I’ll always remember the day I got engaged. One minute, I was on what I thought was a casual picnic with my boyfriend, and the next, I was trying to call my mom through happy tears! But once the initial excitement wore off… I thought, “Oh boy, now what?”
If you’re also feeling a mix of joy and panic right now, don’t worry. I’ve been there, and I’m here to help you navigate this wild, wonderful journey of wedding planning. Let’s break it down.
Your Wedding Planning Checklist
Click below for your downloadable PDF checklist. Print this and keep it in your planning area (I was without a dining room table for a year lol).
The Big Picture | 12-18 Months Out
First things first, here’s what you need to tackle early on…
- Make that guest list
- Find your perfect venue
- Decide on your overall vibe
- Pick your ride-or-die crew (aka bridal party)
- Book a photographer who matches your style
- Hire a band or DJ that’ll keep the party going
- Start the dress hunt!
I remember agonizing over our guest list. Do we invite second cousins? What about old college friends? My advice: start with your must-haves and go from there.
The dress hunt can be overwhelming, but it’s also super fun. I tried on everything from princess ballgowns to slinky sheaths before finding my dream dress. Trust me, when you know, you know!
Getting into the Details | 9 Months to Go
Okay, now it’s time to start nailing down some specifics…
- Choose your caterer
- Pick out bridal party outfits
- Book a florist
- Figure out your rental needs
- Order those invites
- Set up a wedding website
Food can make or break a wedding, I swear. The tasting experience for our chosen vendor was actually the best date night ever, just what we needed to reconnect amid the planning stress. Don’t be afraid to get creative – we ended up doing a late-night espresso martini bar and people still talk about it!
For flowers, think about what’s in season. I wanted peonies so bad, but our florist gently suggested garden roses for our summer wedding instead. They were gorgeous and way more budget-friendly!
Crunch Time | 6 Months Out
The big day is getting closer! Here’s what’s next…
- Book that honeymoon (yay!)
- Plan bachelor/bachelorette parties
- Send out invitations
- Order your cake
- Start thinking about decor
Planning my bachelorette party with my besties was honestly one of my favorite parts of the planning process. You can get super creative with your theme, I did “Fresh Off the Market” and went full-blown cottage core/tea party (plus some bar hopping of course).
For the cake, don’t feel pressured to go traditional if that’s not your thing. We had a small cutting cake and then did a dessert bar: think macarons, cookies, mini parfaits. It was a hit!
The Home Stretch | 3-5 Months to Go
You’re in the final countdown now. Time to…
- Figure out your seating chart
- Choose guest favors
- Pick an officiant
- Do your hair and makeup trial
- Book transportation if needed
- Make your playlist
The seating chart nearly broke me, not gonna lie. But here’s a trick: use sticky notes on a big board. It makes it way easier to move people around until you find the perfect mix.
For favors, think useful. We gave out little monogrammed cutting boards and people loved them!
One Month to Go!
Deep breaths. You’re almost there…
- Have your final dress fitting
- Get that marriage license
- Write your vows
- Lock down your final guest count
Writing my vows was scary but so worth it. I practiced in front of my sister until I could say them without crying (or until she fell asleep – whichever came first).
The Week of the Wedding
It’s basically here! This week, focus on…
- Practicing those vows
- Getting a mani-pedi
- Treating yourself to a facial or massage
- Final hair appointment
This is your time to relax and pamper yourself. You’ve earned it!
After the Big Day
Congrats, you two! Now…
- Send those thank you notes
- Share your gorgeous photos
- Enjoy that honeymoon!
Wedding planning can be crazy, but try to enjoy the ride. And remember, at the end of the day, you’re marrying the love of your life. Everything else is just icing on the (wedding) cake!
Discover Your Signature Theme
Not sure what wedding style fits you best? Take this quick quiz!
- Your ideal dream soirée involves…
- a) A black-tie gala at the Met
- b) Cocktails and jazz at a rooftop bar
- c) An intimate wine tasting with close friends
- d) A chic beachside bonfire
- Your signature scent is…
- a) Chanel No. 5
- b) Tom Ford Black Orchid
- c) Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt
- d) Maison Margiela ‘Beach Walk’
- Your dream honeymoon destination is…
- a) The Ritz Paris
- b) A villa in Tuscany
- c) A beach bungalow in Bora Bora
- d) A luxury safari in Africa
- Your go-to accessory is…
- a) Classic pearls
- b) A statement rings
- c) Delicate, layered necklaces
- d) A stylish, oversized watch
- Your favorite way to unwind is…
- a) Afternoon tea with your furbaby & a book
- b) A day exploring local shops
- c) Yoga and meditation retreat
- d) Hitting a nature trail and sweating away your problems
Tally your answers…
Mostly A’s – Old Money Glam – You exude timeless elegance. Consider a black-tie affair complete with crystal chandeliers, a live painter, and a string quartet.
Mostly B’s – Modern Love – You’re all about contemporary chic. An art deco-inspired celebration on an open-air pavilion or rooftop terrace would be perfect, with twinkle lights as your backdrop.
Mostly C’s – Moody Romance – You love understated luxury. Picture a candlelit ceremony in manicured gardens, followed by an intimate farm-to-table dinner.
Mostly D’s – Elevated Bohemian – You blend free-spirited style with high-end touches. How about a sunset ceremony overlooking the water, followed by a stylish indoor-outdoor reception?
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer here! This is just a starting point to help you figure out what feels most “you”. My quiz results were a mix of B and C, which led to our minimalist yet vintage celebration. It was perfect for us!
Wishing you all the love and joy
Now it’s your turn to create your dream day. Happy planning!
