Planning a wedding 10 to 12 months away is no easy feat,
but it’s completely possible, especially when you know exactly what to do. The
following are the most important tasks you must complete to plan an
unbelievable wedding.
Create a Budget
The first thing you must do is figure out how much money
you have to work with for your wedding. See if your parents will be paying, and
if not, try to think about how much of your savings you want to use. Grooms
sometimes contribute money to the wedding, especially if there is a lack of
funding on the bride’s side, so if this is the case, discuss it with your
fiancé.
Find a Ceremony
Location
Once you have a budget in place, decide where you want to
say, “I do.” Schedule the day and time for the ceremony, which will end up
being your wedding date.
Decide on a Reception
Venue
Once you have your wedding date, you can start searching
for a venue for the reception. With your budget in mind, consider how much each
venue will cost. The venue shouldn’t take more than 35% of your budget.
Choose and Schedule
Services
To entertain your guests and make your wedding beautiful,
get to work on choosing and scheduling the following services for your wedding itinerary:
- Caterer
- Photographer
- Wedding
DJ - Florist
- Wedding cake
- Videographer
- Makeup/Hairstylist
- Invitations
- Register for wedding gifts
Bridesmaids are also another “service” you need to
schedule. Speak to your loved ones to see if they are able to become a part of
your wedding, and if they are able to afford a bridesmaid dress.
Purchase Wedding
Essentials
When all of the services are in place, you can start to
purchase everything you need.
- Save the dates and invitations
- Wedding dress, veil, and
shoes - Centerpieces and other
decorations - Groom’s gift
- Garter belt
- Engraved flutes
- Cake cutters
- Cocktail napkins
- Guest book
- Unity candle
- Jewelry
- Flower girl basket
- Ring bearer pillow
While purchasing these items, consider your budget. Some
people don’t purchase save the dates, a unity candle, cake cutters, and a guest
book to save money. Decide how much each item is important to you, so you can
stay within your budget.
The Final Preparations
You’ve done a lot to prepare for the wedding. As the
wedding date approaches, send out the invitations, get a final count of guests,
and check in with the reception venue and caterer. Call all of the services
you’ve arranged to confirm the date and time. Tie up all loose ends as early as
you can before the big day because you’ll have plenty to do that day. When that
day does arrive, remember that you’ve worked hard to plan the wedding of your
dreams, so take any hang ups in stride. If something falls through or doesn’t
go exactly as planned, just think of an alternate way to do it, and carry on.
Your wedding may not go perfectly, but it will be just as beautiful and
memorable as you’ve always imagined.
