A Step-by-Step Guide To Planning A Wedding

When it comes to scheduling a wedding, it's a smart thing to use a checklist—and to complete the steps in the correct order. There is a method to the chaos, and following a wedding planning checklist helps guarantee a stress-free and seamless operation. E.g., there is an explanation why you should schedule a date and book your venue before deciding on your attire: you want to ensure that your outfit is appropriate for the atmosphere and season of your event. That's only one reason why following the steps to organizing a wedding is critical; there are plenty more in the list below.

Set a budget.

It is essential that the first step is to establish a budget. It may not be the most enjoyable part of the process, but you must do it first since it sets the remainder of the wedding planning process in motion. So, discuss it with your parents or other possible donors, create a complete budget, and then split it up according to provider or service.

Download a wedding planning app.

You'll be sure to get things done if you can schedule your wedding while you're on the move, rather than just waiting in front of your computer. Downloading the WeddingWire app allows you to use planning apps, search and contact weddings, find inspiration, and complete several of the tasks mentioned below from your mobile device.

Get inspired.

Gathering festivities is among the most enjoyable aspects of planning a wedding step by step. Consider how you like your wedding to appear and sound. Do you want to go for a super-classic and formal look? Or how about a more casual and rustic wedding style? The decision is yours, so it's a brilliant idea to start looking at Pinterest, Instagram, and the new wedding trends and get inspiration for wedding colors, décor, and more. We suggest beginning this process early on but ramping it up once you've chosen your location and set a deadline.

Start your guest list.

Though you don't have to have a complete guest list until later, coming up with an approximate guest count early on is crucial when scheduling a wedding step by step. There is a significant gap between a 50-person wedding and a 300-person wedding, particularly in-venue choices. So, before you start looking at wedding venues, figure out how many guests you'll get.

Pick your wedding party.

Now that you've finalized your guest list, it's time to choose the guests who will be by your side on your wedding day—your wedding band. So go ahead and invite your bridesmaids, groomsmen, grooms ladies, or bridesmen (or someone else in your bridal party) to play this vital role. To get started, consider some of our favorite bridesmaid proposal suggestions.d.

Narrow down the dates.

You haven't "fixed a date" until you book your place. However, before you begin looking at venues, we propose that you choose a few possible wedding dates. First, consider the season in which you want to marry—and if a Saturday night wedding is a must (convenient, but probably more costly and competitive) or whether you're willing to consider a wedding on a separate (possibly less in-demand) day. Then, look at the calendar, taking into account job arrangements, vacations, family issues, and so on, and narrow down the options to a few dates. Having a few future wedding dates in mind would be highly beneficial during the venue selection process.

Choose a wedding venue.

You now have all the information you need to book a wedding venue—one of the most critical aspects of our how-to plan a wedding guide—because you have a budget, an approximate guest count, and a few future wedding dates in mind. Read web reviews of nearby wedding locations, go on-site, and collaborate with your partner to locate your perfect wedding spot. 

Start the wedding registry.

Your loved ones would almost instantly inquire, "Where are you registered?" after you declare your engagement. When considering how to schedule your wedding step by step, it's a brilliant idea to start creating your wedding registry early on. Your family and friends may want to buy wedding presents for you; you will still make updates and improvements to your registry later. To get started, use our wedding registry checklist.

Book vendors and suppliers.

The average couple hires 13 vendors to assist them in creating their perfect wedding day. That can seem to be a lot, but it is critical to employ the right people to ensure that your special day runs smoothly. Using this vendor scheduling timeline, we suggest choosing when to book and professional, from your wedding photographer or videographer to your florist and DJ to your officiant, and reading web reviews to help you pick the best of the best.

Finalize the guest list.

It's time to finalize the wedding guest list if you haven't already. Keep in mind that if your parents contribute financially to your wedding, they will have a say in who is invited. Bear the size of your room in mind, and don't host more guests than the place can accommodate. And if certain visitors would most certainly express regret, you don't want to take the chance.

Send Save-the-Dates.

It's time for the visitors to make a note of it on their calendars! Save-the-dates can be sent as far in advance as possible so that the loved ones can prepare ahead of time.

Purchsea Wedding dresses and other attires.

Allow yourself plenty of time to choose the right wedding dresses. It can take months from when you buy your outfit before it's properly fitted and ready to go, particularly for wedding gowns, so don't leave it until the last minute.

Finalize your rehearsal dinner details.

The rehearsal dinner, which is usually held the night before the wedding, often necessitates some preparation. The groom's family traditionally schedules the rehearsal party, so it's essential to find out who's preparing (and paying) for this thing long in advance—and to make sure a venue is reserved. Arrangements are worked out promptly, about six months before the big day.

Plan the honeymoon.

You may spend most of the time worrying about how to schedule your wedding step by step, but don't forget about the honeymoon! If you want to leave for your honeymoon soon after your wedding, it's time to choose a destination, book your flights and hotels, and begin preparing an itinerary.

Attend pre-wedding events.

Engagement celebrations, bridal showers (or co-ed wedding showers), bachelor and bachelorette parties, and other pre-wedding activities are sure to fill the calendar. Although the soon-to-be-married couple typically has no say in preparing these events, you will need to clear your schedule to attend as the guest of honor.

Send wedding invitations.

Wedding invites are usually sent six to eight weeks before the big day, with an RSVP deadline of two to three weeks before. Among the most significant aspects of wedding planning is sending out invitations on schedule.

Buy wedding bands.

Wedding rings are an essential sign of marriage, so shop for and buy them a few months before your wedding. Choose a wedding band that complements your engagement ring, is secure (you'll be wearing it all the time!), and complements your style.

Create a wedding reception seating chart.

Determine how many tables the wedding reception venue will handle with the help of your venue and planner. Then, using an online method, determine who sits where when keeping relationships and family dynamics in mind. If you've finalized your seating chart (usually around a week before your wedding), submit it to your caterer, location, and stationery so that you can produce escort cards.

Get a marriage license.

If you're wondering how to schedule a wedding step by step, keep one of the most crucial tasks in mind: securing a marriage license so that you and your wife can legally marry! Per state has its own marriage license rules, so do your homework ahead of time. Be sure you have your marriage certificate at the right time—early if your state has a waiting period, but not too early if the license expires within a certain period. If you want to change your name after the wedding, the marriage certificate would be an essential step in the process.

Confirm wedding details with vendors.

You've most likely been in constant touch with all of your wedding suppliers in the days and weeks leading up to your big day. Check that you haven't left any loose ends and that all of your suppliers have all of the details they need (and have been appropriately paid!). Wedding planners are handy in this respect and can help you ensure that your vendors know when and when to be present for your wedding ceremony and reception.

The big day has arrived! You, your date, your friends, and your vendors have worked tirelessly to complete all of the wedding planning steps—enjoy every minute of it! 

Call me Jen Hensey, a writer and blogger of LifeStyleConvo & UrbanHouses, who worked as a full-time content creator. A writer by day and reader by night.