If you are reading this then congratulations!
Planning a wedding is a big deal, and there will be lots of happy times to enjoy with your partner, your family, and your close friends. But if the idea of planning your big day from beginning to end makes you feel overwhelmed, that's where I’m here to help you.
You want to be as organised and stress-free as possible, so here is your wedding planning checklist for your Staffordshire wedding.
Wedding Planning Timeline
Although a lead time of 12 to 18 months is typical, everyone's time frame is different, from the moment they get engaged to the moment they get married.
So, if your wedding is less than a year away, simply follow the schedule below in order until you are up to speed on the wedding schedule.
- Wedding Planning Checklist
- Wedding Planning Tips
10-12 Months to go wedding planning checklist
Choose a colour or a theme because it will affect your other choices.
Start looking for wedding dresses/suits; many places require advanced reservations and longer lead times to order dresses, make alterations, etc.
View portfolios and book a wedding photographer and/or videographer.
Arrange to have a florist handle the bouquets, buttonholes and reception flowers.
Decide on entertainment options like DJs, wedding bands, acoustic singers and quartets.
If you require a wedding cake, you should search for cake suppliers and book taste tests.
Start thinking about your honeymoon destination and if you want to leave right after the wedding or wait a little bit.
6-8 months to go wedding planning checklist
Buy the wedding outfits, whether this is a dress or a suit, and key accessories like a veil.
Provide guests with save-the-date invitations.
Choose your ceremony music and complete the entertainment.
Bridesmaid dresses: purchase, order, or rent.
Book the wedding cars to take you to and from the ceremony.
Decide on the flavours and design of the wedding cake.
Arrange table settings, picture booths, and other decorations with the wedding reception venue.
4-6 Months to go wedding planning checklist
Complete and place orders for stationery items like wedding invitations, RSVP cards, welcome signs, seating plans, etc.
For suits for the groom and groomsmen. Book hair and make-up artists and also arrange your trial.
Consider having an engagement photoshoot to prepare you for your wedding photography.
If necessary, arrange for your own, your wedding parties, and any guests' accommodation.
Sample the menu at the reception venue.
Organise the guest favours and table place cards.
Order wedding rings.
2-4 months to go wedding planning checklist
Make sure you have your wedding shoes with you when you go for your final dress fitting so that any necessary alterations to the length can be made.
Complete the guest list and send invites.
Confirm the hair stylist and makeup artist for the mothers, flower girls, and bridesmaids.
Decide on the reception menu.
Prepare the ceremony order of service booklets, readings and who will be reading them, hymns (if you’re having a Church ceremony).
Complete the gift registry if you’re having one so that guests can make prior purchases.
Attend your hen/stag party and enjoy!
1-2 months to go wedding planning checklist
Start writing your vows and speeches, I am sure you will go through many drafts!
Buy your wedding party and parents gifts as a token of thank you.
Purchase any more little decorative items, such as a guest book.
Purchase confetti and cones or bags.
3-4 weeks wedding planning checklist
Confirm your honeymoon plans.
Decide on the day's schedule and inform your wedding party, the entertainment team, and the photographer.
Get in touch with guests who haven't responded with an RSVP.
Start arranging the reception's seating plan.
Purchase hair accessories, jewellery, and bags for the bridesmaids.
Collect your wedding rings and check their fit. This is also a good time to get your engagement ring cleaned so it’s extra sparkly on the day!
1-2 weeks to go wedding planning checklist
Send the venue the final seating plan, the guest list, and any dietary needs.
Get all of your beauty treatments, such as facials and waxing.
Pick up the groom and groomsmen's suits.
Confirm all suppliers.
Final week wedding planning checklist
Deliver all place cards, decorations, and favours to the venue.
Remind yourself to get your nails and toes done the day before.
Make a to-do list that your maid of honour can cross off on the big day.
Make ushers aware of their duties for the big day.
Organise the final supplier payments.
Check the delivery of the flowers.
Ensure that all attire is steamed and prepared to wear.
Get a good night's sleep before the big day.
Wedding Planning Tips
Nail the budget
Be selective with the guest list
Book a photographer you genuinely love
Make the little details personal
Note down all of the key suppliers
Have fun!
Nail the budget
Prior to making any purchases, create a reasonable budget that won't push you too far.
It's a common error to overlook all the minor extras; in order for the budget to work, you must take everything into account. Don't forget to budget for extra expenses like present purchases, garment alterations, and cosmetics. All of these add up!
Be selective with the guest list
Sorting the guest list ahead of time will allow you to concentrate on finding the ideal venue for your Staffordshire wedding, that can accommodate your desired number of guests.
Don't let guilt force you to invite people you don't want to come because costs per head will likely be your biggest spend. It's the most important and difficult choice in the entire planning process.
Book a photographer you genuinely love
Don't underrate the value of a good photographer; your wedding album will be how you relive the special memories of your day. Find a photographer for your Staffordshire wedding who completely knows what you desire by doing thorough research.
Have a meeting with them before you book and get to know them - you will be able to determine if they are the right one for you. Make sure you love their photography and editing style, as well as who they are as a person.
At the end of the day, you want your suppliers to feel like an actual wedding guest too!
Make the little details personal
Try to include as many aspects of your personalities into the day as you can because your Staffordshire wedding is all about the two of you.
The stationary, favours, clothing, and first dance!
Note down all of the key suppliers
Make sure that you note down all of your key suppliers. Your venue and photographer should be a top priority, then comes your dress, flowers, food, rings and so on.
Then, choose those suppliers that are not essential but those that will complete your dream day.
Have fun!
Remember why you are doing this and remember that you are creating a day that you dream of, so make it fun rather than stressful!
Are you ready to plan your Staffordshire wedding?
Now you know a good timeline, as well as some of my top tips, you can plan your Staffordshire wedding with a breeze.
I hope that my wedding planning checklist for your Staffordshire wedding was useful and happy planning!
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