How to Plan a Wedding
Your wedding will probably be the biggest party you've ever hosted, so arranging one can seem rather difficult at first (especially if you're doing it in the midst of the COVID pandemic). However, the processes are the same whether you want a small, straightforward wedding or a large, extravagant event: establish a budget (a crucial first step!), source inspiration, begin your guest list... We will break it all down step-by-step below. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the wedding planning process, we advise concentrating on one activity at a time. And if you're short on time, feel free to assign some of these duties to family members and friends; they'll probably be happy to assist you as you move through this process.
What steps are involved in wedding planning?
It's a good idea to use a checklist while figuring out how to organize a wedding and to complete the tasks on the list in the correct sequence. There is a method to this madness, and following a wedding planning checklist will make the process easy and less stressful. To ensure your outfit is appropriate for the occasion's surroundings and season, you should, for instance, choose your date and reserve your venue before deciding on your clothing. And that's just one illustration of the significance of adhering to the processes in wedding planning; the list below contains many more.
If a wedding checklist intimidates you, here is a list of the fundamental tasks you must carry out to make sure your big day is a success. Of course, there are other projects you could wish to work on, but we're only discussing the absolute necessities here. Are you prepared to start planning? Here's a step-by-step guide to wedding planning.
1. Decide on a wedding budget
Setting your budget is an important first step in wedding planning. Although it may not be the most enjoyable aspect of the process, it is a step that must be taken first because it initiates the rest of your wedding planning process. The last thing you want is to fall head over heels for a location, vendor, outfit, etc. just to find out it's absolutely out of your price range. Decide on a total budget with your parents or other prospective contributors, and then allocate the funds proportionally to each vendor or service.
2. Get Motivated
Finding inspiration is one of the most enjoyable aspects of step-by-step wedding planning. Consider the aesthetic and emotional tone you want for your wedding. Are you trying for a very formal and classic vibe? Or how about a laid-back, rural wedding theme? The final decision is yours, but it's a good idea to start thinking about wedding colors, décor ideas, and more by browsing Pinterest, Instagram, and the newest wedding trends. We advise beginning this process early but stepping it up once you've decided on your venue and a date.
3. Beginning your guest list
Coming up with an anticipated guest count early on is crucial when considering how to plan a wedding step by step, even though you don't need to have a complete guest list until a little later. There are significant differences between weddings with 50 guests and those with 300 guests, especially in terms of your location selections. So determine your expected guest count before looking at wedding venues.
4. The Wedding Party You Want
After compiling your guest list, it's time to select your wedding party, who will stand by your side on your special day. So choose the members of your bridal party you want to play this significant role, whether they are bridesmaids, groomsmen, grooms ladies, or bridesmen.
5. Focus on Specific Dates
You won't have "set a date" in stone until you reserve your venue. But before you start looking at locations, we advise selecting a few suitable wedding dates. Consider the time of year you'd like to get married, whether a Saturday night wedding is a requirement (convenient, but perhaps more expensive and competitive), or if you're willing to consider a different (possibly less popular) day. Then, select a few suitable dates by looking at the calendar, taking into account work schedules, holidays, conflicts with family, etc. When choosing a venue, having a few potential wedding dates in mind will be quite beneficial.
6. Choose a location
One of the most crucial steps in how to plan a wedding guide, booking a wedding venue, may be done now that you have a budget, an anticipated guest list, and a few prospective wedding dates in mind. To locate your ideal wedding site, read internet evaluations of nearby wedding venues, go there in person, and collaborate with your partner. You've officially selected a date for your wedding once you've carefully read the venue's contract for the ceremony and reception and signed on the dotted line. At that point, the real fun can start!
Note: It depends on the kind of support you require if a couple hires a wedding planner before selecting a location or not.
7. Register for Your Wedding
Your family and friends will likely inquire about your registration information as soon as you announce your engagement."It's a good idea to build your wedding registry reasonably early in the process when thinking about how to arrange your wedding step by step. You can always update and add to your registry later. Your relatives and friends might want to buy engagement gifts for you. Start by using our checklist for the wedding registry.
8. Establish a wedding website and hashtag!
The simplest method to keep your guests informed is to set up a wedding website, which is also among the most crucial elements of wedding planning. Include all pertinent data regarding your big day on your website, such as the date, the location, the travel arrangements, the hotel block, and more. Create your wedding hashtag now to utilize on social media in the run-up to your big day.
9. Book Vendors
The typical couple engages 13 service providers to help them plan their ideal wedding. This may seem like a lot, but choosing the correct staff is crucial if you want your big day to go off without a hitch. To determine when to hire each professional, from your wedding photographer or videographer to your florist and DJ to your officiant, we advise using a vendor booking timeline. We also advise reviewing internet reviews to help you select the best of the best.
10. Complete the guest list
It's time to finalize your guest list for your wedding, if you haven't already. Keep in mind that if your parents are providing financial support for your special day, they will have a say in the invitation list. Don't invite more guests than your location can accommodate by keeping this in mind as well. You don't want to take a chance even though some guests could regret it.
11. Date-saving reminders
Your guests should now mark their calendars! Sending save-the-dates as early as possible will help your loved ones make the appropriate plans.
12. Purchase your wedding gown and additional clothing
Allow plenty of time to locate the ideal attire for your wedding. Don't wait until the last minute because it can take months for your clothing to be properly cut and ready to wear, especially when it comes to wedding dresses.
13. Plan the details of the rehearsal dinner
Planning is also necessary for the rehearsal dinner, which normally occurs the evening before the wedding. The rehearsal dinner is typically organized by the groom's family, but it's vital to determine who will be organizing (and paying for) this event well in advance. Also, make sure a location is reserved and arrangements are worked out in a timely manner, around six months before the wedding.
14. Schedule the honeymoon
Remember to plan your honeymoon even if you may be spending a lot of time thinking about how to organize your wedding. It's time to pick a destination, reserve your transportation and lodging, and begin creating an itinerary if you intend to go for your honeymoon soon after your wedding.
15. Attend the wedding-related events
Your calendar will probably be filled with pre-wedding activities, including engagement parties, the bridal shower (or a coed wedding shower), the bachelor and bachelorette parties, and more. You'll need to free up some time in your schedule to attend as the honored guest, even though the soon-to-be married couple often plays a small part in preparing these ceremonies.
16. Send invitations to weddings
The RSVP deadline is typically two to three weeks in advance, while wedding invitations are often distributed six to eight weeks before the big day. One of the most important elements of wedding planning is sending out your invitations on schedule.
17. Purchase wedding bands
Make sure to shop for and buy your wedding rings a few months prior to your nuptials since they are a significant symbol of marriage. Choose a wedding band that complements your engagement ring, meets your particular taste, and is comfortable because you'll be wearing it almost constantly.
18. Make a seating chart for the wedding reception
Determine how many tables your wedding reception venue can accommodate by working with your venue and planner. After that, determine who will sit where using an online tool while keeping relationships and family dynamics in mind. Send your seating chart to your caterer, venue, and stationer as soon as it is complete (often a week or so before your wedding) so they can make escort cards.
19. Apply for a marriage license
Remember one of the most crucial duties when considering how to organize a wedding step by step: getting a marriage license so that you and your partner may really get legally married! Be sure to research the marriage license laws in your state in advance. Make sure to obtain your marriage license at the appropriate time—early if your state requires a waiting period, but not too early if the license must be obtained before it expires. Your marriage license will be a crucial stage in the process if you intend to change your name after the nuptials.
20. Verify wedding particulars with vendors
In the days and weeks leading up to your big day, you most likely kept in touch frequently with each of your wedding vendors. Make sure all of your vendors have the information they require, have been paid appropriately, and that you have secured any remaining loose ends. Wedding coordinators are incredibly helpful in this area and will work with you to ensure that your providers are aware of the location and time of both your wedding ceremony and reception.
21. Get Married!
Finally, the big day is here! Enjoy every second of your wedding because you, your partner, your families, and your vendors have worked hard to follow every step in the planning process.
