Congratulations on your engagement! The excitement of saying “yes” to the love of your life is a moment you’ll cherish forever. Before the initial thrill settles in, daydream. Daydream about your perfect wedding. Get a picture of it in your head. Now it’s time to start planning your wedding—and that can feel a little overwhelming. Whether you’ve dreamt about your wedding day for years or have no idea where to begin, we’ve got you covered.

In this blog, we’ll explain the essential steps to planning your wedding and what to expect, as well as provide a general timeline to help you stay on track for your big day.

Celebrate Your Engagement

Before jumping into the wedding planning process, take a moment to celebrate this new chapter with your partner. Share the news with family and friends, enjoy your engagement party, and bask in the love surrounding you.

Set a Date and Budget (Months 1-2)

Once the engagement bliss has settled, it’s time to get practical. The first big decision you must make is setting a wedding date. Here’s how to get started:

Pick Your Wedding Date: Consider the season, location, and availability of key people (parents, close friends). If you’re planning a destination wedding, consider travel and accommodation.

Set a Budget: Establish a wedding budget with your partner. Factor in key expenses like the venue, photographer, catering, dresses, entertainment, and flowers.

Create Your Wedding Vision (Months 2-3)

Now that you’ve got the date and budget locked down, it’s time to start dreaming about the style and theme of your wedding. What vibe are you going for? Formal or casual? Classic or modern? Here are some ideas to help you create your wedding vision:

Choose a Wedding Style: Pinterest boards and wedding magazines are great places to find inspiration. You and your partner should decide what look you want for your wedding—boho chic, traditional elegance, rustic, or something unique.

Research Vendors: Start researching local vendors such as florists, caterers, photographers (hello!), videographers, and entertainment. Word of mouth is a great place to begin, but check reviews online to understand which vendors match your wedding style and budget.

Book Your Venue and Key Vendors (Months 3-6)

Venue: Pick your venue first. The venue is one of the most critical aspects of your wedding, and securing it in the beginning or during your planning is key to ensuring your desired date. Featured Venues

Once you’ve found the perfect place, don’t forget to book your other essential vendors:

Photographer: Your wedding photographer is one of the most important vendors you’ll hire, so start researching photographers whose work aligns with your vision. This is one area where you’ll want to invest in quality, as you will cherish your wedding photos for years to come. Your future kids and grandkids will love looking at your wedding day!

Caterer and Cake: Choose a caterer who can provide delicious options for your guests. Don’t forget to taste-test the cake! Featured Caterers

Entertainment: Whether you want a DJ, live band, or other entertainment, secure your entertainment early, especially if you’re planning a wedding during peak season.

The Dress (Months 6-9)

Finding the perfect dress is one of the most exciting—and sometimes stressful—parts of wedding planning. Start browsing bridal shops early to ensure you have plenty of time for fittings, alterations, and accessorizing.

Start Dress Shopping: Research bridal shops and styles that suit your personality and wedding theme. Bring a trusted friend or family member for support.

Bridesmaids Dresses: Don’t forget your bridal party! Plan to allow for sizing and alterations. It’s best to choose a style that works for most body types.

Send Out Save-the-Dates and Invitations (Months 6-9)

It’s time to inform your friends and family about your big day:

Save-the-Dates: If you’re planning a destination wedding or a wedding during peak season, send out save-the-date cards as soon as possible.

Wedding Invitations: Once your guest list is confirmed, it’s time to create and send invitations. Be sure to give your guests plenty of time to RSVP, especially if they need to make travel arrangements.

Plan the Details (Months 9-12)

With the big decisions out of the way, it’s time to focus on the more minor details. This is when things can get a little hectic, but don’t worry, you can do this!

Floral Arrangements: Meet with your florist to design bouquets, centerpieces, and other arrangements that will bring your vision to life.

Transportation: Arrange transportation for you and your bridal party to and from the venue.

Hair and Makeup: Book your hair and makeup trial sessions and choose your preferred style. Schedule a trial well before the wedding day to adjust if needed.

Wedding Favors: If you plan to give guests wedding favors, you can start brainstorming ideas.

Finalize the Details (1-2 Months Before the Wedding)

As the big day approaches, you must confirm everything with your vendors, finalize your guest list, and start organizing the day-of timeline.

Confirm with Vendors: Double-check all contracts and confirm final details with your vendors (photographer, caterer, florist, etc.).

Create a Wedding Day Timeline: A wedding timeline will ensure everything runs smoothly. It will include when everyone will arrive, when photos will be taken, when dinner will be served, and when the dancing will start.

Get a Marriage License: Don’t forget to apply for your marriage license and ensure it’s valid on your wedding day.

The Week Before the Wedding

It’s time to get ready for your big day, and this is when all the little details come together.

Final Fittings: Schedule your final dress fitting and pick up any necessary accessories.

Delegate Tasks: Assign someone to help set up on the wedding day (friends, family, or wedding planner).

Pack for Your Honeymoon: Don’t wait until the last minute—get your travel bag ready ahead of time.

The Wedding Day!

It’s finally here! On your wedding day, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the moment. Trust that all your hard work will pay off, and remember to soak it all in because the day will fly by.

Start Early: Get a good night’s rest, and start the day early with hair, makeup, and prepping for the ceremony.

Celebrate: The most essential part of your wedding day is celebrating your love and commitment to each other.

Conclusion

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and with a bit of preparation and organization, you can make it a fun and memorable experience. From setting a budget to saying “I do,” this timeline is designed to keep you on track and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Most importantly, enjoy the process and cherish this time with your partner as you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!