A Year of Planning Your Wedding: Timetable On Going From Engaged To Married
The long-awaited question came, and you finally said, "Yes!" This is the start of your life as a couple, where you make important decisions to make your wedding day memorable. Preparing for your wedding day doesn’t need to be stressful; on the contrary, it should be fun and memorable. So the best approach is to start putting together a wedding timetable.
We’ve compiled a short list of wedding-related tasks and a rough estimate of when the activities should be completed. We’ve added tips and guidelines to keep you organized and help you think of all the matters that you must take into consideration in the course of planning for your big day.
Your Engaged!
Have your engagement pictures taken. This is a beautiful keepsake of this wonderful occasion, and they could be used for your wedding day.
Establish a budget for the wedding, and try as much as possible to stick to it.
Prepare a wedding guest list and be mindful of your budget.
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6 to 12 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
Decide what kind of wedding you will have - at the Beach, Park, Hotel, Home. Also, what will the theme be? Romantic, Boho, Modern, etc. If you plan a beach wedding, there might be extra things to consider.
You should have already picked and decided on the wedding date. Reserve the venue where the ceremony and reception will take place.
Set an appointment with the Wedding Officiant. Believe us; it is never too early to find the professional to set the tone for the rest of your wedding day! A great officiant is hard to find, so your officiant should be among the first professionals to be hired along with your venue.
Get your ring sets.
Hire, if your budget allows, a Wedding Coordinator. A professional to help you plan your wedding and find good vendors will save you time, money, and sanity! Coordinators will help you think of the details you might not have thought of for your wedding.
Search for a photographer and videographer, florist, live musicians or DJs, and a caterer.
Do you have a pet that you love so much? They, too, can be part of your wedding party! Wedding Pet Sitters are very popular these days, and knowing that your fur baby will be cared for is gold! Obtain estimates for these services.
Register at the wedding gift registry. Also, some of your vendors might have gift cards that your family and friends can buy to help you pay for some of their services.
Pick your wedding attire and accessories to go with it. If you are having a seamstress make them, this is the time to have it arranged. Several fittings may be required for this.
Don’t forget your wedding party. Set a date for ordering attires for them.
Send out your Save The Date announcements.
4 to 6 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- Have the invitations, stationeries, and thank you notes ordered.
- The photographer, florist, musician, and caterer should have already been chosen. Go over details with each of these services to ensure everything is as agreed upon.
- Honeymoon reservations should be made already at this point.
- Confirm the delivery of wedding attires.
- If you are having out-of-town attendants, arrange for their lodging.
3 Months In Advance Before the Big Day
- Plan your wedding ceremony with the Officiant. Decide on every component from the Processional, traditions you want to include, music, how you will be announced, and the recessional. A professional officiant will give you an outline of your ceremony with all the parts.
- Start writing your wedding vows. Expressing your eternal love to your significant other might seem scary and impossible to do, but believe us; it’s not that hard if you have some help! Schedule a Vow Writing Session with us.
- Plan your rehearsal dinner.
- Make an appointment with your chosen photographer to go through what you want for your wedding day; the same goes for the videographer.
- Order the wedding cake.
- Mail the invitations.
- It is time to apply for your marriage license and attend to other legal matters, name and address changes on bank accounts, and other official documents. More information on where to get your marriage license can be found here. Also, requesting extra copies of your marriage license in advance is super helpful.
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1 Month In Advance Before the Big Day
- Check the apparel for the wedding party.
- The couple attends showers.
- Schedule the wedding rehearsal.
2 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Plan your wedding hairstyle and make-up with your stylist.
- Check with the caterer and the reception venue for last-minute changes.
1 Week Before the Wedding
- Start packing for your honeymoon.
- Remind the wedding party of the exact time and place for the big day.
The Day Before
- Have your rehearsal with your Wedding Officiant and all those who are part of the wedding. Having a rehearsal will make things smoother for your wedding ceremony. Your Officiant should have certain cues they say before something happens (like the ring exchange) so your wedding party knows what to do. Have at least 3 rounds of practice to ensure everyone knows where to stand and where to go; read more about Rehearsals here.
- Make sure you have your marriage license and give it to a trusted person to hold.
- Speak to your Wedding Coordinator to finesse last-minute details.
On Wedding Day
- Make sure you have breakfast, even if you are not hungry! A bowl of fruit, toast, and some tea could be enough. Keep hydrated throughout the day.
- First look pictures with your spouse will take place 3 to 4 hours before the wedding ceremony, so make sure you’re ready. If you’re shy, this private moment could be used to exchange vows.
- Finally, have a moment to yourself to enjoy what is happening. All this time of planning is finally coming to fruition, and soon your lives will be different. Shake off all your wedding details worries and enjoy your day! Read more about Wedding Day timelines
