Wedding Planning Countdown: The Ultimate Guide
Are you overwhelmed by the thought of wedding planning? You’re not alone! Planning a wedding can be a huge undertaking, but with the right plan and timeline, it doesn’t have to be stressful. This guide is here to help you keep track of all your wedding planning tasks and make sure everything is taken care of in a timely manner.
Read on to get started with your wedding planning countdown!
12 Months Before
As the countdown to your big day begins, it’s important to stay organised and focused on the details of your wedding. Here are some essential tasks you should begin 12 months before your wedding:
Set your budget: This will be the foundation of your entire wedding planning process. Determine how much you can afford to spend and decide which elements are most important to you.
Choose a venue: Start searching for the perfect location and book it as soon as possible. Consider factors such as size, style, amenities, cost, and availability.
Select a date: This should be done before sending out save-the-date cards.
Start researching suppliers: Look into photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, bakers, bands/DJs and of course your wedding magician and host for your reception. Research their availability and pricing before signing any contracts.
Begin assembling your wedding party: Make sure to give your bridal party plenty of time to prepare for the special day. Give them plenty of time to order gowns/suits, book travel arrangements, and reserve hotel rooms.
Begin planning honeymoon: Start researching possible destinations and consider what type of experience you want to have. Book flights and hotel accommodations as soon as possible.
By completing these tasks 12 months in advance, you’ll be able to enjoy your wedding planning process with less stress and more peace of mind. With these important steps taken care of, you can focus on creating the perfect day that you and your guests will remember for years to come!
6 months before
Six months before the wedding is a great time to make sure all of the big decisions are taken care of and to begin making preparations for the big day. This is the perfect time to:
Secure a venue: Make sure you've chosen the perfect location for your wedding, and begin discussing any details about the booking.
Choose a caterer: You'll need to decide what type of food you want, how much it will cost, and other important details.
Wedding party duties: Get your bridal party together, choose their attire, and create a list of their duties.
Select a dress: Begin looking at dress styles and designs, and book an appointment at a bridal shop.
Make transportation arrangements: Book a stylish wedding transportation for you and your guests.
By taking the time to address these tasks six months prior to the wedding, you'll be able to ensure that all of your big decisions are taken care of in advance so you can enjoy your wedding day with peace of mind.
3 months to go
At this point in your wedding planning, it’s time to start making final decisions. Over the next few weeks, you’ll need to confirm all of the details of your wedding day, as well as any details for pre- and post-wedding events. Here are some of the tasks you should complete three months before your wedding day:
Book your honeymoon.
Finalise the guest list
Confirm the venue, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, DJ/band, Magician & Host
Select readings for your ceremony and music for your reception.
Schedule a dress fitting and order bridesmaids’ dresses.
Meet with your officiant and create a ceremony plan.
Arrange accommodation for out-of-town guests.
Make a plan for wedding day hair and makeup.
1 Month Before
One month before the big day is a great time to start tackling some of the more detailed tasks related to wedding planning. Here are some key things to keep in mind at this stage:
Finalize the guest list and send out invitations: Make sure you’ve crossed everyone off the list who’s been invited, and be sure to include an RSVP card.
Book transportation for the wedding party and guests: Make sure everyone knows how they’re getting to and from the venue on the day.
Finalise hair and makeup appointments: Set up trials with your stylists if possible, and be sure to book them in advance.
Start planning any necessary travel arrangements for out-of-town guests: Look into hotels and other lodging, as well as car rentals or shuttles for those who need them.
Confirm all vendor contracts, including venues, caterers, florists, cake makers, DJs and entertainment companies: You’ll want to make sure all the details are finalized, such as delivery times and payment methods.
Organise any additional rentals needed for the big day, such as tables, chairs, linens, decorations, etc.
Schedule any pre-wedding activities, such as a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.
By completing these tasks in the one month before the wedding countdown, you’ll be well on your way to having a stress-free wedding day!
1 Week Before
The week leading up to your wedding is a crucial time. You should make sure all the details are sorted, and double check that everything is going according to plan. Here are a few things you should do one week before the big day:
Confirm the final guest count with your caterer or venue.
Finalize your seating chart.
Have your rehearsal dinner if you are having one.
Finalize any last minute décor touches you may have forgotten about.
Make sure all of your vendors have been paid in full.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Set aside any items you will need on the day of the wedding.
Make sure your marriage license is ready and available.
Practice your vows and make sure they are memorized.
Do a final fitting of your wedding attire.
Get plenty of rest and eat healthy!
Enjoy some quality time with family and friends leading up to the big day!
The Day Before
With your wedding only one day away, the excitement is likely building to a fever pitch. You’ve probably done most of the major planning and organizing at this point, but there are still some important tasks you’ll need to accomplish in the final 24 hours.
First, check in with your suppliers and make sure they have all the necessary details they need. Confirm the location of your ceremony and reception, the exact times of each, and any special instructions that may apply. Reach out to your photographer, caterer, florist, and any other suppliers you’ve hired, just to be sure everything is set.
The day before is also a great time to have a spa day with your bridesmaids or a fun outing with your groomsmen. Take a break from all the hustle and bustle of wedding planning and enjoy some quality time with your closest friends.
Finally, it’s important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the big day. Make sure you get plenty of rest and relaxation so that you’re well rested when it’s time to walk down the aisle. Go over your vows and read through any other important notes you need to remember, and take some time to reflect on why you’re getting married.
By taking care of these last-minute tasks, you’ll be able to focus solely on enjoying the moment when your special day arrives. Good luck!
The Big Day
Finally, the day of your wedding is here! All the hard work and preparation is complete and it’s time to enjoy the day you’ve been dreaming of. Here’s what you need to do on your wedding day:
Get Ready – Take your time and make sure everything looks just right. Make sure you have a few minutes to take some deep breaths and relax before you walk down the aisle.
Make Sure Everyone Is Where They Need To Be – Make sure your wedding party, family members, and guests know where they should be at all times.
Have Fun – Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the moment. Cherish every moment of your special day with your loved ones!
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff – Remember, no matter how much effort you put into planning and preparing for your wedding day, it is still just one day in the grand scheme of things. Don’t stress about any minor hiccups that may come up along the way – focus on celebrating the love between you and your partner.
Capture the Memories – Finally, make sure you have a photographer to document your special day so you can look back on the memories for years to come!
Summary
This comprehensive guide breaks down wedding planning into manageable steps and timelines, starting from 12 months before the wedding down to the big day itself. It covers essential tasks such as setting a budget, choosing a venue, selecting suppliers, finalizing guest lists, arranging transportation, and more. Each section provides specific actions to take at different stages of the planning process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. The guide emphasises the importance of staying organised, making decisions in advance, and taking time to relax and enjoy the moment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dean Odell is a professional wedding magician, mind-reader and Your Magical Wedding Toastmaster.
I help wedding couples create unforgettable moments by providing unique entertainment with incredible close up magic & as Your Magical Wedding Toastmaster.
If you’d like to find out more about booking him for your wedding head to: https://www.deanodell.co.uk/weddings