Planning Your Dream Wedding: A Comprehensive Checklist
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey filled with joy, anticipation, and a bit of stress. To help you stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked, we've created a comprehensive wedding planning checklist. Follow these steps to make your big day unforgettable!
12-18 Months Before the Wedding:
1. Set Your Budget: Determine how much you can spend and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding.
2. Create a Guest List: Start drafting a list of guests to get an idea of the number of attendees.
3. Choose a Venue: Research and book the venue for your ceremony and reception. For info on booking at The Highgate Manor, click here.
4. Select a Date: Decide on a wedding date that works for you and your close family, as well as your venue.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner: If you need professional help, now is the time to hire a wedding planner.Some venues, like the Manor, handle a lot of planning for you. You can also check out Green Mountain Gatherings to plan your wedding!
9-12 Months Before the Wedding:
1. Send Save-the-Dates: Notify your guests to mark their calendars.
2. Book Vendors: Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. (Some suggestions for our area include Dragonfly Florals, MTS Entertainment, Portrait Gallery Photography, and Bakes By Emily.There are a lot more suggestions on our social media pages. Plus stay tuned for future wedding vendor shows and blog posts about local wedding themed businesses.
3. Shop for Attire: Begin shopping for your wedding dress, groom’s attire, and outfits for the bridal party. You can find great jewelry at Eaton’s Fine Jewelry, and great wedding gowns and tux’s at Divine Treasures.
4. Register for Gifts: Create a wedding registry for your guests.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding:
1. Plan the Ceremony: Decide on the order of events, readings, and music.
2. Order Invitations: Choose and order your wedding invitations.
3. Arrange Transportation: Book transportation for the wedding day.
4. Book Accommodations: Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding:
1. Send Invitations: Mail out your wedding invitations. Check out this article from The Knot on wedding invites.
2. Plan the Honeymoon: Book your honeymoon and ensure your passports are up to date.
3. Order Wedding Rings: Choose and order your wedding bands.
4. Finalize Menu: Confirm the menu with your caterer.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding:
1. Attend Dress Fittings: Go for final fittings for your wedding attire.
2. Create a Seating Chart: Plan where your guests will sit during the reception.
3. Finalize Details: Confirm all details with vendors and make any last-minute adjustments.
4. Write Vows: If you’re writing your own vows, start drafting them now.
1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding:
1. Confirm RSVPs: Follow up with any guests who haven’t responded.
2. Prepare Payments: Organize final payments for vendors and tips for service providers.
3. Pack for the Honeymoon: Start packing for your post-wedding getaway.
4. Relax and Enjoy: Take some time to relax and enjoy the moments leading up to your big day.
The Day Before the Wedding:
1. Rehearse: Attend the rehearsal dinner and go through the ceremony rehearsal.
2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Rest up for your special day!
Following this checklist will help you stay organized and reduce stress as you plan your wedding. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey and celebrate the love you share with your partner. Happy planning!
