Planning a wedding can be overwhelming but you can still do it on your own! If you have the time to do it, you’ll save a lot of money if you plan your own wedding. Just make sure that you prepare all the essentials and make a list so you won’t miss a thing!
These are the things that you should complete before the Big Day so you won’t worry about a thing when the date arrives.
12+ Months
- Pick a date (choose 2 more dates for flexibility)
- Set your budget
- Talk with your partner about how much you will both contribute
- Choose a theme
- Explore possible venues for ceremony and reception
- Pick your wedding party
- Start making your guest list
- Scout for wedding suppliers: photographer, videographer, florist, musician, caterer, decorator, etc.
- Start working on documents needed for the wedding license/contract, including birth certificates, certificate of no marriage, etc.
10-12 Months
- Pay downpayment for ceremony and reception venues
- Inquire and book officiant for ceremony
- Explore styles for wedding gowns
- Explore styles for groom’s outfit
- Explore styles for the wedding entourage
- Book your wedding suppliers
- Establish a fitness routine
- Send the “Save the Date” cards
8-9 Months
- Refine your guest list
- Explore accommodation options for traveling guests
- Find a reputable dressmaker to sew your gowns
- Plan your honeymoon
- Finalize the wedding entourage
- Make invitations
- Order wedding souvenirs
6-7 Months
- Explore wedding day hair and makeup styles
- Buy wedding rings
- Finalize wedding theme and décor with supplier
- Finalize menu and schedule tastings
- Finalize cake style
- Prenup photoshoot
- Finalize rentals for things not available at venue (chairs, décor, lights, sound system, etc)
4-5 Months
- Schedule for dress fittings with your dressmaker
- Book honeymoon flights, hotels, and tours
- Order wedding cake
- Finalize flowers with florist
- Prepare playlist (note songs you don’t want to be played)
3 Months
- Finalize reception menu and pay downpayment with caterer
- Order wine
- Plan ceremony with officiant
- Plan reception seating
- Purchase flower baskets, ring bearer pillow, Bible and pillow
- Apply for marriage license
- Attend wedding seminar
2 Months
- Send the wedding invitations
- Organize RSVPs
- Write and memorize your vows
- Layout and print the wedding program
- Finalize fittings for everyone
- Finalize wedding musicians
- Finalize seating arrangement
- Book wedding day transportation
- Enjoy bridal party
- Buy shoes
1 Month
- Confirm arrangements with all vendors and suppliers
- Pick up wedding rings
- Pick up marriage license
- Pack for honeymoon
2 Weeks
- Follow all guests who didn’t RSVP
- Give final count to caterer
- Get final haircut or hair treatment
- Delegate Wedding Day tasks to some reliable people you can trust
1 Week
- Prepare final payments for all vendors and suppliers
- All clothes should be ready by this time
- Prepare wedding emergency kit
- Go over your list and check for last-minute additions
1 Day
- Attend the rehearsals
- Enjoy rehearsal dinner
- Sleep early
Wedding Day
- Wake up early
- Have breakfast
- Give the wedding rings to the best man
- Relax!
- Enjoy your Big Day! Congratulations!