The Ultimate Wedding Planning: A-Z Guide For Your Big Day

a-z wedding planning checklist

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with so many details to remember and tasks to complete. From developing a budget to deciding on a venue, there's a lot to think about. To help you keep on top of everything, an A-Z wedding planning checklist can be a handy tool to ensure you don't forget anything.

Characteristics Values
Budget Develop a realistic budget by determining how much you and your fiancé have available, and how much your parents can contribute
Jewellery Wear everyday items or simple matching pieces that complement your dress. Remember that the ring is the most important item

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Budgeting

Developing a realistic budget is not the most romantic part of planning your wedding, but it's an important one. You can't do much before you figure out how much money you have to work with. To get a sense of your budget, determine how much you and your fiancé have available and sit down with both sets of parents to find out what, if anything, they are able to contribute. When deciding on your guest list, avoid putting people who know one another well on separate lists. If a B-list coworker happens to compare notes with an A-lister, for example, she'll likely realise that she didn't make the top tier.

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Jewellery

When it comes to jewellery, brides should either wear their everyday items or simple matching pieces that complement their dress. Remember that the ring is the most important item, so other pieces of jewellery should not dominate. You could ask family members for their opinion, but remember to take everything with a pinch of salt – it's your day!

If you're looking for something new, there are plenty of places to buy wedding jewellery, from high-street stores to independent boutiques. You could also consider borrowing jewellery from a family member or friend. If you're having bridesmaids, you might want to give them a piece of jewellery as a gift, which they can wear on the day.

When choosing your jewellery, think about the overall style of your wedding. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might want to choose jewellery with a more natural, organic feel. Or, if you're having a glamorous city wedding, you might want to opt for something more sparkly and statement-making.

Don't forget to consider your comfort, too. If you're not used to wearing earrings, for example, you might not want to choose a heavy pair that will drag on your lobes all day. Similarly, if you're not a necklace wearer, a choker might feel constricting. Choose pieces that you feel comfortable and confident in, and that reflect your personal style.

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Dress

One of the most important aspects of your wedding attire is, of course, your wedding dress. It’s essential to have a well-planned wedding dress shopping timeline to ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding dress shopping journey.

The first step is to choose your budget. This will help narrow down your options and keep you on track financially. You should also search for styles you love. Creating a Pinterest board, reading blogs and scrolling through Instagram or TikTok are just a few of the many ways to find wedding gown inspiration.

The sweet spot for when to buy your wedding dress is 8 to 10 months before the big day. During this time, you'll say yes to the dress, and the salon can place your order. When you purchase your gown, you'll be asked to sign a contract and put down a deposit. The deposit will vary by retailer, but it's often about 50% of the price of the dress, and the remaining balance will be due when you go to pick up your gown.

Remember, the ring is the most important item, so other pieces of jewellery should not dominate. Family members excel in this department. Listen to what they have to say, but take everything with a pinch of salt. Remember, it’s your day.

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Venue

When it comes to choosing a venue for your wedding, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to have a rough idea of your guest count so you can choose a venue that is the right size. You don't want to choose a venue that is too large for a smaller guest list, as it may feel empty, and you also don't want to squeeze too many guests into a small space.

Next, you should find out exactly what the venue provides. This includes parking, tables and chairs, linens, and bathrooms. If you're having an outdoor wedding, you should also inquire about backup options in case of bad weather. Make sure the venue has suitable indoor spaces or backup plans, like tents, to ensure a seamless celebration.

It's also important to discuss setup and tear-down times, curfews, noise restraints, and any other details that may impact your plans. Some venues allow you to use your own vendors, while others require you to use their in-house florist, caterer, bartenders, and planner. If you have your heart set on certain details, like having a candlelit ceremony or your dog as your ring bearer, make sure the venue allows candles and dogs.

Finally, consider the level of support you'll need from the venue staff. If you're not hiring a planner, it's advisable to choose a venue that offers more support and find out exactly how much involvement and help they provide.

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Guest list

Planning a wedding guest list can be a daunting task, but there are tools available to help you. WeddingWire's free guest list manager allows you to upload your list or add invitees individually. You can also keep track of guest attendance, online RSVPs, and more. Planning.Wedding also offers a free guest list manager that interconnects with other apps within your 'wedding project', such as your wedding website and its built-in RSVP tool. This can help you invite guests, request information, and build a detailed wedding invitation list.

When creating your guest list, it's important to consider your budget and the size of your venue. The average wedding guest list has an A, B, and C list. The A list is for those closest to you, such as family and friends. The B list may include coworkers or acquaintances, while the C list could be for guests you'd like to invite if there's room. It's also a good idea to avoid putting people who know each other well on separate lists to prevent any potential awkwardness.

Frequently asked questions

Develop a realistic budget. You can't do much before you figure out how much money you have to work with.

Remember that the ring is the most important item, so other pieces of jewellery should not dominate. Family members can be a good source of advice, but remember to take everything with a pinch of salt – it's your day.

Avoid putting people who know each other well on separate lists. If a B-list coworker happens to compare notes with an A-lister, for example, they'll likely realise that they didn't make the top tier.

Both sets of parents.

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