So, you’re getting married, Congratulations! Chances are, there’s so much on your mind that you’re getting overwhelmed. You have so many things to think about when it comes to planning the wedding of your dreams, but where do you start? Being a bride can be especially stressful if you don’t have a system of organization in place — there’s tons of details that you can miss out on if you are not adequately prepared.
To ensure your day goes off without a hitch, here’s a simple bridal checklist to follow.
A Year Before
- Determine your budget and if anyone in your family is contributing anything. The budget is more important to determine than the date, as it is what sets the scene for the entire day will look like.
- Create your wedding website. This is where everyone will go to get more detailed information about what they can expect from your day. You can put information about the bridal party, the engagement party, bridal shower, accommodation recommendations for out of town travelers, and information about where you are registered.
- Start vetting different wedding professionals. You’ll have a lot of information sent to you about wedding planners, caterers, photographers, videographers, and dj’s, and you’ll want to start going through which ones work best for your wedding goals. You won’t have to make a decision just yet, but start to think out exactly what you and your partner are looking for.
- Pick a handful of dates that you have in mind. It always pays to go into the venue and reception area with an open mind, and it is important to be flexible. This way you won’t be disappointed if you don’t get your first choice.
10 Months Away
- Start shopping for your bridal gown. Don’t feel as if you have to settle, and feel free to go to a different women’s fashion boutique every week until you have found the perfect dress for you.
- Pick out your colors and determine what you’d like your bridesmaids and groomsmen to wear. Make sure to give the bridal party ample amounts of time to order their dresses as some bridal shops take a while to get the right dress in the right color in time for the wedding.
- Mail your save the dates. Include a link to your wedding website so all the guests can start getting an idea of the day.
- Book all your professionals and choose a date.
Six Months Away
- If you are looking to lose weight or tone up for the wedding, start thinking about creating a fitness regime.
- Pick out your first dance song, and consider taking some wedding dance lessons to make a first dance you’ll remember for years to come.
- Book your transportation and make sure there are options for those guests who are coming out of town.
Three Months Away
- Book your honeymoon
- Have your final tastings with the caterer
- Purchase your wedding bands
- Go for a hair and makeup trial
- Order and send out all invitations
- Hire and meet with the officiant to ensure you are all on the same page with the readings and vows
- Buy wedding party gifts
- Look into when you can get your marriage license, as per your state ordinance
- Have your final meetings with all of your vendors
- Take time to relax! As much as planning your wedding can be stressful, you’ll want to sit back and enjoy this time in your life as much as possible.
With this checklist in mind, you’ll be planning your dream wedding with ease. So don’t forget these little details, have fun, and the day will come by before you know it!
