Planning A Wedding: A 12-Month Guide To Your Big Day

Planning a wedding in 12 months is no easy feat, but with the right systems in place, the time leading up to your wedding can be exciting, not stressful. The key to a smooth planning process is to align your values and expectations and do your research. The first step is to set your budget, as this will help you narrow down your list of venues, dictate your guest list, and prioritise what's most important to you. From there, you can move on to creating your mood board, touring venues, and researching vendors.

Budgeting and setting expectations

Planning a wedding in 12 months is no easy feat, but with the right systems in place, the time leading up to your wedding can be exciting, not stressful. The first thing to do is to set your budget. Your budget will help you narrow down your list of venues, dictate how large your guest list can be, and help you prioritise what's most important to you and your partner.

Because talking about money can be stressful, it's a good idea to set aside a dedicated time to discuss it, perhaps over a romantic dinner at home with a bottle of wine. Once you've decided on your budget, you can move on to the more fun things, like creating a mood board, touring venues, and researching vendors.

The next step is to create a wedding timeline, which is crucial to ensure everything goes according to plan. This timeline will help you keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed in the lead-up to your big day. There are five key things that need to be booked promptly: your wedding planner (if you're having one), your venue, your wedding invitations, your wedding suppliers (starting with a photographer), and your entertainment.

It's also important to finalise your wedding guest list and compile their addresses in a spreadsheet. This will help you keep track of who has been invited and make it easier to send out invitations. Buying your wedding invitations in advance will also save you time and stress later on.

Finding a venue

Once you have set your budget, you can move on to touring venues. This is the fun part! You will be able to see the spaces in person and imagine your wedding day. Consider the following when touring venues:

• Is the venue the right size for your guest list?
• Does the venue have the facilities you need? For example, will you need a kitchen for catering, or a space for dancing?
• What is the parking situation? Will your guests be able to park nearby, or will you need to provide a shuttle service?
• Are there any noise restrictions? If you are planning on having music or entertainment, you will need to make sure that the venue can accommodate this.
• What is the backup plan in case of bad weather? If you are planning an outdoor wedding, you will need to make sure that the venue has a suitable indoor space in case of rain or strong winds.

When you have found a venue that ticks all of your boxes, it's time to book! Make sure you read the contract carefully and understand all of the terms and conditions before signing.

Researching vendors

Once you've set your budget, it's time to start researching vendors. This is a crucial step in the wedding planning process, as it will help you secure the services you need to make your big day a success.

Start by creating a list of vendors you'll need to book. This might include a wedding planner, a photographer, a caterer, a band or DJ, and a florist, among others. Prioritise the vendors that are most important to you and your partner, and keep in mind that some vendors may be booked up well in advance, so it's important to start your research early.

When researching vendors, consider your budget, the style of your wedding, and the specific services you're looking for. Read online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends and family, and reach out to vendors to request quotes and availability. It's also a good idea to meet with potential vendors in person or via video call to discuss your vision and ensure they're a good fit for your wedding.

As you research, create a spreadsheet to keep track of vendor information, including contact details, pricing, and availability. This will help you stay organised and make it easier to compare different options.

Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate. Wedding vendors often have some flexibility with their pricing, so don't be afraid to ask about potential discounts or customised packages that fit within your budget.

Writing your vows

Planning a wedding in 12 months can be a stressful experience, but it's important to remember that it should be an exciting time too. The key to success is to be organised and to set your budget early on. This will help you to narrow down your list of venues and dictate how many people you can invite.

Before you start writing, it's important to consult your partner about your expectations. You should agree on the length of your vows, when you'll recite them, who will say them first, the tone, and how personal you want them to be. You should also think about your relationship, your commitment to your partner, and the structure of your wedding day.

When it comes to the writing itself, it's important to speak from the heart and put your true feelings onto paper. Start with a statement about who your partner is to you – your best friend, your lover, your partner in crime, or your everything. Then, make promises to your partner and vow to stick to them. For example, "I vow to always support you" or "I promise to never steal the covers unless you're hogging them". You can also mention specific ways you will show your love, in romantic, funny, or personal ways. If you're celebrating your faith on your wedding day, you can incorporate religious vows and bible verses.

Finalising your guest list

You should finalise your guest list 6-7 months before the wedding. It is important to compile the list of addresses in a spreadsheet, so you know how many invitations to buy.

When finalising your guest list, it is important to consider the size of your venue. If you have a small venue, you may need to limit the number of guests. It is also important to consider the cost of catering, as this will be a significant expense.

Finally, don't forget to include your wedding party and any other important people in your life. It is also a good idea to have a backup list of guests in case anyone declines your invitation.

Frequently asked questions