Wedding Planning Checklist — 12 months out
July 15, 2008
So, you just got engaged…Congratulations! Now what do you do?! You need a wedding planning checklist.
Many brides come to me wondering how to get started with their wedding planning. First, and foremost you will want to get a reception hall - these book up a year, sometimes two years in advance.
There are a few baby steps to get to this point: you will want to decide on a budget and pick some dates and times for your big day. The budget is always important because this helps keep you on track. Don’t worry so much if you go over or under in some areas what matters is the final amount. For example, if you choose to have a $15,000 wedding make sure you come within $100 below or above this amount.
Be very careful when picking people to be in your bridal party. Make sure they are people you can count on even if they do not have any responsibilities. It is best to pick people with your best interest at heart.
I love the idea of a web page to keep your family and friends informed of the big day. It is a great way to tell a lot of people an immeasurable amount of information; from the smallest detail, like time changes to where you are registered, expected attire and the ability to share stories of the planning process.
Below is the beginning of my 12 month wedding planning checklist to help get you started.
Good Luck and Happy Wedding Planning!
12+ Months Before Your Wedding (or ASAP)
- Take a Deep Breath and get ready to inform your friends and family with the big news. Parents of the bride traditionally come first.
- Envision your overall wedding. (Use Uniquely You’s Favorite Things List.)
- Figure out your wedding budget.
- Pick several different dates and times.
- Choose bridal party members. (Choose Wisely!)
- Hire your wedding consultant.
- Decided on your wedding size and start drawing up the initial guest list.
- Start researching ceremony and reception sites.
- Book any vendors you have already decided upon or are completely focused on-after you make sure they suite your budget.
- If the priest, minister, or rabbi at a house of worship isn’t marrying you, choose and book an officiant.
- Make a Web Page to announce your wedding (optional).
- Have an engagement party (optional). (You may want to register for gifts beforehand.)
- Book your reception venue.
- Create a scrap book of ideas and pictures you found in magazines and books.
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