Planning A Wedding: A Month-By-Month Guide

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but there are plenty of resources available to help you stay organised. One such resource is the book *How to Plan a Wedding: A Month-by-Month Guide for Modern Weddings* by Terri Pous, which provides a twelve-month countdown that can be condensed or expanded to fit your needs. The book includes checklists, timelines, and advice for those planning non-traditional weddings. It also has space for you to jot down your ideas and make notes.

Budgeting

First, you should decide on a budgeting system to track all the money coming in and out. There are various tools available to help you with this, such as The Knot Wedding Budget Advisor, which educates you on typical wedding budget percentages, local vendor pricing and how real couples are spending their money. It also allows you to track and edit what you spend.

Next, you should work out how much you can afford to save each month. If your wedding is 12 months away, you should aim to save $1,000 a month. You can also discuss who will be paying for what with your families. Traditionally, the bride's family pays for most of the wedding, but this is not always the case.

When it comes to allocating your budget, the biggest expense is usually the venue. You can save money by choosing an off-peak day and time – Fridays, Sundays and weekdays are often cheaper than Saturdays. Winter months also tend to be more affordable than summer months.

Finally, make sure you don't acquire more wedding debt than you can repay within a few months.

Planning a non-traditional wedding

The first step is to set a realistic timeline. Based on a twelve-month countdown, you can condense or expand this timeline to fit your needs. This will help you stay organised and ensure that you don't miss any important tasks.

Next, it's crucial to identify your priorities and what makes your wedding unique. If you're planning a non-traditional wedding, consider what elements are most important to you and your partner. This could be anything from an unusual venue to personalised details that reflect your personalities.

As you progress through the months, use checklists and timelines to stay on track. These tools will help you tackle big decisions, like choosing a venue and selecting a caterer, as well as smaller details that can make a big impact. For non-traditional weddings, don't be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate ideas that reflect your individual style.

Finally, remember to delegate tasks and ask for help when needed. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but by breaking it down month by month and seeking guidance from resources, you can enjoy the process and create a memorable day that truly celebrates your love story.

Checklists and timelines

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are many tools available to help you. One of the most popular is a month-by-month guide, which can be condensed or expanded to fit your needs. This can be in the form of a book, such as *How to Plan a Wedding: A Month-by-Month Guide for Modern Weddings* by Terri Pous, or a pocket-sized guide.

These guides will help you to plan the wedding without judgement, and will include checklists, worksheets, and essential tools to help you plan your perfect day. They will also include timelines for when to do certain things, and ideas for small things you might not have thought of.

If you are planning a non-traditional wedding, you might want to look for a guide that includes space for different ideas and decision factors.

Big decisions

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, but there are ways to make it easier. One of the most important things to do is to give yourself enough time to plan. A good way to do this is to create a month-by-month timeline, which can be condensed or expanded to fit your needs.

The first big decision to make is the type of wedding you want. Are you eloping at city hall or throwing a big reception? This will determine the rest of your planning. Once you've decided on the style of your wedding, you can start to think about the venue. This is another big decision, as it will impact the date of your wedding, the number of guests you can invite, and the overall feel of the day. It's a good idea to visit a few different venues before making a decision, and to consider the practicalities as well as the aesthetics.

Another important decision is who to invite. This can be a tricky process, as you may need to consider family politics and the size of your venue. It's a good idea to create a preliminary guest list as early as possible, so you can get an idea of numbers and make any necessary adjustments.

Finally, you'll need to decide on a budget. This will impact every aspect of your wedding, from the venue to the food to the entertainment. It's important to be realistic about your budget and to prioritise the things that are most important to you.

Small details

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's important to remember that the small details are what will make your big day unique and memorable. Here are some often-overlooked small details to consider as you plan your wedding month by month:

Accessories

Once you've chosen your wedding dress, don't forget to plan your accessories. Shoes, jewellery, and other accessories are important details that can easily be overlooked. It's a good idea to buy these items in advance so you can be sure they're ready for your big day. If you plan to wear heels, consider bringing a more comfortable pair of shoes for the reception.

Transportation

While organising transportation for your guests and wedding party, don't forget to plan your own transportation as well. Decide how you want to exit your ceremony and reception – whether you want a private exit or a grand exit in a fancy car or carriage.

Music

Create a "do not play" list with your partner and review it with your DJ to ensure that your wedding music reflects your taste and style.

Cake and Decor

Don't forget to include cake tastings on your to-do list! This is a fun way to sample different flavours and find the perfect cake for your wedding. Also, consider adding some creative touches to your guest book and decor to make your wedding unique.

Frequently asked questions