FULL WEDDING PLAN GUIDE

 This checklist 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. For downloadable versions and more guidance on your special day, please click the links below.

 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!