Congratulations, you’re engaged! Soak in the excitement now because soon you’ll need to get down to business in planning the big day. How soon? Many believe that 18 months out is the perfect amount of time to set you up for success.
In this guide, we’ll provide the ultimate 18 month wedding planning timeline with the monthly milestones you need to know to stay on track for an unforgettable event.
The first part of wedding planning is all about setting a strong foundation, which starts with establishing a realistic budget. Take into account your financial resources and any family contributions. This figure will serve as a roadmap for your decisions throughout the entire planning process.
With your budget in mind, create a preliminary guest list to help you narrow down your venue options. Research and visit potential venues, considering factors like location, capacity and availability. With this groundwork completed, you can decide on a date and venue.
And it’s not too early to secure your photographer and videographer vendors. Booking these professionals well in advance ensures you have the best talent for capturing your special moments.
With the date and venue selected, you can shift your attention to the aesthetics and experiences that will make your day unique.
Begin by selecting your menu. Decide whether you will offer a buffet or a plated dinner, then choose the specifics of the cuisine.
Next, choose your wedding flowers. Flowers are a seemingly small flourish that can be a big help in bringing your theme together.
Lastly, consider your entertainment. Whether you opt for a live band, DJ, or other performers, researching and securing entertainment early in your process will save you from any last-minute letdowns.
As the major elements of your wedding come together, it’s time to get excited! You can even start making a wedding gift list. Think about home renovations or your dream honeymoon and how your loved ones can contribute.
With your registry set, you can send out save-the-dates! This will allow your guest ample time to mark their calendars. These will also set the tone for your wedding’s theme, so choose wisely!
When you hit the six-month mark, it’s time to plan the details of your ceremony. Collaborate with your officiant to outline the ceremony details, including vows, readings, and any cultural or personal elements you wish to incorporate. This is also a good time to book transportation for the wedding party.
Now is the time to handle all the little details so you can enjoy a stress-free big day!
Start by securing a wedding license. You can obtain this from your county clerk’s office. You’ll need to provide documents such as proof of identity, birth certificates, and Social Security numbers. There is usually a fee for the license, which varies by state.
Next, you’ll want to design and order your wedding invitations. It should be in the same style as your save-the-date cards for a cohesive look. Don’t forget to include RSVP cards to ensure you have an accurate headcount for your vendors.
Don’t forget about your guests. At this time, you’ll also want to secure accommodations for your out of town guests. Booking hotel rooms well in advance guarantees a comfortable stay for your loved ones and prevents prices from rising!
As the big day approaches, it’s time to do the finishing touches. You should check in with all your vendors to confirm they’re on the same page regarding guest counts, timelines and any specific requests you’ve made.
Now that your invitations have arrived, you’ll want to send them out to your finalized guest list. At a minimum, invitations should arrive in mailboxes at least 6 weeks prior to the wedding date – be sure to include an “RSVP by” date that works for your caterer.
This is also the time to schedule hair and makeup trials for the bride and wedding party, ensuring everyone looks and feels their best on the big day.
During this time, you can also plan out the rehearsal dinner for the wedding party and close family members to come together in a more relaxed setting before the main event.
Now is the time to focus on last-minute details. This includes:
This is also when you should follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d and confirm final numbers with vendors. As the wedding day draws near, you’ll want these details handled to ensure a stress-free celebration.
We’ve been referring to little details a lot, but this phase should really cover the last of them, including:
THE BIG DAY: Time to PartyYou’ve accomplished your 18 Month Wedding Planning Timeline, now the big day is here! Soak it all in!
Our team has years of experience under our belts. From beautiful venue options to expert vendor recommendations, we know what you need to bring your unique taste, style and budget together for an event that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.