The secret to effortlessly organizing a wedding is actually pretty simple. All it requires is a planned methodical approach, communication, and the utmost organization.
Really, all you need is time, a checklist, and a way to stay organized.
Since time is something we cannot give (most weddings take at least a year to plan) we’ve got the next best thing to offer you: A checklist.
Before Getting Started
There are a few things to be aware of before you begin planning.
First, make sure that all the to-dos for your wedding are on this list. Each wedding is special—everything on this list may not apply to you, or there may be something unique to your wedding that’s not on this list.
Second, figure out a system for staying organized, and stick with it.
Your Essential Wedding Organization Checklist
We’re breaking down all the major aspects of wedding planning to cover a span of 12 months. Use this as your guide, and feel free to modify it as necessary.
12 Months Before:
The 12 months before the wedding are when all the big decisions are made.
- Set budget
- Create guest list
- Choose wedding date
- View and book the venue
- Hire a wedding planner (optional)
Tips:
Remember, your budget should cover things like:
- Venue
- Catering
- Reception Entertainment
- Flowers/Décor
- Photographer
- Cake
- Wedding Attire
- Hair and Makeup
- Transportation
Usually, the bigger the wedding, the more you’ll spend.
For budget savvy brides when checking out venues, it’s worth seeing if they offer discounted off-season rental prices.
9-11 Months Before:
Now that the big details are in place, it’s time to round up the key players.
- Establish your wedding party
- Choose officiant
- Create a wedding website (optional)
- Interview & Book Photographer
- Begin looking for catering
- Go cake tasting
- Determine your wedding theme
- Choose wedding colors
- Start looking for a wedding dress
- Begin looking for bridesmaid dresses & groomsmen attire
- Research and sign up for premarital counseling
Tips:
For those on a budget, perhaps you have a friend who is a photographer who would be willing to give their services at a discounted rate.
Additionally, you can find gorgeous one-of-a-kind vintage gowns online, and Bella Bridesmaids has an incredible selection of bridesmaid dresses.
Be open to creative solutions.
6-8 Months Before:
By this point, you’ve made some more big decisions, and have narrowed down the vendors you’d like to hire.
- Take engagement photos
- Book hair/makeup
- Book catering
- Choose wedding cake
- Send save-the-dates
- Research reception entertainment
- Beginning planning and organizing honeymoon
- Purchase wedding rings
- Create registry
- Choose MC
Tips:
Wedding websites let you go into details about your big day, allow your guests to RSVP, and provide links to your registry.
4-5 Months Before:
Time to get the last details finalized!
- Create and order wedding invitations
- Choose and book your reception entertainment
- Plan fittings for you and your bridesmaids
- Plan rehearsal dinner
- Write wedding vows
Tips:
Live bands are so much fun and can be much more affordable than you may think.
Check colleges and the local music scene to see if there’s a band or DJ whose sound you like, and see if they’ll play at your wedding.
2-3 Months Before:
The wedding day is fast approaching! This is the time to take care of anything that may have fallen behind schedule and continue to move forward with the things you still need to attend to.
- Send wedding invitations
- Finalize menu with the caterer
- Create seating chart
- Get your marriage license
- Have final meetings with vendors
- Book Transportation
- Create DIY décor (optional)
Tips:
Remember to communicate clearly with your vendors.
Establish a contact person to be the go between and share important information with your vendors on your wedding day.
1 Month Before:
It’s crunch time!
- Schedule your final fittings
- Confirm vendors know where they need to be and when
- Create a wedding day timeline (and share it with your vendors)
- Make sure you can walk in wedding shoes (break them in, if necessary)
- Pack for honeymoon
Week of Wedding:
It’s finally here, your wedding is days away. Rather than stress, be sure to take good care of yourself. Focus on rest, and book you and your fiancée a massage.
- Confirm the final guest count
- Delegate tasks for wedding day
- Pack things you’ll need to bring to the venue
- Pack wedding day emergency kit
- Get mani-pedi
- Pack marriage license
Tips:
Maintain a list of important contacts for all your vendors. Be sure to communicate with your partner if anything is stressing you out and above all, keep everything in perspective—you’re getting married!
Conclusion:
Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, a wedding takes time to plan.
Let this list help guide you on your journey to making your wedding dreams come true.
