Organizing a wedding on your own can be overwhelming, which is why you need to keep track of your activities at all times, the easiest way of which is to use a wedding planning checklist. There are numerous advantages to using a wedding planning checklist. Because fulfilling the items on the list can take several months, this event demands meticulous planning. As a result, it’s essential to set realistic goals that you can complete over several months.

In today’s blog, Diana Marie Photography loves to share this topic with all our engaged couples. A wedding planning checklist will help you properly organize and do all the tasks required for your wedding day on time. So, here are the lists:

Determine What’s Important 

We understand that each element of your wedding is important to you! Therefore, when deciding on your top priorities, make a list of every wedding component and use the wedding planning checklist to determine what is important. To have a top priority is crucial before going through with other aspects. Ranking each item on a scale of one to five, from least to most significant, may be helpful to you. Because putting together such a beautiful day can be highly stressful and time-intensive. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of the most vital factors that will make your special day priceless, in no particular order. But we recommend booking your photographer once you have a date and a venue.

• Date
• Budget
• Photographer/Videographer
• Ceremony and Reception Location
• Guest List
• Wedding Planner
• Event Caterers
• Dress / Attire
• Florist
• Wedding Party / Bridal Party
• Entertainment
• Cake
• Make-up Artist
• Honeymoon

Setting clear priorities makes all of the other decisions a piece of cake, and you will enjoy the planning process. 

Evaluate Your Resources

Evaluate your resources means you have to check your budget, skills, and talents. First, based on your families’ and individual contributions, determine how much money you have to spend on your ceremony and reception. The couple should set a budget and stick to it. Many of your wedding planning decisions affect by your wedding budget. So, it should be one of your top priorities. If any family members are contributing, talk to them about how much they’re willing to pay. If you’re the one footing the cost, it’s time to take a close look at your money. Once you’ve figured out the proper budget, you can move on to the next step in your wedding planning checklist.

Next, identify skills and talents that may be a good resource that will significantly contribute to your wedding without compromising the success of your celebrations. In addition, these skills and talents may contribute in part to the expenses. 

Assemble a Rockstar Team of Vendors

The next item on your wedding planning checklist should be your list of vendors for your big day. Your vendors will be your closest buddies on the planning of your wedding day. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reliable team. Consider at least a couple of different options to ensure that these essential wedding day partners understand and operate within your budget. Choose a group of people with whom you get along since wedding vendors are the backbone of ensuring that your special day is memorable and runs smoothly. They should understand your vision, and you should be able to trust them to carry it out effectively.

It is always recommendable to ask for vendors’ portfolios, their business background, and expertise. The couple should pay attention to how they communicate with you. It won’t be a suitable match for the actual work if their communication style isn’t a good fit or if they appear unreliable or indifferent at this point. You should never feel bad about reaching out with any questions you may have along the road.

Enjoy the Wedding Planning Journey 

Wedding planning includes many unique moments with your fiancé which you can enjoy, such as visiting potential locations, sampling menus, selecting wedding rings, planning your honeymoon, and sitting down and penning your wedding vows together. These may be tiring, but you can find excitement while doing these with your soon-to-be spouse. 

You can also hire a wedding planner because their expertise and guidance may help you have a more relaxed and pleasurable experience. Wedding planners may also help you stay on track. You can also depend on the goal and details by being most impactful and realistic with your overall budget.

Overall, Here are the things to make the experience of wedding planning more enjoyable:

• Don’t be scared to take the support of your friends and family in your plans.
• Avoid toxic people because weddings bring out the best and, sadly, the worst in people.
• Hire good people – respectable suppliers who will listen to you, who you can trust, and who will offer you the assurance that they will take care of business and get things done!
• Have a plan. Whether it’s a diary, spreadsheet, app, or to-do list, do your best to stay organized in a method that works for you.
• Take a step back, take a deep breath, and remember why you are here and why you are planning a wedding. 

Purchase Your Wedding Attire

The idea of shopping for a wedding gown is exciting and tempting, but it is not a simple task. First, you should have a picture or idea of the design and materials you desire. Then, you may start your internet search as early as you want; preparing for what you want to wear on your big day when you visit the boutique shop is smart thinking. You must also look for a bridal shop that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Finally, cut down the number of Bridal stores on your shopping list.

The majority of bridal gowns and groom’s suits are custom-made. So, your measurements and deposit are also essential. Made-to-order wedding gowns might take anywhere from 6 to 9 months to complete; it’s best to visit the bridal salon as soon as possible. Aside from the fact that finding the right one may take some time, you’ll also need time for your three sessions;

• First fitting three months before your wedding
• Second, fitting a month before your wedding
• Final fitting two weeks before your wedding.

Iron Out Logistical Details 

Create an event logistics timetable, including a minute-by-minute schedule for everything from vendor arrival and set-up to event run-through. On event day, there are many moving pieces, and unforeseen issues will undoubtedly develop. You will miss something if you don’t have the day-of-event specifics down to a line, which will later manifest as a significant issue. 

On the other hand, there’s no need to add to your stress when you can build a detailed day-of-event schedule using your wedding planning checklist. Best tip: Get with your vendor team and create visual layouts and timelines for each one, that way you are all on the same page.  

But, if you have a wedding planner,  the person in charge will send all of your vendors the custom-made timeline and logistical plans for load-in and load-out, usually two weeks before the wedding. That way, you can spend your final days of married bliss brunching, getting your nails done, and celebrating with friends and family, rather than sifting through details in your inbox.

Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony 

Many couples are into searching for the uniqueness of their wedding ceremony. In addition, some would want to include and show their personality as an individual and as a couple.  From the minor details to a grand exit, you can create a list of unique ways to personalize your wedding ceremony.  

The most popular method to make your wedding more personal is to write your own wedding vows. While another great one is to ensure the ceremony reflects both of your religious beliefs. For example, the couple may include typical Catholic wedding vows for the bride and a Jewish ritual of breaking the glass to respect the groom’s upbringing. Some would go to non-traditional walks or make their best buddy be their officiant. You have unlimited ideas to make your wedding ceremony memorable, exciting, and one-of-a-kind. Here are the other ideas that you might interest to include in your wedding ceremony;

• Include a unique ritual such as Lasso Ceremony, Pass the Rope or Tie the Knot, Blending of the Sands, and many more. 
• Personalized Aisle Runner
• Honor Late Loved Ones
• Include Your Pets
• Special Readings
• Add Heirloom Details

Create Your Food and Drink Menu 

Your guests will feel more connected to your love story if you include some of your personal favorites in your wedding food. For sure, you and your significant other have a favorite drink that you enjoy sharing or favorite comfort dishes. So have one or two distinctive cocktails on hand, in addition to beer, wine, and well drinks, for your guests to enjoy while learning more about your glasses—display tasty comfort dishes of your favorites to add uniqueness and a charming setting. 

Discuss creating high-end versions of your favorite comfort dishes and drinks with your caterer. Then, make your personalized food and drink menu. Your wedding menu cards are the next menu decision after you need to decide. You might be curious about wedding menu cards. Are they required? What kinds of things should you put on them? What display options are available? Menu cards are not necessary at wedding receptions, but they are an excellent way to communicate the meal’s details to your guests.

Coordinate Your Decor 

The exciting phase of the planning process begins with the decoration of your wedding ceremony and reception. Prioritizing a budget-friendly wedding should not, however, require sacrificing fantasy design elements. On the other hand, Wedding décor has many moving pieces, which can be intimidating, and this is especially true if you intend to be a hands-on bride when it comes to preparing your big day’s decor.

The influence of your venue, theme, budget, and personal preference is significant to make your wedding unique and successful. And so,  your wedding team should be clear with your wedding vision. There are a plethora of eye-catching decor alternatives that will not break the cash. For example, instead of including dozens of different over-the-top design elements, concentrate on one or two large pieces that will significantly impact the space’s look and feel. Coordination of your wedding decor is essential to the vision of your wedding day. We suggest going over your checklist again with your florist and other important vendors to see how their contributions will fit into your big day.

Don’t Forget Last-Minute Details

You’re in the week leading up to your wedding, and you’re worried you forgot something. It could be a minor detail or a significant task. Do yourself a favor and read over our last-minute checklist for wedding items you may have forgotten to complete and cross them off as you go. Here are some of the last-minute wedding details that you shouldn’t be miss. 

• Your gown, groom’s suits, and shoes, and make sure to break in your wedding shoes. 
• Your marriage bands
• The marriage license
• Vendor contact information
• Payment and tips
• An overnight bag
• An emergency kit
• Your vows
• Pack for your honeymoon
• Choose your Something Blue, Something Old, Something New,  and Something Borrowed.
• Get a manicure and pedicure.
• Buy a handheld garment steamer

Celebrate Your Love On Your Honeymoon

Following a hectic wedding, the honeymoon is a chance for newlyweds to unwind and spend quality time together. However, while traveling to an unusual destination is charming in and of itself, organizing a genuinely romantic holiday necessitates a little more effort. Keep in mind that many couples have a habit of overplanning their honeymoon activities. As a result, they are leaving tired and uninterested in romance. Instead, plan to spend at least one day of your trip just relaxing in each other’s arms.

If you’re having trouble arranging your honeymoon, the list offered here can come in handy. Take a look at the list of things to do on your honeymoon to help you plan your itinerary with ease.

• Start With A Romantic Sunrise
• Hit The Road
• Get Adventurous Throughout The Day
• Dance The Night Away
• Interact With Nature
• Choose To Cruise With Your Partner
• Stargaze Through The Night
• Experience The Luxury
• Indulge In Festivities
• Capture Every Moment
• Don’t Forget The Date Night
• Become A Little Adventurous

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