Wedding Planning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Dream Wedding

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

1. Set Your Budget

The first step in planning your dream wedding is to set a budget. Determine how much you and your partner can afford to spend and allocate the funds accordingly.Here is our blog post on How to budget for wedding photography.

2. Create Your Guest List

Make a list of all the people you would like to invite to your wedding, including family members, friends, and co-workers. This will help you determine the size of your wedding and the venue you'll need to accommodate your guests.

3. Choose Your Wedding Date

Consider your work schedules, holidays, and other important events when selecting a date for your wedding. You'll also want to keep in mind the weather conditions during the time of year you plan to get married.

4. Book Your Wedding Venue

Once you've selected a date, start looking for a venue that fits your budget and accommodates your guests. Don't forget to consider the location, parking, and accessibility when choosing your venue.Here is some of our suggestions for venues:Calgary - 5 Stunning Wedding Venues in Calgary, Alberta

Edmonton - 5 Beautiful Wedding Venues in Edmonton, Alberta

5. Hire a Wedding Planner

If you're feeling overwhelmed with the planning process, consider hiring a wedding planner. A professional wedding planner can help you stay on track and make sure you don't miss any important details.

Here is our blog post on How to Hire a Wedding Planner

6. Choose Your Wedding Party

Select the members of your wedding party, including your maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Make sure to consider their availability, responsibilities, and expenses when making your selection.

7. Start Researching Vendors

Begin researching vendors, such as photographers, caterers, florists, and musicians, to find the best fit for your wedding. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and schedule consultations to ensure you're making the right choice.

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8-10 Months Before the Wedding

8. Book Your Vendors

Once you've selected your vendors, book them as soon as possible to secure their services for your wedding day. Don't forget to review and sign contracts and make deposits as necessary.

9. Purchase Your Wedding Dress

Start shopping for your wedding dress and schedule fittings with your seamstress to ensure it fits perfectly on your wedding day.

10. Select Your Wedding Theme and Colors

Choose a wedding theme and colors that reflect your personality and style. Consider the season, venue, and time of day when making your selection.

Here is our suggestions on How to Choose your Wedding Theme & Colours!

11. Register for Gifts

Create a gift registry and select items you'd like to receive as wedding gifts. Make sure to include a variety of items at different price points to accommodate all of your guests.

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6-8 Months Before the Wedding

12. Send Save-the-Date Cards

Send save-the-date cards to inform your guests of your wedding date and location, especially if you're planning a destination wedding or if guests will need to make travel arrangements.

13. Hire Your Wedding Officiant

Select your wedding officiant and make arrangements for your ceremony, including the vows and readings.

14. Plan Your Honeymoon

Start planning your honeymoon, including your destination, accommodations, and activities. Don't forget to budget for your honeymoon expenses.

15. Schedule Your Wedding Rehearsal

Make arrangements for your wedding rehearsal, including the date, time, and location. Ensure that all members of your wedding party can attend.

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4-6 Months Before the Wedding

16. Finalize Your Wedding Menu

Work with your caterer to finalize your wedding menu, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Don't forget to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests.

17. Order Your Wedding Cake

Select a wedding cake that complements your wedding theme and tastes delicious. Schedule a tasting appointment with your baker to try different flavors and designs.

18. Purchase Wedding Bands

Shop for wedding bands that fit your style and budget. Make sure to leave enough time for resizing and engraving if necessary.

19. Book Accommodations for Guests

Make arrangements for accommodations for out-of-town guests. Consider booking a block of rooms at a nearby hotel or Airbnb for their convenience.

2-4 Months Before the Wedding

20. Send Invitations

Send wedding invitations to your guests, including all the necessary details such as the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP deadline.

21. Finalize Wedding Decorations

Select your wedding decorations, including flowers, lighting, and centerpieces. Work with your florist and decorator to create a cohesive look that complements your wedding theme.

22. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials

Schedule hair and makeup trials with your stylists to determine your wedding day look. Bring photos and inspiration to ensure you get the style you want.

23. Plan Wedding Day Timeline

Create a wedding day timeline to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everything runs smoothly. Don't forget to include time for getting ready, taking photos, and transportation.

1 Month Before the Wedding

24. Confirm Details with Vendors

Confirm all the details with your vendors, including arrival times, setup, and payment arrangements.

25. Obtain Marriage License

Apply for and obtain your marriage license. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents and identification.

26. Finalize Seating Chart and Place Cards

Create your seating chart and place cards to ensure that guests know where to sit. Don't forget to consider any seating preferences or relationships when making your selection.

27. Prepare Wedding Favors

Prepare your wedding favors for your guests, including any packaging or personalized details.

28. Rehearse Wedding Ceremony

Schedule a wedding ceremony rehearsal to ensure that everyone knows their roles and positions.

1 Week Before the Wedding

29. Pack for Honeymoon

Pack for your honeymoon and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and travel arrangements.

30. Confirm Final Details

Confirm all the final details with your vendors and wedding party, including arrival times, attire, and responsibilities.

31. Relax and Enjoy Your Wedding Day

Finally, on your wedding day, relax and enjoy the moment. Trust that you have done everything possible to ensure that your dream wedding comes to life.

Conclusion

Planning a wedding can be a challenging task, but with a comprehensive wedding planning checklist, you can simplify the process and ensure that you don't miss any important details. Follow this step-by-step guide to planning your dream wedding and create a day that you and your partner will cherish for a lifetime.