Your wedding day should reflect your unique love story, style, and personality. It should be a day filled with joy, love, and unforgettable moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. With the help of this wedding planning tip sheet, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and ensure that your wedding day is as magical as the love you share.
Set a Budget: Determine your budget early and stick to it as closely as possible. Since this may be your first wedding you may find yourself needing some flexibility with your initial budget. The average wedding in 2022 was $30,000.
Create a Timeline: Establish a wedding planning timeline with deadlines for each task, to include venue, wedding dress, florals/decor, cake, etc.
Prioritize: Decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
Choose a Season and Date: Consider the time of year and day of the week that works best for you, keeping in mind special dates that may have meaning to you and your partner.
Select a Venue: Book your wedding and reception venues well in advance. A year in advance is not unheard of in today's wedding planning world.
Guest List First: Create your guest list before sending out invitations to ensure you don't exceed your venue capacity or meal budget .
Wedding Planner or DIY: Decide whether you'll hire a wedding planner or plan the wedding yourself.
Vendor Selection: Research and choose reputable vendors, including caterers, photographers, and florists. Make sure to read reviews and ask friends or family who they recommend.
Vendor Contracts: Consider a contract for all of your vendors and carefully review all contracts and agreements with vendors before signing. Contracts should include services, price, date/time of delivery and any specific details you are agreeing to pay for and receive.
Wedding Insurance: Consider wedding insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Wedding Tools: Consider creating a wedding website to share important information with guests, a QR code for guests to quickly RSVP, wedding registry and/or an online wedding management platform.
Save-the-Dates: While not required it is a growing trend to send save-the-date cards. If you elect send them well in advance, generally 6 months, but 4-6 months for local wedding and 8-12 months for destination weddings.
Invitations: Send out formal invitations with RSVP instructions, and consider online RSVP options 6-8 weeks in advance. It is also advised to number your invitations to the corresponding number on the guest list for those who forget to complete the RSVP cards.
Menu Planning: Coordinate with your caterer to plan a menu that suits your guests and your budget.
Attire: Choose and order wedding attire for you, your partner, and the bridal party early.
Beauty Appointments: Book hair and makeup appointments for the wedding day.
Gift Registry: Create a gift registry and share it with guests through your wedding website.
Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license within the specified timeframe for your area.
Finalize Details: Confirm all details with vendors a week or two before the wedding.
Seating Plan: Create a seating plan for the reception and provide it to your venue.
Wedding Rehearsal: Schedule and attend the wedding rehearsal.
Delegate Responsibilities: Assign tasks to trusted friends or family members to help on the wedding day.
Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, tissues, and stain remover.
Stay Hydrated and Eat: On the wedding day, remember to stay hydrated and eat regular, light meals.
Enjoy the Moment: Finally, relax, enjoy your special day, and savor every moment!
These quick tips can help you stay organized and reduce stress as you plan your wedding. Remember that every wedding is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your specific needs and preferences.
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