Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences of your life. From finding the perfect dress to selecting a venue and picking out flowers, there are so many decisions to make and tasks to complete. With all these moving parts, it’s easy to get lost in the planning process, which is why staying organized is crucial to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of staying organized as a bride and provide a checklist of all the things you’ll need to take care of, categorized by month, starting 12 months from your wedding date.
Why Staying Organized is Important for a Bride
As a bride, you have a lot on your plate, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be completed. Your wedding planner will help you to stay organized and complete each task with joy. A professional wedding planner is paramount because she can help you manage your time and reduce the stress that comes with wedding planning. By creating a plan and keeping track of your progress, you’ll be able to prioritize your tasks, manage your budget, and ensure that everything is done on time. Being organized also means you won’t forget any important details and can make adjustments to your plan as needed.
12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist for Brides
Starting your wedding planning 12 months in advance may seem like a long time, but there’s a lot to take care of, and it’s important to give yourself plenty of time. Here’s a checklist of all the things you’ll need to take care of, categorized by month, to help you stay organized:
12 Months Before the Wedding
- Choose your wedding date and time
- Hire a wedding planner that understands your vision.
- Create a budget
- Choose your wedding party
- Reserve your venue and book your vendors (caterer, florist, DJ/band, photographer, videographer, etc.)
11 Months Before the Wedding
- Select your wedding dress and accessories
- Choose bridesmaid dresses and groom/groomsmen attire
- Order save-the-date cards
- Plan the honeymoon
10 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalize the guest list
- Order wedding invitations
- Book accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Register for gifts
9 Months Before the Wedding
- Book transportation (limo, bus, etc.)
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
- Purchase wedding bands
8 Months Before the Wedding
- Schedule hair and makeup trials
- Plan the ceremony and reception decor
- Purchase or rent any necessary rental items (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
7 Months Before the Wedding
- Choose the music for the ceremony and reception
- Order wedding favors
- Begin planning the seating chart
6 Months Before the Wedding
- Mail the invitations
- Purchase wedding shoes
- Plan the menu and tasting with the caterer
5 Months Before the Wedding
- Choose the cake and order any other desserts ( check this blog post to see how big cake you will need.)
- Purchase or make any DIY decor items
- Plan the ceremony order
4 Months Before the Wedding
- Purchase wedding party gifts
- Schedule any necessary premarital counseling
- Create the wedding day timeline
3 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalize the seating chart and escort cards
- Schedule dress fittings
- Finalize the menu with the caterer
2 Months Before the Wedding
- Send out the rehearsal dinner invitations
- Confirm final details with all vendors
- Apply for a marriage license
1 Month Before the Wedding
- Break in your wedding shoes
- Finalize the wedding day timeline and share with all vendors
- Create any necessary signage for the ceremony and reception
15 days before your wedding day.
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! The week before your big day can be both exciting and stressful, but with a little bit of organization and planning, you can make sure everything goes smoothly. Here’s a list of things a bride should do and all the items to confirm the week before her wedding day:
- Confirm all vendor details: Reach out to all your vendors (caterer, florist, DJ/band, photographer, videographer, etc.) to confirm the details of your wedding day. Ensure that they know the date, time, and location of the wedding and have all the necessary information.
- Confirm the timeline: Work with your wedding planner or point person to finalize the wedding day timeline. Make sure everyone knows where they need to be and when.
- Pack an emergency kit: Put together an emergency kit with items like makeup, tissues, bobby pins, deodorant, and a small sewing kit, and keep it with you throughout the day.
- Confirm with the wedding party: Check in with your bridesmaids and groomsmen to make sure they know what’s expected of them on the wedding day and that they have everything they need.
- Confirm with the officiant: Reach out to the officiant who will be marrying you to make sure they have all the necessary paperwork and details.
- Confirm with the venue: Contact the venue to confirm any last-minute details and to ensure that everything is in order for the big day.
- Final dress fitting: Have your final dress fitting to make sure your dress fits perfectly and that any necessary alterations have been made.
- Confirm the seating chart: Finalize the seating chart and make sure all the place cards are printed and ready to go.
- Get a manicure and pedicure: Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure so that your nails look perfect on the big day.
- Practice self-care: Take time to relax and take care of yourself. Get a massage or a facial, go for a walk, or practice yoga.
By taking care of these items and confirming all the necessary details, you’ll be able to approach your wedding day with confidence and ease. Enjoy every moment of this special time in your life!
WOW!!! It is quite a lot, right?
Do not worry you are not alone. Here is some help coming your way:
Grab a free video guide to start planning your wedding day like a pro HERE
Do you need a one-on-one complimentary wedding planning session? Book yours HERE
