Planning A Wedding? A 2-Year Checklist For Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. With the right checklist, you can make sure you're on track to have the wedding of your dreams. From finding a venue to going dress shopping, there's a lot to think about. But don't worry, we're here to help you plan your big day, step by step.

Budgeting

The first step is to assess your financial situation. Look at your current savings, your capacity for future savings, and any contributions from family members. This will help you set a realistic budget that fits your financial situation and ensures you can enjoy your wedding day without stress.

Next, you need to figure out your overall wedding budget. This will be the foundation of your wedding planning. Once you have your budget, you can start allocating funds based on your priorities. For example, if a stunning venue and world-class dining are important to you, you might want to allocate a larger portion of your budget to these areas. On the other hand, if you value live music over flowers, you can reduce your floral budget and invest more in entertainment.

Finally, it's time to create a comprehensive checklist of expenses. From the obvious costs like your venue and catering to miscellaneous expenses like thank you cards and photo albums, there are many factors that will impact your budget. With a detailed checklist, you can effectively manage your budget and avoid any unexpected surprises.

Researching venues

When it comes to researching venues, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to do your research online. Websites like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google can be great resources for finding potential venues. You can also use tools like Tulle Together’s Wedding Pricing Transparency Project to compare prices across different venues.

Once you've found a few potential venues, it's time to start vetting them. Online research and video consultations can be a great first step, but it's important to remember that they should never fully replace seeing a space in person. When you're ready to take the next step, give the venue a call to check availability and confirm that they can accommodate your guest list. If the answer is yes, ask them to email you pricing information if you don't already have it.

After you've gathered all the necessary information, it's time to discuss your options with your fiancé or a trusted family member. Go over the pros and cons of each venue and give yourself a few days to make a decision. If the research is feeling overwhelming, you can always outsource it to a wedding planner, as many offer venue selection services.

Remember, when it comes to researching venues, it's important to take your time and consider all your options. By doing your research online and in-person, you'll be able to find the perfect venue for your big day.

Dress shopping

Wedding dress shopping should be fun, so don't put too much pressure on yourself. Make a day of it with your friends and get some honest insight. Wear a comfortable outfit and the right underwear and shoes to get a good idea of how the length will work in practice.

Before you go shopping, do some research to help narrow down your options. Look at common themes among the wedding dress necklines, fabrics and dress silhouettes you gravitate towards so you can easily share your ideal look with a stylist. You can also use your overall wedding vibe as a starting point for narrowing down your dress options. For example, if you're going for a beach wedding with neutral colours, consider a lighter fabric that can withstand the heat.

An experienced consultant can also help you find the right dress for your budget, body type and personal style. Book a bridal appointment and make sure you can easily share your ideal look with a stylist.

Your wedding dress should arrive at the salon about three to four months before the wedding. Your hair and makeup trial should take place about five months before your wedding. Consider your wedding dress neckline and overall aesthetic to influence your hair and makeup.

Planning the honeymoon

• Destination: Where do you want to go? Do you want to relax on a beach or explore a new city? Consider your budget and the time of year you're getting married, as this may impact your destination choices.
• Travel arrangements: How will you get to your honeymoon destination? If you're travelling internationally, make sure your passport is up-to-date and book your flights in advance to get the best deals. Don't forget to organise travel insurance, too.
• Accommodation: Research and book your accommodation in advance. Look for places that offer honeymoon packages, which often include romantic touches like champagne and chocolates on arrival.
• Activities: What do you want to do on your honeymoon? Make a list of must-do activities and book them in advance if necessary. This could include anything from spa treatments to adventure sports.
• Packing: Start packing for your honeymoon a few weeks in advance, so you're not rushed. Don't forget to pack appropriate clothing for your activities and the climate, as well as any necessary travel documents. You should be ready to leave straight after the reception, so make sure you have everything prepared.
• Budget: Honeymoons can be expensive, so set a budget and stick to it. Shop around for the best deals on travel and accommodation, and consider using a travel agent to help you plan within your budget.

Remember, the key to planning a successful honeymoon is to start early, be organised, and tailor it to your interests and budget. That way, you can ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable trip to celebrate your new marriage.

RSVP list

When planning a wedding, it's important to keep on top of your RSVP list. This will help you to stay organised and ensure you have the correct number of guests for things like catering and seating.

There are several ways to manage your RSVP list. You can use a spreadsheet, either on your own or through a wedding planning website, or you can use a free guest list manager tool. These tools allow you to track RSVPs, collect addresses, manage multiple events, and organise your guests by category. They can also help you to invite guests, request information, and build a detailed wedding invitation list.

If you're collecting physical RSVP cards, you can add a column next to each guest's name on your spreadsheet to note their response. Alternatively, you can use a wedding website to let guests RSVP online. This can be especially useful if you want to go paper-free or cut costs.

It's a good idea to keep your guest list and RSVP tracking in one convenient place, so you have easy access to all the information you need. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't miss any important details.

Frequently asked questions