A wedding planning checklist designed for the recently engaged. Written by wedding planners, for couples ready to start their wedding planning journey.
| Photo By Taylor and Madye |
Starting your wedding planning journey can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With a well-organized wedding planning checklist, you can stay on top of everything from booking vendors to finding your dream venue. The first steps are all about laying the groundwork for a seamless celebration—setting your wedding budget, choosing a date, and locking in the venue that sets the tone for your big day. You don't need a venue to book a wedding planner, however. We can help you find the venue of your dreams with our a-la-carte Venue Search service. Once your venue is secured, you’ll want to prioritize booking key vendors like photographers, caterers, and florists to ensure your preferred professionals are available. Let’s dive into the essential first steps to help you turn your vision into reality!
12 Months Out Checklist: Build the Foundation of Wedding Planning
Set Your Budget: Define how much you’re ready to spend and decide who is contributing.
Choose a Wedding Date: Pick a date that works for you and your closest loved ones.
Book Your Key Vendors, like Planner or Venue: This is one of the first vendors to secure, as venues fill up fast! You don't need a date or venue to book a planner. We have affordable wedding planning packages from day-of coordination to full service wedding planning. Find out more about our services and pricing here.
Send Save-the-Dates: Let your guests know when and where to celebrate with you.
8 Months Out Checklist: Secure Key Vendors
Hire Your Photographer/Videographer: Lock in your dream team for capturing memories.
Book Your Caterer: Finalize your menu ideas and secure a caterer that fits your vision.
Plan Entertainment: Whether it’s a DJ, live band, or something unique, book your entertainment early.
6 Months Out Checklist: Fine-Tune the Details
Start looking at Invitations. Working with a wedding stationery vendor? Make sure your details and vision are up to date. Most wedding invitations are traditionally sent between the 6 and 3 month mark. Planning a destination wedding? Give your guests plenty of time to RSVP.
Book those Appointments: Make decisions on beauty appointments, wedding dress fittings, catering tastings, and the like. It'll get you excited and give you plenty of time to make your selections.
Start Thinking About Décor: Research floral designs, table settings, and rentals to bring your vision to life as your vendor deadlines approach.
Not sure where to start? Download our Wedding Planning Checklist and Smart Wedding Calendar from our shop. It will calculate, based on your wedding date, exactly what you should be doing and when. All based on our years of professional wedding planning experience. Take $5 off our checklist from this blog! Use code: HelpMeYPB.
Love what you see? We would love to help you plan your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.
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