The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding: Everything you Need to do 12+ Months Before Your Big Day
When done right, the journey to your wedding should be filled with excitement and anticipation. Sadly, for many couples, this isn’t the case, with many acknowledging that planning their big day actually impacted their mental health. According to a 2023 Zola survey, 60% of couples feel overwhelmed on setting a wedding budget, and 54% don’t know where to begin in the planning process.
An engagement is a truly special time in a couple’s life together. It is a moment in time where you have decided, together, that you wish to spend the rest of your lives together, and you are mapping out your next steps. It is a time for celebration, and shouldn’t cause undue stress.
This is where a wedding planner can be invaluable.
I firmly believe that laying a strong foundation from the outset will help alleviate the vast majority of stress prior to your wedding. To help our couples map out their journey from “YES” to “I DO",” here’s a step-by-step guide on EVERYTHING you need to do 12+ months prior to your wedding day.
Photographer: Lucy Lu Photography
Celebrate and Soak in the Moment
First things first… take some time to revel in the excitement of your engagement! This is a special moment in your life, so enjoy it to its fullest!
You WILL have friends and family asking you almost immediately if you have set a date, or for details on your wedding day. It is perfectly okay to say you don’t have an answer yet, and you might not for a while. Prioritize yourselves in this special time.
Start Dreaming & Discussing
Priorities & Values as a Couple: This is one of the most undervalued and least discussed pieces that I come across in the wedding industry, but ensure to have very honest and forthright conversations with your partner about what you want in a wedding and how your values come into play. I firmly believe that lack of communication from the outset is what can lead to “cold feet” or undue stress prior to the wedding. Ensure you are both on the same page, and that you are marching arm and arm together in this journey.
Vision & Style: Begin discussing your vision for the wedding. Do you want a grand celebration or an intimate gathering? What themes and colors do you envision?
Guest List: Start drafting a preliminary guest list to get an idea of the number of people you'll be inviting.
Budget: Discuss your overall budget and determine how much you're willing to spend on your wedding. HINT - your guest list will play a big role in your overall budget. The average cost per head at a wedding as of 2023 is $200. Want to spend less? Your best bet is to cut your guest count.
Organize and Plan
Create a Wedding Binder: Set up a wedding binder or digital folder (a shared Google Folder is a great way to collaborate with your partner, wedding planner, and other vendors) to keep all your planning documents, contracts, and ideas organized.
Choose a Date: Discuss potential wedding dates and narrow down a few options that work for you and your fiancé(e). HINT - the further out, the more likely you will be able to secure your preferred date. AND, keep in mind that Fridays and Saturdays (and Sundays on long weekends) are often the most sought after.
Research Venues: Start researching wedding venues and make a list of your top choices. Schedule visits to tour these venues and check availability. HINT - keep in mind nearby accommodations if your venue does not offer any. It is best to ensure that there is easy access to hotels or Airbnbs within a 20 minute drive, maximum.
Assemble your Dream Team
Hire a Wedding Planner: If you’re considering a wedding planner (perhaps Lighthouse Events & Design?), now is the time to start interviewing and hiring one. They can help streamline the planning process and connect you with trusted vendors.
Confirm Venue: Lock in your preferred venue early in order to ensure availability.
Select Key Vendors: With your wedding planner, research and contact key vendors in order to gauge price points, availability, and whether they would be a good fit for you as a couple. HINT - photographers, in particular, book quickly. They, along with your venue and wedding planner should be among the first that you secure.
Start the Design Process
Draft a Wedding Mood Board: determine your wedding colour scheme along with any key design elements that you want to integrate. Pinterest is an invaluable tool in helping you to determine your wedding aesthetic, and can later be shared with your wedding team (such as your photographer, florist, etc.) to clearly communicate the look that you are after. Lighthouse Events & Design can help you in the early design process in drafting a mood board, colour scheme, and accompanying decor.
Planning the Details
Select Your Bridal Party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of your bridal party. Ask them in a special way to be part of your big day.
Dress Shopping: Start looking for your wedding dress and schedule appointments at bridal boutiques. Remember, it can take several months for your dress to be ordered and altered.
Engagement Photos: Schedule an engagement photo session with your photographer. These photos can be used for save-the-dates, your wedding website, and other wedding-related materials.
Photographer: Lucy Lu Photography
MOST IMPORTANT: Enjoy the Journey
Self-Care: Wedding planning can be stressful, so make sure to take time for self-care and relaxation. Enjoy date nights with your fiancé(e) and cherish this special time together.
Stay Organized: Use a wedding planning checklist and timeline to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Staying organized will help you stay on top of everything and reduce stress.
By starting early, staying organized, and a wedding planner to guide you, you’ll be well on your way to planning the wedding of your dreams - with minimal stress.
Happy Planning!
-Meg
