Planning a wedding is an incredibly exciting and stressful experience. From the venue to the dress to the flowers to the guests, there's a seemingly endless list of things to think about. Getting a grip on planning means understanding the timeline you're working with and knowing when you need to do what. Of course, that's all easier said than done. Planning a wedding is always work, but we've got a few tips to help you stay on track.Our Essential Wedding Planning Tips
Before you start sweating the details, you'll need to sort out your wedding priorities. When we're asked how to start planning a wedding, we advise taking a look at the target date and the guest list. Setting a date is essential to all other planning activities. Knowing how many guests are coming to your wedding will determine the size venue you need.
This is also the right time to take a look at your budget. Setting your budget now will help prevent overspending. It will also give you a better idea of what you can afford to do in terms of your venue, food and décor. All of the vendors and service providers with whom you work will need to know your budget too, and it's good to be realistic and honest. Don't be ashamed of what you're working with even if it's more money than most people make in a year or less than most make in a month.
Your Wedding Planning Timeline
Once you've figured out when you're having your wedding, how many guests are coming and how much you're going to spend, you can tackle the other details. Use this timeline-based checklist to ensure that you've covered your bases. If you're working with less than nine months to plan your wedding, adapt the checklist so that the bare essentials are covered first.
Nine or More Months Out
- Pick your wedding party
- Start a wedding binder
- Hire a wedding planner if desired
- Reserve the venue
- Book your officiant
Eight Months Out
- Book entertainment
- Hire a photographer
- Meet with caterers
- Start your wedding website
- Book a block of hotel rooms if needed
Six to Seven Months Out
- Choose and buy your invitations
- Send out save-the-date cards
- Shop for attire for the wedding party
- Chat with your officiant
- Book a florist
- Start planning the day-of schedule
Four to Five Months Out
- Order your cake
- Start dress fittings
- Choose music for the ceremony
- Schedule hair and makeup pros
Three Months Out
- Finalize flowers
- Set the menu
- Order favors
- Send your day-of schedule to vendors
- Buy your rings
Two Months Out
- Send out invitations
- Meet with your photographer
- Set the music playlist
One Month Out
- Secure your marriage license
- Count up RSVPs
- Confirm times with all vendors
- Have your dress fitted again
- Make seat assignments
- Write your vows if desired
The Week Of
- Delegate day-of tasks
- Confirm arrival times with vendors
- Prepare checks for vendors
- Get your dress
- Send a timeline to your bridal party
- Pack for your honeymoon
If it's time to involve a florist in your wedding plan, get in touch with us. At Chez Bloom, we specialize in stunning wedding florals for couples in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
