The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Wedding Planner

There are many wedding planning books available for brides-to-be, grooms-to-be, and couples to buy. Wedding planning books can be purchased online from websites such as Amazon, Nook Theory, and Gartner Studios, or in-store at Walmart. Wedding planning books can include sections on style, planning, calendars, budgets, guest lists, locations, stationery, photography, flowers, music, gifts, catering, and honeymoon. Some couples may prefer to create their own wedding planning binder, using printables from the internet, or by using a regular planner with a wedding section.

Online wedding planning tools

There are a variety of online wedding planning tools available to help you plan your big day. These tools can help you with everything from budgeting and guest lists to finding vendors and creating your wedding website. Many of these tools are free to use and can be accessed through websites or apps.

One popular option for online wedding planning is WeddingWire. WeddingWire offers a range of free tools, including a wedding website builder, seating charts, checklists, budget trackers, and a vendor manager. You can also use their online RSVP pages to keep track of your guest list and seating arrangements. WeddingWire also has a search engine that helps you find local vendors and wedding professionals with reviews and pricing information.

Another option is The Knot, which offers various tools to help you plan your wedding, including an accommodations tool to research and request quotes from hotels and a vendor marketplace to find top-rated vendors near you. They also provide a checklist and other resources to help you plan your dream wedding.

Other online wedding planning tools include Loverly, a free online wedding planner that helps you with budgeting, checklists, guest lists, and finding vendors. Allseated is another useful tool that lets you create a 3D rendering of your reception space to plan your layout and collaborate with vendors. If you're looking for a budgeting tool, Mint is a popular option that lets you create a custom wedding budget and track your spending. Google Drive and its suite of apps (Sheets, Docs, etc.) are also great for creating and organizing spreadsheets, documents, and photos for your wedding planning. Trello is another useful tool for creating a virtual pinboard to visually track your wedding planning tasks.

In addition to these dedicated wedding planning tools, don't forget to utilize your network of friends and family for advice and support during your wedding planning journey.

Wedding planning books and guides

Wedding planning can be a tedious task, and while not everyone can have a wedding planner, the next best thing is a wedding planning book or guide. These books are a great way to streamline all the details of your special day and ensure that you don't forget a single one.

There are many different types of wedding planning books to choose from, so it's important to determine the level of guidance you want before you start shopping. Do you want a simple wedding planning binder to keep everything in one place? Or would you prefer a book with a step-by-step checklist that outlines every little detail? Some books offer a combination of inspiration, helpful checklists, and planning tips, which can be especially useful for beginners.

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer is a beautiful wedding binder that covers every step of the journey, including where to start planning, how much to budget, choosing vendors, and signing contracts. It also includes access to their digital tools, such as your registry and wedding website. Another option is The Little Book of Wedding Checklists by Elizabeth McKellar, which provides all the lists and tips you need to plan your big day.

If you're looking for something more modern, Kennedy Blue offers a digital wedding planning organizer and guide based on their 40 years of experience helping couples plan their weddings. Their guide includes advice on saving time and money, as well as other tips based on their experience that you won't find just by searching the internet.

Wedding planning agencies

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, and many couples opt to hire a wedding planner to assist in organizing and coordinating their nuptials. Wedding planning agencies are a great resource for couples who want expert help in creating their dream wedding. These agencies offer a range of services, from full-service planning to à la carte options, to ensure your big day is everything you've ever wanted.

One such agency is Tessa Lyn Events, a wedding planning agency based in Southern California. Founded by Tessa Lyn Brand, the agency has planned over 300 weddings to date and offers a range of services, including full-service planning, partial planning, and day-of coordination. They work with couples to create a customized plan that fits their unique vision, style, and budget. With their expertise and connections in the industry, they can help secure the best venues and vendors for your special day.

Another renowned wedding planning agency is Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, owned and founded by world-renowned event planner Mindy Weiss. Based in California, Mindy Weiss and her team of experts specialize in creating luxurious and elegant weddings that reflect the couple's personality and style. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, they offer full-service planning and design, ensuring every detail is meticulously crafted and executed.

Lea Stafford, also based in California, is a luxury wedding planner known for creating sophisticated and unique weddings. Her services include venue selection, vendor management, design and styling, and day-of coordination. With her extensive industry knowledge and attention to detail, Lea ensures that each wedding is a memorable and seamless experience for the couple and their guests.

These wedding planning agencies, and many others, offer a stress-free approach to creating your dream wedding. With their expertise and resources, you can focus on enjoying your engagement while they bring your vision to life, ensuring an unforgettable celebration.

Wedding planning checklists

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but it doesn't have to be! The key to staying on top of everything is to break down your to-do list into manageable chunks and give yourself enough time to plan. A wedding planning book or printable checklist can help you do this, and there are plenty of options available online. Websites like Brides, Here Comes the Guide, and The Knot offer free downloadable and printable wedding planning checklists, and The Knot also has a wedding planning app.

If you prefer a physical book, you can purchase a wedding planner organisation book from websites like Gartner Studios and Ginger Ray. These books provide you with the tips and tools you need to plan your wedding and include sections for style, planning, calendar, budget, guest list, locations, stationery, photography, flowers/music, gifts, catering, and honeymoon.

Once you have your wedding planning checklist, you can start working through the tasks. Here is a suggested timeline to help you stay organised:

12+ Months Out

• Enjoy your engagement and take some time to savour the moment.
• Discuss the budget and determine your wedding's bottom line. Figure out what is a priority and what is not.
• Start compiling a guest list.
• Look for venues and secure your chosen location(s).
• Begin researching vendors, including caterers, photographers, and entertainment.
• If you are planning on having a wedding party, ask your chosen attendants.

6-11 Months Out

• Start thinking about the style and theme of your wedding.
• Shop for your wedding attire and that of your wedding party.
• Finalise your vendor choices and book them.
• Plan your honeymoon.
• Send out save-the-dates.

4-5 Months Out

• Finalise your guest list and create a seating plan.
• Order your wedding cake.
• Choose and send out invitations.
• Plan and book your wedding transport.
• Purchase wedding rings.

2-3 Months Out

• Finalise all the details, such as decor, music, and flowers.
• Confirm logistics with all your vendors.
• Plan the rehearsal dinner.
• If you are writing your vows, now is a good time to start.
• Book your hair and makeup artists for a trial.

1 Month Out

• Send your final guest count to your caterers.
• Finalise the ceremony timeline and details.
• Purchase gifts for your wedding party and anyone else who has helped with the planning.
• Check in with your partner to ensure you are both happy with the plans.

Week Before

• Check the weather report and confirm the contingency plan with your venue if needed.
• Pack for your honeymoon.
• Ensure all wedding-day items are packed and ready, including the rings and marriage license.
• Finalise payments for vendors and put them in envelopes to be handed out at the reception.

Day Before

• Relax and spend time with your partner and loved ones.
• Ensure someone is assigned to pack up gifts and belongings after the reception.

Day Of

Enjoy your special day and the beginning of your married life!

After the Wedding

• Write and send thank-you cards.
• Complete your gift registry and exchange any unwanted or duplicate gifts.
• Have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved.
• Work with your photographer and/or videographer on albums and videos.

Wedding planning timelines

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, but creating a timeline can help you stay organised and ensure the process is enjoyable and stress-free. While every couple's timeline will be unique, here is a comprehensive wedding planning timeline to guide you through the process, which can be adapted to fit your specific needs and preferences.

12-15 Months Before the Wedding

This is the ideal time to start planning your wedding. Begin by setting a budget and finalising the details, such as the venue, theme, and guest list. It is crucial to involve all stakeholders, including those contributing financially, to ensure a clear understanding of expectations and budget constraints. With the budget in place, you can start researching and booking your desired vendors, including photographers, caterers, and entertainment.

11-12 Months Before the Wedding

Now is the time to send out "save the dates" to your guests, especially if you have a specific date in mind and want to ensure the availability of your must-have guests. Additionally, start thinking about your wedding dress and begin the process of dress shopping.

9-11 Months Before the Wedding

At this stage, you should finalise your choice of photographer, videographer, and other key vendors. It is also a good time to start working on your wedding website, if you plan to have one, and to continue working on the guest list, ensuring you have accurate numbers for catering purposes.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding

With half a year to go, it's time to focus on the finer details. Start planning the table arrangements, writing your vows, and finalising the menu with your caterer. If you're planning to have a honeymoon, this is also a good time to start discussing and booking your dream destination.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

In the final months leading up to the wedding, it's all about tying up loose ends and confirming final details. Finalise your timeline for the day, purchase your wedding bands, and work on any remaining décor or personal touches.

Remember, this timeline is a guide, and you can adjust it to fit your unique circumstances. Planning a wedding should be an enjoyable experience, so take your time, stay organised, and don't be afraid to ask for help from a wedding planner or your support network.

Frequently asked questions