Wedding planning in 15-easy steps
So you are engaged, now what?
You may feel overwhelmed with "what to do" and "need to do" and you just don't know when or how. I put together an easy 15-step wedding planning checklist. Yes, only 15 steps to help keep you on track to planning your dream wedding.
Wedding planning is stressful, overwhelming with so many choices and so many people involved but I am here to tell you - you can do it stress-free.
So where to start?
Read below the 15 easy steps on planning your wedding!
The Big Picture
The budget is the first thing you should do before planning your wedding. This will help you get a good idea of how much you can/want to spend and figure out how much and where you will put it. Sit down and figure out how much of your own savings you have to spend, money from family members and money you can contribute as time goes on.
When budgeting, you can start thinking of your style and what that is for your big day. Do you want country chic or Hollywood glam? When doing this think about your tables and chair rentals, centerpieces, etc. Also consider the style of your wedding dress and how much that is going to cost.
Now start drafting your guest list, once you think you finish it, comb thru is at least 3x. Let your significant other see it as well and comb thru at least a couple times. Consider the size of your wedding and how much you want to spend on your guests with food, cake and drinks, etc. If you want a small wedding think under 100 guests and a micro guest with under 20 guests.
I have included a quick 30-second game in case you are second guessing someone.
Wedding Guest List in 30 Second - Who should I Invite? by Annette Ungaretti Lewis
Did you eliminate some guests or keep them?
Hire your Primary Vendors
Don't put these off. You need to be booking your primary vendors at least 8 to 10 months before your wedding. Venues book up fast with many booking years in advance, so the sooner the better. This can also be said for your baker/caterer and photographer.
Reach out to your primary vendors and see if they are available for your wedding date and if they fit into your already planned budget.
Ask about everything that is included in with your venue rental.
Weigh the costs of a cake or cupcakes.
Ask about a contract with your photographer.
Secondary Vendors
Once your have your favorite and primary vendors booked and set move onto your secondary vendors. Reach out to a hairstylist and makeup artist. Ask about trial runs and if they will be able to perform styles/makeup on your bridal party.
Since you have already done your budget and planned your style - the floral can be an easy part. Think about how many bouquets you need, and what type of flowers you want. But when planning your wedding and flowers think about the season and what flowers will be in season at that time.
Pick your officiant - this may be an easy answer for you, if you are having a family member or friend perform your wedding ceremony. If you need help finding one in the Salmon area, please reach out to me so I can help you.
The Details
Since you have already made your budget you know how much you have already allotted yourself for all the details. How much did you budget for invitations and where are you ordering from? I included my partnership coupon with Basic Invite if you find a design you like there. Don't forget to also include the cost of stamps and RSVP cards.
You may have already done this step long before because you probably already knew who you want to be in your bridal party. But confirm with all of your bridal party that they are committed and make sure you make it clear what you expect from them and what you are expecting them to purchase.
Take time to pick your rings and buy those to have them ready for the big day.
Loose Ends
Start planning the bachelor and/or bachelorette party or whatever celebration you want! Plan out who is coming and if you are traveling or staying home.
Don't forget to get your marriage license from the courthouse, but don't get it too soon they do expire if no signed after a certain amount of days.
Pin down the wedding day schedule. A schedule will make your day go by a lot smoother and will be an easy communication for all of your vendors without getting a lot of questions and confusion the day of. Try to get a schedule no later than one week prior to the wedding, this will allow vendors to ask any questions ahead of time and make any needed changes.
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