Your wedding day is fast approaching! As exciting as it is, the planning and preparation can also be stressful. But don’t worry; with some organization and forethought, you’ll be ready to walk down the aisle with minimal stress. Here are some top tips to help you prepare for the big day.
Research and Book Vendors Early
Once you’ve set your wedding date, one of the first things you’ll want to do is research vendors – venues, caterers, photographers, and more. The earlier you book them, the more likely you are to get your top choices at a price within your budget. If you have a tight timeline, let potential vendors know upfront, so they can accommodate you.
Compile Your Guest List
Your guest list will dictate a lot of your other planning, including venue size, catering amounts, number of invitations, and more. Make your initial list, then edit it by priority to fit your ideal number. Remember to include wedding party members and their significant others. Send save-the-date cards 6 to 12 months in advance to give guests ample warning.
Hire a Wedding Planner
Some couples enlist the help of a wedding planner to handle vendor communication, keep them on budget, and reduce stress. If you opt for one, hire them at least a few months before sending invites. Make sure you communicate your vision, priorities, and expectations upfront. Even if you don’t want a full planner, hiring a day-of coordinator can be helpful.
Shop for Your Attire
Once you have a date, venue, and vision, you can start shopping for attire! Give yourself several months for alterations or ordering if needed. For bridesmaids’ dresses, pick a color and length, then allow them to pick a style since they’re paying. When trying on your dress, take photos and solicit honest opinions from those with you. Appoint someone to handle any dress emergencies the day of.
Schedule Dance Lessons
If you plan to have a first dance, you’ll likely want some practice first. Most dance studios offer private wedding dance lessons packages. Schedule lessons 2 to 3 months before your wedding – enough time to learn choreography but keep it fresh. Consider learning a simple waltz, foxtrot, or even a fun, choreographed dance if that suits your style. It’s a great way to share a memorable first moment as a married couple.
Book Honeymoon Travel
While travel planning 6 to 12 months out may seem early, it ensures you get the location and hotel you want, especially for popular destinations. For example, if you plan an elopement and honeymoon in Iceland, you need to dive into Iceland elopement packages to be sure everything will run smoothly without any stress.
Create a Wedding Website
These days, most couples have a wedding website with all the event details, accommodation info, and an RSVP option for guests. Make this 2 to 3 months before sending invites, so you can include the URL on them. Include photos of you as a couple, your love story, FAQs, and things to do for out-of-town guests. Keep adding pertinent updates as needed, so guests can stay informed.
Stay Organized
Get a wedding planning binder or use an online tool to save contracts, invoices, inspiration photos, and other key documentation in one place. Share access with your planner if you have one. Make checklists by the month up until the big day listing payment due dates, appointments to make, and other to-dos so nothing slips through the cracks. Review it weekly and check things off as you accomplish them.
Make Time for Your Partner
Wedding planning can be all-consuming if you let it. Be intentional about spending quality time together as a couple amid the planning chaos. Plan regular date nights without talking about the wedding. Soak in this special time before you become newlyweds. Remind each other why you’re going through this madness in the first place – your love and commitment to each other.
The countdown to your big day is on. Stay focused on what matters most and don’t sweat the small stuff. With careful organization, delegation, and preparation starting now, you’ll feel ready to joyfully say “I do!” before you know it.