Planning A Wedding In A Month: Your Essential Checklist

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. There are plenty of checklists available to help you plan your big day, and make sure you don't miss a thing. From finalising your guest list to confirming your vendors, there's a lot to think about. But don't worry, we're here to help. In this article, we'll give you a step-by-step guide to planning your wedding in just one month. So whether you're a bride, groom, or member of the wedding party, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of.

Finalise the guest list

Finalising the guest list is an important part of wedding planning. It's best to start by deciding on the approximate number of guests, as this may impact your choice of venue. Once you have a rough idea of numbers, you can research potential venues and ceremony locations.

It's also a good idea to pick potential wedding dates and check with important guests to avoid any clashes. This will ensure that the people you want to be there can attend.

With only one month to go, it's time to finalise the guest list and send out any remaining invitations. You should also start working on your seating chart, which can be tricky, so it's best to get a head start.

If you're planning a rehearsal dinner, now is the time to finalise the details and send out invitations. This is also a great opportunity to coordinate with your in-laws and make sure they have all the information they need.

Confirm vendors

Confirming your vendors is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. Here is a checklist to ensure you have everything covered when confirming your vendors for your big day:

• Finalise your guest list: Knowing the approximate number of guests will help you determine the required services and quantities from your vendors.
• Confirm all vendors: Create a list of all the vendors you require, such as a photographer, DJ, caterer, florist, etc. Reach out to your desired vendors and confirm their availability for your wedding date.
• Share details: Provide your confirmed vendors with all the necessary information, such as the wedding date, time, location, and any specific requirements or requests you may have.
• Finalise contracts: Review and finalise contracts with each vendor, ensuring all services, prices, and payment terms are clearly outlined and agreed upon.
• Follow up: Stay in communication with your vendors leading up to the wedding. Confirm final details, arrival times, and any last-minute changes or updates.
• Backup plan: Although not necessary, it may be beneficial to have a backup plan in place. Research alternative vendors in case of last-minute cancellations or unforeseen circumstances.

By following this checklist, you can confidently confirm your vendors and ensure they are well-prepared to deliver their services on your wedding day.

Rehearsal dinner invitations

The rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to thank your wedding party and family for all their help in the lead-up to your big day. It's also a chance for everyone to get to know each other before the wedding. So, it's important to get your invitations out in good time to ensure that everyone can make it.

When sending out your invitations, be sure to include all the key details, such as the date, time and location of the rehearsal dinner. It's also a good idea to include a brief overview of the evening's schedule, so guests know what to expect. If you're planning any games or activities, be sure to mention these too, so guests can come prepared.

Finally, don't forget to include RSVP details, so you can get an accurate headcount for the venue.

Pick a venue

Picking a venue is one of the most important parts of planning a wedding. You should start your search early to maximise availability and get your first pick. If you have a non-negotiable wedding date already set, you should start your venue search as soon as you can.

Before you start your search, you should have a rough idea of how many people will be attending. Many venues require a deposit based on an estimated guest count, so you'll need to zero in on that number. You should also consider whether you want to have your ceremony and reception in the same place or separate locations.

When you're looking at venues, find out exactly what they provide. For example, do they have parking, tables and chairs, linens, and bathrooms? If you're having a farm wedding, you might need to rent portable restrooms. You should also consider whether the venue aligns with the vision you have for your wedding. For instance, a rustic theme may not work in a luxury hotel, whereas a park, barn, or ranch could be perfect.

Reading reviews of venues is a good way to get intel from married couples who have actually held their wedding there. You might find information about aspects of the venue you hadn't thought to consider. Ultimately, you want to choose a venue that feels right to you. If it looks beautiful on Instagram but feels sterile in person, for example, trust your instincts. The same goes for the venue coordinator: do they make you feel comfortable? Are they professional? Go with your gut and select a venue where you can easily envision celebrating your special day.

Marriage license

A marriage license is an important document that you'll need to obtain before your wedding. In some places, such as Illinois, you can obtain your marriage license no sooner than 60 days before your wedding, but no less than the day before.

To obtain your marriage license, you'll need to research the specific requirements for your state or country. This may include providing certain documents, such as birth certificates or passports, and paying a fee. It's important to allow enough time for processing and to ensure that your license is valid for your wedding date.

Once you have your marriage license, keep it in a safe place. You'll need to present it to your officiant before the wedding and may need it for other legal purposes, such as changing your name or updating insurance policies.

If you're planning a destination wedding or getting married outside of your home country, be sure to research the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in that location. The process may vary, and you may need to allow extra time for translation or authentication of documents.

Frequently asked questions