Planning A Wedding: A Year-Long Guide For Couples

Planning a wedding in a year is totally doable and usually the norm. While some couples wait years to tie the knot, you can have your big day right around the corner. The first thing to remember is that you don't have all the time in the world, so it's better to get started as early as possible. Once you have a vision, you'll be ready to set a date and book your venue.

Setting a date and booking a venue

Planning a wedding in a year is totally doable and usually the norm. The first thing to do is to set a date and book a venue. Your ceremony and reception venue will be the backdrop for your wedding photos, and will have the biggest impact on your budget and the overall vibe of your wedding.

It's recommended that you secure your wedding date and venue as soon as possible. In the past, it was recommended to secure your wedding date and venue at least a year in advance, but now it's best to complete this step as soon as you can.

To get the look, price and extras you want, scour local listings, shop around, schedule visits and book early. If you only have six months before the big day, be aware that some of your vendors might already be booked. There are lots of excellent and professional wedding vendors who can help bring your vision to life.

Budgeting

The venue will likely be your biggest expense, so it's important to shop around and book early. You should also plan to get the look, price and extras you want by scouring local listings, scheduling visits and booking early.

To work out your budget, figure out how much money you can set aside each month without affecting your necessities or lifestyle more than you are willing to accommodate. Multiply that number by the length of your engagement, and that is your wedding budget. You may need to DIY, reduce your expectations and pick cheaper options to fit within your budget. It's a good idea to do some research on how much your ideal wedding will cost, and make a spreadsheet with quotes.

If you only have a year to plan your wedding, you should get started as soon as possible, as some vendors may already be booked.

Vendors

When it comes to vendors, it's important to get started early. While it is possible to plan a wedding in less than a year, some vendors may already be booked if you only have six months to plan. To avoid disappointment, it's a good idea to start researching and contacting vendors as soon as possible.

When choosing vendors, it's important to consider your budget and the overall vibe you want for your wedding. You can find vendors by scouring local listings, shopping around, and scheduling visits. It's also a good idea to read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.

Once you've found a few vendors you like, it's time to start booking. Be sure to get everything in writing, including the date, time, and location of your wedding, as well as any other details you've discussed. It's also a good idea to confirm all bookings closer to the date to ensure that everyone is still on the same page.

Remember, there are lots of excellent and professional wedding vendors out there who are experienced in bringing couples' visions to life. Don't be afraid to ask for help and guidance from them – that's what they're there for!

Timing

Planning a wedding in a year is totally doable and usually the norm. In fact, some couples might want to speed things up because they just can't wait to be husband and wife.

The first thing to remember is that you don't have all the time in the world, and it's better to get started earlier. Get as much done as early as possible so you have some wiggle room if you need it. If you only have six months before the big day, go into it knowing that some of your vendors might already be booked. Don't spend too much time lamenting about this; just move on. There are lots of excellent and professional wedding vendors who can help bring your vision to life.

Once you have a vision guiding your wedding day, you'll be ready to formally and officially set your date and book the setting. Your ceremony and reception venue will become the backdrop for virtually all your wedding photos, not to mention, it'll have the biggest impact on your budget and the overall vibe of your soiree. Ensure that you plan to get the look, price and extras you want by scouring local listings, shopping around, scheduling visits and booking early. In years past, securing your wedding date and venue at least one year in advance was recommended. Now, we recommend completing this step as soon as possible as you plan the wedding.

You can also book your honeymoon in advance to save yourself some last-minute stress.

Guests

Planning a wedding in a year is totally possible, and it's a great idea! You'll want to get started as soon as possible, and be flexible with your choices. The first thing to do is to set your date and book your venue. The venue will have the biggest impact on your budget and the overall vibe of your wedding, so it's important to get this sorted early.

The guest list is a key part of your wedding planning. It's important to keep an open dialogue with your partner and your families about who to invite. You might want to give your families a say in other aspects of the wedding that are less critical, such as the cake or the band.

The average wedding guest list has an A, B and C list. The A list is made up of the people you are closest to, be that family or friends. You can use a guest list manager tool to keep track of guest attendance, RSVPs, and to build your invitation list.

Frequently asked questions