedding is just right around the corner, so it may be the right time to check your expenditure. Prepare a spreadsheet and a folder where you can keep all the payment receipts or bills. Trust us, clear calculations are going to be of great help in preparing gratuities for vendors per day.
Best Tips For Preparing A Wedding Planning Checklist
While we have covered a lot, it doesn’t hurt to share a few more trips and ticks. Check them out.
When planning a wedding date or choosing a venue, keep the weather and climate in mind. You don’t want to book an outdoor venue during the rainy season. Take advantage of all the deals and rewards on your credit card to accumulate bonus points and save your bucks. Don’t invite unnecessary guests. That can be expensive and troublesome. So, trim your guest list. Be ready for rejections as things can go haywire during weddings. Always have a plan B, even when it comes to the venue or the wedding officiant. Understand the legalities of getting married since you would want an official wedding.
What is a realistic budget for a wedding? The average wedding budget is around $28,000, and may have increased a bit post-COVID. What should you not forget on your wedding day? Your wedding ring is the most important thing that you should bring on your wedding day. Make sure you do not forget it, along with your marriage license.
