Let’s face it, weddings are expensive! According to the Independent, in 2018 the average cost of a wedding was £30,355, which is 12% up on the previous year. As a result, couples are now looking for alternative wedding options and ways of doing things differently.
However, wedding planning can be stressful for inexperienced couples to take on alone. Finding venues, hiring entertainment, making sure everything happens as it should and other vital details can easily be overlooked without the help of a professional.
Here, I’ve put together a checklist of things to think about at each stage of the wedding planning process. If you want to hire a wedding planner, they will sort most of this for you. But if you’re going at it alone, hopefully this will help you plan your dream wedding!
WHEN YOU’RE NEWLY ENGAGED
You’re engaged!—have some bubbly
Avoid jumping right into planning if you can possibly avoid it; chill out and enjoy
Sit down and figure out what your wedding priorities are
12-18 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Launch your master plan notebook, Google Doc or Excel spreadsheet
Sit down and have your first of many guest list chats.
Agree on your target wedding budget
Narrow your venue search (ceremony and reception) to your favourite options – Ask questions!
Pick your wedding date and book your favourite venue
If you want a wedding planner, find one who shares your wedding values. If having a civil ceremony – choose your celebrant/officiant.
Begin your wedding photographer and/or videographer search: set up meetings and book
Daydream about wedding cakes, and discuss what kind you’d like. Schedule tastings if you can. Most have loads of examples on their Facebook pages, but you can also ask your wedding planner or photographer for recommendations (Evoke always ask their couples to give feedback on other vendors so they can make the right recommendations).
Decide what kind of music you want to have: Do you need a DJ? A band? A DIY music plan? Ask if the DJs or Bands have any events that you can visit and see them at work.
Decide whether you want your hair and make-up by artists you’ve used before, or whether you want to use businesses that specialise in this area.
You’ve worked so hard - sit down and have some more bubbly!
10-11 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Start shopping for wedding dresses/suits
Speak to and book caterers
Finalise your guest list Design and order your save the dates
Book a florist
7-9 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Send save the dates
Begin researching honeymoon destinations (because you KNOW you’ll need a break!)
Set up a meeting with your officiant to discuss the ceremony
4-5 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Book that honeymoon!
Buy your wedding rings
Make sure your passport is up to date, if you’re leaving the country for your honeymoon
Book wedding transportation
Create a spreadsheet for RSVPs and guest list addresses
1-3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Post your wedding invitations
If you’re DIYing anything for your wedding, start now!
Figure out if you want a guest book, and create it (also, test your pens!)
Put together your seating plan
Schedule a final dress fitting
Sit down with your wedding planner (if you have one) and walk through all the details for your wedding day.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Confirm head counts, menus, and delivery with your suppliers
Make sure that everyone who is delivering something to the wedding (decor, flowers, etc.) has a confirmed, final timeline.
Ensure that there is a plan for wedding venue setup and breakdown
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Get your wedding manicure and pedicure
Get your wedding day “oh sh*t kit” put together (you’ll want paracetamol, makeup, safety pins, mints, etc.)
Give all of your suppliers an emergency number to call, just in case (note: not yours!)
DAYS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
Rehearse your ceremony with your officiant and wedding party
Set your alarm (and a backup)
Drop off favours, menus, table plans, and place cards with your caterer or venue
ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
Make sure you pause and appreciate your family, friends, and each other
Take a few minutes every so often to breathe and focus; smile at your friends, give hugs, be in the moment
GET MARRIED!
We've made the investment to provide you this amazing timeline into a single downloadable graphic that you can download and print, and tick off the months as you go!
This awesome article was kindly contributed by the awesome Amy O’Brien.
Wedding Planners we work closely with;
If you loved this article and found it useful then why not check out our other blog posts I Wish I'd Done Things Differently - A Bride's View & A Real Bride’s Top 8 Tips for Your Special Day! Please feel welcome to view our Wedding Packages or get in touch. #guernseyweddings #guernseyweddingphotographers #guernsey #weddings #evokeguernsey #evokeweddings
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