FULL WEDDING PLAN GUIDE

This list serves as a 'Guide & Suggestions List" to help you prepare for your big day. It’s adaptable to fit your unique needs for a grand ceremony. Special thanks to the wonderful team at My Wedding Guide for allowing me to share this valuable information on my website.

 12 Months Prior to Your Big Day: Plant the Seed Stage

• Envision Your Wedding: Decide on the size and theme of your wedding.
• Select Dates & Venues: Consider potential dates, ceremony locations, and reception venues (reserve if needed).
• Budget Planning: Estimate your overall budget.
• Meet Your Celebrant: Schedule a meet and greet to book your marriage celebrant (hopefully, that’s me!).
• Wedding Party: Think about who you want in your wedding party and confirm with them.
• Symbolize Your Love: Consider wedding rings or alternative symbols like tattoos, planting a tree, or gifting crystals.
• Initial Guest List: Create a rough guest list.
• Engagement Party: Plan an engagement party if desired.
• Set a Date: Finalize your wedding date.
• Dress Hunting: Start browsing for your wedding dress.

9–12 Months Before: Set Your Intention Stage

• Capture the Day: Decide if you want a professional photographer, videographer, or DJ. Consider using disposable cameras for guests to take photos.
• Reassess Your Guest List: Review and finalize your guest list.
• Food & Catering: Think about your catering needs and start sourcing options.
• Decor & Centerpieces: Organize centerpieces, decor, chair dressings, and table linens to match your theme.
• Flowers: Determine if you need a florist and discuss your requirements. Alternatively, consider organic options from nature.
• Wedding Cake: Decide on a cake design, find a cake maker, and place your order.
• Rental Needs: If you need to hire tables, chairs, or other items, make inquiries and reserve them.
• Gift List: Create a list of items you’d like for your new life together, if desired.
• Honeymoon Planning: Think about your honeymoon destination and plan accordingly.

6–9 Months Before: Making Your Seeds Grow Stage

• Menu Planning: Start finalizing your menu.
• Musician Confirmation: Touch base with musicians to confirm your booking and date.
• Transportation: Reserve your transportation for the day.
• Invitations & Stationery: Design your invitations and stationery; print them once you're satisfied.
• Thank You Gifts: Source and order thank-you gifts for attendees, plus a few extras.
• Mother's Outfits: Consider outfits for the mothers of the bride and groom.
• Groom's Attire: Plan outfits for the groom and groomsmen, schedule fittings, and book for the big day.

3–6 Months Before: Not Long to Go Now

• Finalize Guest List: Review and finalize your guest list.
• Select Ceremony Reader: Choose someone to read during your ceremony.
• Confirm Floral Order: Call your florist to confirm your order for the big day.
• Tailor Confirmation: Contact the tailor for the men's attire to confirm the booking.
• Bride’s Hair Appointment: Make an appointment with your hairdresser to discuss your hairstyle.

2 Months Before:

• Send Invitations: Time to send out your invitations.
• Write Vows: Compose your wedding vows.
• Finalize Menus: Confirm the reception menus.
• Purchase Gifts: Buy gifts for parents and attendants.
• Beauty Appointments: Book appointments for nails and makeup.
• Final Dress Fitting: Schedule your final dress fitting.

1 Month Before:

• Apply for Marriage License: Complete your application here.
• Rehearsal Dinner: Organize your rehearsal dinner.
• Meet Photographer: Schedule a meeting with your photographer if you have one.

2 Weeks Before:

• Attendants' Party: Host a party for your attendants if desired.
• Draft Speeches: Write your speeches.
• Finalize Reception: Confirm all reception details.
• Follow Up with Guests: Call any guests who haven't replied.
• Bride's Appointments: Meet with your makeup artist and hairdresser.
• Song Lists: Deliver song lists to musicians or playlists to the DJ.
• Honeymoon Confirmation: Confirm your honeymoon reservations. 

1 Week Beforehand:

• Wedding Rehearsal: Gather your wedding party for the rehearsal.
• Seating Plan: Finalize your guest seating plan.
• Procession Order: Determine the order for the procession.
• Groomsmen Attire: Pick up the groomsmen's attire.
• Marriage License: Deliver your marriage license to the officiant.
• Caterer Confirmation: Confirm final numbers with your caterer.
• Limousine Details: Confirm details with the limousine company if applicable.
• Place Cards: Create a seating arrangement and write out place cards.
• Wedding Favors: Choose someone to hand out the wedding favors.
• Return Rentals: Designate someone to return rented items after the wedding.
• Honeymoon Packing: Pack for your honeymoon. 

On Your Special Day: Today’s the Day!

• Wedding Bands: Hand the wedding bands to the best man.
• Bride's Prep: Get your hair and makeup done.
• Stay Relaxed: Go with the flow and relax.
• Enjoy: Breathe and enjoy your special day!