Wedding planning is an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming experience. The time it takes to plan all the details depends on a number of factors. For example, the size of the event can significantly influence the length of the planning process. Other things include the availability of your preferred venue, as well as how much help you have. While some couples manage to execute a perfect event in only a few months, others may take over a year to bring their dream day to life.
At Wedding Style Society, we know how demanding planning for the most important day of your life can be. Therefore, we are here to provide you with insight into the average time to plan a wedding. Moreover, we will also glimpse into the key planning stages and give you some expert tips to help you along the way.
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How Long Does It Take To Plan A Wedding?
Planning your special day is an important project, so assigning 12 to 18 months for the process is wise. This especially applies if your plans include a full wedding breakfast, an evening reception, a honeymoon, and other special touches.
It’s essential to set a realistic timeline for this project. These types of events involve many details you’ll need to manage and execute. Your planning timeline may also be affected by other things, such as venue availability, accommodating family traveling from abroad, and other life events.
To help you get started, here’s a wedding timeline covering the key elements you’ll need to address. This task will call for your best organizational skills, and we certainly hope you will find this framework a solid starting point.
Wedding Planning Timeline
12 Months Before
With 12 months to go, it’s all about laying the foundation. Start by setting your budget, as that will guide every decision you will make in the future. Then, focus on creating the guest list. Even though this might seem like an early wedding planning thing to do, knowing your headcount helps with venue selection, catering, and cost estimates. If you’re hiring a wedding planner (which we highly recommend you do), now is the ideal time. They’ll save you time and stress as the details pile up. This is also when you should choose a theme and search for the perfect venue. Once you’ve got those locked down, set your wedding date—it’s the anchor for all your planning.
10-11 Months Before
At 11 months out, focus on the vendors who book up fast: your photographer, videographer, band, and DJ. 10 months before your dream date, you can start focusing on the things that will really get you excited, such as shopping for your special outfit. Meanwhile, accommodations for out-of-town guests should be arranged, and a website should be created to keep everyone in the loop.
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8-9 Months Before
As the big date steadily approaches, you will have to finalize your dress choice and start fittings. In addition, this wedding planning stage is also when you should send out invitations or save-the-dates. Eight months out, create your gift registry and pick your bridesmaids’ dresses. Moreover, we highly advise you not to wait too long to book a florist, especially if they’re in high demand.
5-7 Months Before
With seven months remaining, you should begin the party planning. Select your preferred entertainment option, finalize your rentals, and secure any additional items like linens or tableware. At five months out, your wedding timeline should be focused on planning your honeymoon! Discuss your dream destinations with your partner and choose the one that excites you both!
3- 4 Months Before
At this wedding planning stage, book some time for cake testing. Furthermore, pick out your wedding rings, finalize your attires, and schedule hair and makeup trials. These are perfect opportunities for special bonding moments with your bridal party. By three months out, confirm your guest list and menu, organize wedding favors, and start drafting your speeches.
2 Months Before
With just two months left, it is time to finalize the details. To thank your bridal party for their support, select thoughtful gifts. Also, remember to check in with all your vendors to confirm details and ensure everything runs smoothly.
1 Month Before
The big date is really close, and all that is left for you to do is sort out some minor things. This includes all DIY items you decided to go with, creating a table plan, as well as planning your suppliers, and doing some final checks.
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Hiring an Experienced Wedding Planner
Remember, wedding planning is a journey. Therefore, minimize the stress by hiring a planner from the beginning and enjoy every minute that leads you towards saying ‘I do’. To help you make your decision, we have assembled a list of the best planners around the US who can help make your day a dream.
P & T Party Planners
Based in Kearneysville, West Virginia, P&T Party Planners specializes in creating the most memorable love unions. Their services focus on detailed planning and personalized assistance to bring each couple’s vision to life. They are known for the high level of expertise they provide, as well as unlimited creativity. This combination is the key to ensuring every event they create is both unique and seamless.
Hitched Without A Glitch
Hitched Without a Glitch provides professional wedding planning services in Montana. Specializing in day-of coordination, they handle vendor communication, timelines, and on-site management to ensure a seamless event. Moreover, they can also take care of planning your honeymoon, so your only job will be to enjoy each moment fully.
Jenna Culley Events
Located in Minneapolis, Jenna Culley Events is an event planning and design company specializing in completely personalized events. Their team customizes packages to fit your wishes and requirements specifically, offering services from full planning to event design. Known for their creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail, they ensure every love celebration is unique and beautiful.
Photo via Jenna Culley Events
At the Wedding Style Society, we are focused on inspiring couples and helping them design a truly unique event. Therefore, our team has established an extensive directory of professionals that will answer your wishes and demands. No matter the wedding planning stage you are in, feel free to browse our website and select the ideal vendor for you.
Lastly, if you need more inspiration, our blog section is filled with useful topics that we are sure will keep your attention.
