Planning A Wedding: 2-Year Timeline And Tips

Planning a wedding two years in advance is a great way to ensure you get your dream venue and vendors. It's a good idea to start by looking at the big picture: your budget, venue, and approximate guest list. You can also get quotes to see if your budget is reasonable for what you want. Once you have your venue and a date, you can start booking vendors. However, be careful not to get too wrapped up in the little details, as your preferences may change.

Book your venue

Booking your venue is one of the first things you should do when planning a wedding two years in advance. It's a good idea to start by looking around to get quotes and see if your budget is reasonable for the venue you want. You can also talk to wedding planners at this stage, who will be able to help you with this process.

Some venues will only let you book 18 months in advance, so it's worth bearing this in mind and checking with your chosen venue. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, it's worth booking as soon as you can, especially if it's a desirable spot that books up fast for weddings.

Once you have your venue and a date, you can start booking other things, like your caterer and other vendors. This will give you plenty of time to get your first pick of vendors and ensure you don't miss out because they're already booked on your date.

It's also important not to get too wrapped up in the little details at this stage. You may change your mind about certain things, so it's better to focus on the bigger items first.

Book your caterer

Booking your caterer is an important part of planning your wedding. It's a good idea to book your caterer around the same time as your venue, as they often have a list of required vendors. If you have a specific caterer in mind, it's worth reaching out to them early on in the planning process to ensure their availability on your chosen date.

When booking your caterer, it's essential to consider your budget and the type of food you want to serve. Be sure to get quotes from multiple caterers to find the best fit for your budget and taste preferences. It's also a good idea to ask for references from past clients and read online reviews to ensure the caterer's quality and reliability.

If you're planning a more intimate wedding with a smaller guest list, you may want to consider a caterer who specialises in smaller events. On the other hand, if you're planning a large, extravagant wedding, you'll need a caterer who can handle the scale of your event. Be sure to discuss the expected number of guests with your caterer to ensure they can accommodate your needs.

Tasting sessions are also an important part of the caterer selection process. Be sure to ask your caterer if they offer tastings so you can sample the food and ensure it meets your expectations. This is also a great opportunity to discuss any special dietary requirements or allergies that need to be accommodated.

By booking your caterer early, you'll have peace of mind knowing that one of the most critical aspects of your wedding is taken care of. This will allow you to focus on other details and ensure a stress-free planning process.

Get quotes and talk to wedding planners

When it comes to getting quotes and talking to wedding planners, it's important to start by considering your budget. What can you afford to spend on your wedding? This will help you determine which wedding planners are within your price range. It's also a good idea to get quotes from multiple wedding planners to compare prices and services offered.

Once you have a sense of your budget and the cost of wedding planners in your area, you can start reaching out to them. Ask about their availability, as some wedding planners may be booked up to two years in advance. Discuss your vision for the wedding and see if they can provide a detailed quote based on your requirements. It's important to be clear about your expectations and what services you require from the wedding planner.

When talking to wedding planners, ask about their experience and what they can bring to the table. Find out how they work and what their process is. It's also a good idea to ask for references from past clients to get a sense of their work ethic and the quality of their services.

Don't be afraid to negotiate. Wedding planners may be open to customising their packages to fit your needs and budget. Be clear about what you want and what you can afford, and see if they can offer any discounts or adjustments to their standard packages.

Remember, it's important to take your time and not rush into any decisions. You have the luxury of time on your side, so use it to your advantage. Compare quotes, research wedding planners thoroughly, and trust your instincts. Go with a wedding planner who understands your vision and makes you feel confident and excited about your big day.

Create a budget

Planning a wedding two years in advance gives you plenty of time to create a budget and save up for your big day.

The first step is to decide on a rough budget. This will depend on your financial situation and how much you are willing to spend on your wedding. You may also want to consider whether you will be receiving any financial contributions from family members or friends. Once you have a number in mind, you can start allocating funds to different areas of your wedding.

Next, you should research the average cost of weddings in your area. This will give you a better idea of whether your budget is realistic and how much you may need to save. You can do this by looking at online resources, such as wedding planning websites or forums, or by contacting wedding planners or venues directly to get quotes.

After you have a better understanding of the costs involved, you can start allocating your budget to different areas. This might include the venue, catering, entertainment, photography, wedding attire, decorations, and any other expenses specific to your wedding. It is important to be flexible at this stage, as you may need to make adjustments to your budget as you go along.

Finally, with your budget in place, you can start saving. You may want to set up a dedicated savings account specifically for your wedding funds. This will help you keep track of your savings and ensure that you are on track to meet your budget.

Remember, it is important to be realistic and flexible when creating your budget. Wedding planning can be unpredictable, and costs can quickly add up. By giving yourself plenty of time and staying organised, you can ensure that you stay within your budget and have the wedding of your dreams.

Make a guest list

When planning a wedding two years in advance, it's important to start with the big picture. This includes thinking about your budget, venue, and approximate guest list. While it's good to have a general idea of who you want to invite, don't get too wrapped up in the details just yet. You may change your mind about certain guests as the wedding planning progresses, and it's important to avoid burnout.

Start by making a preliminary guest list, considering your closest family and friends who you definitely want to be there. This will give you a rough idea of the number of guests, which is crucial for venue selection and budgeting. Keep in mind that your guest list may evolve over time, and you don't need to finalise it just yet.

Consider any constraints or special circumstances that may impact your guest list. For example, if you have a large extended family or a tight budget, you might need to be more selective with your invitations. On the other hand, if you're planning a destination wedding or have a flexible budget, you may be able to accommodate a larger guest list.

At this early stage, it's helpful to create a spreadsheet or guest list management tool to keep track of potential guests. Include columns for names, contact information, relationships, and any other relevant details. This will make it easier to update and manage your guest list as you refine it over the next two years.

Remember, your guest list is a living document that will likely undergo revisions. As you progress with your wedding planning, you'll have a clearer idea of the venue capacity, budget constraints, and other factors that may influence your final guest list. Stay flexible and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.

Frequently asked questions