Wedding checklist, month by month
Most weddings are organised in about a year. This checklist spreads the work over that time so nothing important lands in the last month. If you have less time, do the same steps closer together: the order is what matters.
12 to 10 months before
- Agree on a total budget and who contributes. See how much a wedding costs in Spain.
- Draft the guest list: it decides the size of the venue and half of the budget.
- Choose the date and book the venue and the caterer. Popular dates go first.
- Decide the type of ceremony (civil or religious) and start the paperwork.
- Book the photographer and, if you want one, the videographer.
9 to 7 months before
- Send a save the date to guests who travel.
- Choose the dress and the suit (fittings take months).
- Book music for the ceremony and the party.
- Create the wedding website with the date, the place and how to get there.
- Start planning the honeymoon.
6 to 4 months before
- Send the invitations with a reply deadline about a month before the wedding.
- Choose flowers, decoration and the transport for the day.
- Do the menu tasting and close the menu.
- Book hair and make-up and try them out.
- Set up the gift registry or the bank details for gifts.
3 to 2 months before
- Remind those who have not replied.
- Buy the rings.
- Write the vows and talk to whoever will give a speech.
- Plan the timetable of the day with the venue.
The last month
- Close the guest list and do the seating plan. See how to plan the seating.
- Give the caterer the final numbers, the dishes chosen and the allergies.
- Confirm times with every vendor and prepare the final payments.
- Last fitting of the dress and the suit.
- Print table cards and the seating chart.
The week before and after
- Hand someone you trust the timetable and the vendors’ phone numbers.
- Rehearse the speeches out loud.
- After the wedding: thank guests and vendors, and settle the last payments.
Doing it in Ever After Planner
Add a ready-made monthly plan to your tasks in one go, change dates to fit yours and follow it in a list, a board or a calendar. Invitations, replies and reminders are in online RSVP and invitations, and the seating plan updates itself when someone declines.
Questions
How far in advance should you start planning a wedding?
About 12 months is comfortable: it gives time to book the venue and the most requested vendors. With 6 months it is possible if you book the venue and caterer first.
When do you send wedding invitations?
Usually 4 to 6 months before, with a reply deadline about a month before the wedding so you can close numbers with the caterer.
Plan your wedding in one place
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