The Ultimate 1-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

Planning a wedding in a month? Don't panic! There are plenty of checklists out there to help you stay on top of things. From nailing down the rehearsal dinner details to researching venues and starting on the guest list, there's a lot to do, but it's all manageable.

Finalise the guest list

Finalising the guest list is a crucial part of wedding planning. It's important to decide on the approximate number of guests as this may impact your choice of venue. Once you have your venue booked, you'll know for certain what your numbers are. Venues will be able to tell you how many guests they can host during the day, and how many they can accommodate if you want to add additional evening guests.

Once you've finalised your guest list, it's time to send it to your venue and caterers so they can prepare accordingly. It's best to avoid sending your guest list before it's fully finalised, as you'll end up sending revised versions, which can cause confusion. You can use a guest list tool to keep track of your RSVPs, +1s, and any extra information like dietary requirements and access needs.

If you're planning on assigning guests to specific tables, now is the time to do it. You can also assign menu choices, taking into account any dietary restrictions, such as vegan or gluten-free options.

Pick a date

Picking a date for your wedding is one of the most important steps in the wedding planning process. If you're planning a wedding in one month, you'll need to decide on a date as soon as possible. Here are some things to consider when choosing a date:

• Check with important guests to avoid clashes. You'll want to make sure that the people closest to you are available to attend your wedding. Send out a quick message to your must-have guests to confirm their availability for your chosen date.
• Consider the season and weather. Think about whether you want a summer or winter wedding and the impact the weather may have on your plans. For example, an outdoor wedding in the middle of winter may not be the most comfortable option for your guests.
• Venue availability. Once you've decided on a date, you'll need to check if your chosen venue is available. If you're flexible with the date, you could ask the venue about their availability and choose a date that works for them.
• Rehearsal dinner. If you're planning on having a rehearsal dinner the day before your wedding, you'll need to coordinate this with your in-laws and make sure the invitations are sent out in time.

Remember, picking a date for your wedding is a personal decision, and you may need to be flexible depending on the availability of your guests, venue, and other factors.

Choose a venue

Choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. Here's a checklist to help you choose a venue in one month:

• Make a rough guest list so you can rule out venues that are too small or too big. It's easy to underestimate how many people you want to invite, so always choose a venue that allows for a few extra people.
• Consider the location and accessibility of the venue. If your loved ones are travelling to your wedding, they may need nearby hotel accommodation.
• If possible, view the venue when it's set up for a wedding so you can imagine how it will look on your big day. If you can't visit in person, ask to see photographs or a seating plan of the room at capacity.
• Assess each site's customer service and read reviews on sites like WeddingWire and The Knot to see if it's a good fit for you and your partner.
• Beware of choosing a venue that's too big or too small for your guest list. If you hire a venue that holds 300 people but you're only inviting 50, your guests might feel lost in the space.

Send rehearsal dinner invites

Sending out rehearsal dinner invites is an important task to complete one month before your wedding. You'll need to coordinate with your in-laws and make sure the invitations are mailed out. This is also a great opportunity to finalise any details about the rehearsal dinner with your in-laws and the venue.

When sending out invites, it's important to include all the necessary information, such as the date, time, and location of the rehearsal dinner. You may also want to include information about the dress code and any other relevant details, such as transportation or accommodation options for out-of-town guests.

It's a good idea to give your guests plenty of notice, so they can plan their schedules and make any necessary arrangements. If you have guests who are travelling from out of town, you may want to include information about local accommodation options or transportation to and from the venue.

Finally, don't forget to keep track of your RSVPs. This will help you finalise the guest list and make any necessary adjustments to your plans. It's also a good idea to follow up with any guests who haven't responded, to ensure that they received the invitation and to give them a gentle reminder to RSVP.

Plan the ceremony

Planning a wedding ceremony in one month is a challenge, but it's totally possible. Here are some tips to help you plan the ceremony:

• Keep the ceremony small and simple. This will make it easier to plan and will also be easier on your budget.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to your network of friends, family and local small businesses to see if anyone can lend a hand.
• Research and book a venue. Think about the kind of atmosphere you want and look for somewhere that fits the bill. A wine and cheese bar, for example, or a city hall ceremony.
• Plan the music. You could create a Spotify playlist of your favourite songs, or ask a friend to help you put something together.
• Order flowers from a local florist.
• If you're feeling brave, you could even bake your own wedding cake!

Frequently asked questions