Planning your Wedding

A list of basic tasks for the big day! Hope this is helpful.

Immediately After the Proposal:

• [ ] Celebrate and enjoy the moment.
• [ ] Tell your parents, family, and close friends.
• [ ] Get the engagement ring insured.

First Steps in Planning (about 12-14 months before):

• [ ] Determine your budget.
• [ ] Draft a preliminary guest list.
• [ ] Decide on potential wedding dates.
• [ ] Start researching potential venues.
• [ ] If desired, hire a wedding planner.

Once the Basics are Decided (about 10-12 months before):

• [ ] Finalize and book your wedding venue.
• [ ] Send Save-The-Dates.
• [ ] Begin dress and suit shopping.
• [ ] Research and hire necessary vendors (photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, DJ/band, etc.).
• [ ] Create a wedding website and set up your registry.
• [ ] Order wedding invitations.

Middle Stages of Planning (about 7-9 months before):

• [ ] Finalize your guest list.
• [ ] Plan and order your wedding cake.
• [ ] Plan and order decorations.
• [ ] Arrange necessary transportation for the wedding day.
• [ ] Begin planning the honeymoon.

Details and Finalization (about 4-6 months before):

• [ ] Send out wedding invitations.
• [ ] Purchase the wedding bands.
• [ ] Plan the rehearsal dinner.
• [ ] Start planning bachelor/bachelorette parties.
• [ ] Book accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Final Preparations (about 1-3 months before):

• [ ] Have final dress and suit fittings.
• [ ] Confirm arrangements with all vendors.
• [ ] Obtain your marriage license.
• [ ] Finalize the seating chart.
• [ ] Write your vows.
• [ ] Purchase gifts for parents, bridal party, and each other.
• [ ] Have a final venue walk-through.

Last Minute Preparations (1 week to the day before):

• [ ] Pack for the honeymoon.
• [ ] Have a rehearsal dinner.
• [ ] Hand out assignments to the wedding party.
• [ ] Prepare payment for vendors.
• [ ] Have a manicure and pedicure.
• [ ] Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before.

Wedding Day:

• [ ] Eat a healthy breakfast.
• [ ] Get hair and makeup done.
• [ ] Enjoy the day!

After the Wedding:

• [ ] Send thank-you notes.
• [ ] Get the wedding dress cleaned and preserved.
• [ ] Change your name, if desired.
• [ ] Enjoy the honeymoon!

Weddings are indeed a significant event in a couple’s life, marking the beginning of a new chapter. They are also an expression of a couple’s commitment and love towards each other, an occasion where two families come together to celebrate this union. The process leading up to the wedding is as important as the wedding itself as it sets the foundation for the couple’s future life together. The planning process, though often stressful, can be a valuable time for couples to learn about each other’s tastes, negotiation skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Moreover, the process is not just about organizing an event; it’s about creating an experience that the couple and their loved ones will remember forever. It’s a journey that should be taken seriously, but also enjoyed. This time allows couples to establish their own traditions, create lifelong memories, and prepare themselves for the lifelong commitment they are about to make.