Image by Epic Love Story. See more of this real wedding here.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned after years of writing about weddings, it’s that no two weddings are the same—and they shouldn’t be. We’re all about non-traditional ways of doing things, but there are a few best practices we’ve picked up along the way. Whether you’re planning your wedding in two months or twelve months, we’ve created this step-by-step wedding planning guide and roadmap to help you organize your thoughts and make sure everything is accounted for. Save this post to your bookmarks for easy reference throughout the entire wedding experience!
Image by Nate Shepard. See more of this real wedding here.
1. Determine What’s Most Important
You’re engaged, you’re excited, you just followed 10,000 wedding vendors on Instagram and…now what?! Let’s take a moment to cheer together: “WOO!” Now, let’s slow it down. We’ve seen so many brides rush in to making decisions in an unorganized manner, and sometimes it can come back to haunt you. That vendor you booked the day after you were engaged might not be the same one you fall in love with after taking some time to prioritize what’s most important for your day.
So take a little time to breathe with your parter. Enjoy sitting down for dinner together and writing down some things that are important to the both of you when it comes to your wedding. Make a vision board (hint: this doesn’t just have to be hundreds of bouquet photos you find on Instagram). Then, it’s probably best to start with your date, guest list, venue “must haves,” and go from there.
Must-read blog posts for determining what’s most important:
- 5 Steps for Making a Wedding Mood Board
- Use These Tips to Help You Nail Down Your Wedding Guest List
- Essential Wedding Planning Advice from the Junebug Weddings Team
Image by Haley Hawn Photo.
2. Evaluate Your Resources
Some of you might be wondering why we didn’t start with budget, but it’s important to dream. Dream your wildest dreams and then figure out how to make them happen or where you can scale back since you’ve already prioritized the most important things.
Must-read blog posts for evaluating your resources:
- 10 Unexpected Wedding Expenses to Keep in Mind When Creating Your Budget
- The Best Wedding Budget Tips from Top Planners Around the World
- How to Create the Best Wedding Budget for You and Your Partner
Image by Jelani Lebourne. See more of this real wedding here.
3. Assemble A Rockstar Vendor Team
We’re getting to the fun part! Again, we know it’s exciting to start “following” and dreaming of all the vendors your heart desires, but if you have room in your budget for a wedding planner — we highly recommend you start there. Your wedding planner will not only be able to help you allocate your budget to your priority list, but they also have the insider scoop on the best vendors and probably know what it’s like to personally work with them!
After choosing a planner, go ahead and start your venue search. Then it’s time for (our favorite) finding your photographer and videographer match.
Must-read blog posts for assembling your vendor team:
- The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Wedding Venue
- Searching for a Cheap Wedding Photographer? We’ve Got News for You!
- Why Your Wedding Photographer Isn’t Just Another Vendor
- How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer in 6 Steps
- 5 Reasons to Hire a Videographer to Capture Your Day
Image by Kylie Farmer Photography. See more of this elopement here.
4. Enjoy Along The Way
You’ve determined what’s important, set your budget, and started to assemble your vendor team! Let’s take a moment to pour a glass of wine and relax. No one said wedding planning would be easy, but it can be fun if you make it that way! Enjoy asking your bridesmaids and groomsmen (if you’re having them) to be a part of the day, go shopping for the dress, take your engagement photos, and head to Target to scan everything you see for your registry. Note: Not all at once!
These things should be your highlights and they can be sprinkled in throughout the wedding planning process as it makes sense for you. Take time to remember them and soak it all in. You’re only engaged once!
Must-read blog posts for enjoying along the way:
- 10 Ways to be More Present on Your Wedding Day
- 70 Amazing Amazon Wedding Registry Ideas
- The Ultimate Wedding Registry to Help You Fill Your Newlywed Home With All the Essentials
- 8 Tips for Nailing Your Engagement Photos
- How to Make the Most of your Wedding Planning Season
Image by Radu Benjamin. See more of this real wedding here.
5. Purchase Your Wedding Day Attire
When it comes to thinking about what you’re going to wear, we know this can be fun…and a little daunting. Luckily, you’ve already determined your vision for the day and budget for these things, so you have some parameters! Take your vision board to your local bridal boutique and ask for their help or do some searching online. You’ve got this!
Must-read blog posts for choosing your wedding attire:
- These 50 Long-Sleeve Wedding Dresses are Ideal for Fall or Winter Weddings
- The Best Etsy Bohemian Wedding Dresses
- The Best Bridal Hair Accessories on Etsy
- Bridesmaids Dresses Under $100 for Babes on a Budget
- The Best Places to Buy Bridesmaids Dresses Online
- 17 Fool-Proof Groomsmen Outfit Ideas that are Really, Really, Ridiculously Good Looking
Image by Sophie Berard. See more of this real wedding here.
6. Iron Out The Logistical Details
Logistics are what make your day actually work! These are the things you can’t skip and should make yourself aware of so they don’t come as a surprise. Your vendor team may be able to (and want to!) help with some of these things, especially the timeline. Pro tip: Before you decide on your ceremony time, make sure you consult with your venue, planner, photographer, and videographer.
Must-real blog posts for nailing down the logistical details:
- 4 Ways Light Can Affect Your Wedding Ceremony Pictures
- The Ultimate Wedding Reception Timeline
- Your Official Wedding Beauty Timeline to Look and Feel Your Best
- 8 Ways to Make Time for Yourselves in Your Wedding Day Timeline
- 60 Simple Wedding Invitations on Etsy for the No-Frills Couple
Image by Ana Hinojosa. See more of this real wedding here.
7. Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony
Once your timeline is set and all the logistical details are figured out, you’ll be in the best headspace to start thinking about your ceremony on a more personal level. We highly recommend adding touches to your ceremony that make it uniquely you. These are the little moments that will make your parents cry and that you’ll remember forever. Maybe you add something special decor-wise or incorporate speeches into the program. Whatever you do, make it you!
Must-read blogs about personalizing your wedding ceremony:
- 8 Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony
- The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Wedding Ceremony
- 37 Etsy Wedding Welcome Signs to Greet Your Guests in Style
- 11 Sweet and Sentimental Unity Ceremony Ideas
- Unique Wedding Readings to Reflect Your Love
photo by Tews Visual
8. Plan Wedding Party Festivities
Your crew! We realize you’ve probably already asked the gang to be a part of your day, but nows the time to decide how you’ll celebrate with them. From Bachelor and Bachelorette parties to gifts and more, take a little time to make sure you’re sticking to your budget when it comes to these things. We know you want to pamper your crew, but this is an easy area to overspend in! Pro tip: Send this blog link to your MOH and ask for some help pulling it all off.
Must-read blog posts for planning your wedding party festivities:
- The Best Etsy Groomsmen Gifts
- Clever and Cute Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
- 10 Unconventional Bachelorette Party Ideas
- 5 Unique Bachelorette Activity Ideas that Will Help You Reconnect With Your Girls
photo by Seth & Co Photography
9. Create Your Food & Drink Menu
Yum! If your mouth has been watering thinking about trying your wedding cake and meal options, now is the time. If you’re not going with a traditional caterer, it may also be fun to go on dates at local spots around town to determine if they might be a good vendor for your day! Food trucks, anyone?! When considering your catering and drink options, it’s also important to think about what your guests will be eating them with. Remember to allocate budget for either dinnerware and drinkware rentals or paper goods (tip: research compostable materials for a no-waste wedding day).
Must read blog posts for ironing out your food and drink details:
- The Best Etsy Wedding Menu Templates
- Six Wedding Cake Ideas for 2020
- The Ultimate Guide to Your Wedding Reception Bar
- Pro Tips for Creating Your Wedding Reception Seating Chart
photo by Nataly J Photography
10. Coordinate All The Pretty Details
Got your Pinterest board on hand? When it’s time to plan the pretty decor details, you’re going to need a few points of reference if you are communicating your idea to planners, stylists, and florists. This is the one time where the more inspo photos, the better! Make sure your vision is clear—with what you like and what you don’t like—so you’re 100% satisfied when you see everything put together on your big day.
Must-read blog posts for planning your decor and entertainment details:
- Affordable Wedding Decor You Won’t Believe Came From Amazon
- 9 Tips for Decorating Your Wedding Reception on a Budget
- 50+ Budget-Friendly Reception Decor Items for Your Wedding
- 5 Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Decor from Ceremony to Reception
- 25 Favorite Boho Bridal Bouquets for the Wild at Heart
photo by Brooke Taelor
11. Orchestrate Your Reception Entertainment
Celebrate good times, c’mon! It’s time to celebrate and, for many of you, that means dancing and entertainment all. night. long. If there’s one thing we can’t stress enough, it’s the important of an awesome DJ or band to help keep the party going (if that’s your vibe, of course). Make sure you’ve thought about the personalities of you and your guests. If dancing isn’t your thing, create an evening memorable in it’s own special way.
Must-read blog posts for orchestrating your reception entertainment:
- This Wedding Reception Playlist is Sure to Get Your Guests on the Dance Floor
- These 60 Mother-Son Dance Songs Won’t Leave a Dry Eye in the House
- 80 First Dance Songs You Haven’t Thought of Yet
- 6 Memorable Ways to End Your Reception
- The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches and Toasts
photo by Gabrielle Desmarchais
12. Remember The Last-Minute Details
If wedding week is getting close, we’re doing a happy dance because “IT’S FINALLY HERE!” There are always those last minute loose ends to tie off on. From packing your bag to sending those last vendor checks, make sure you have everything crossed off your list so you can remain stress-free on wedding week.
Must-read blog posts for your last-minute details:
- The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
- 8 Tips for Feeling Your Best on Your Wedding Day
- Why You Really Should Write Your Own Vows
- 6 Unique Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows
- Wedding Getting Ready Playlist to Dance With Your Girls
photo by Anais Possami Photography
13. Check Off Your Post-Wedding To-Do List
You did it! First thing’s first, take some time to enjoy being MARRIED and honeymoon if that’s your thing. If you’re not jet setting right away, now might be the perfect time to start dreaming of a future vacay with your person. And while you’re anxiously awaiting your photo gallery and video sneak peek, there are a few things you can do to finish all the post-wedding to-dos.
Must-read blog posts for your post-wedding to-do list:
- Don’t Forget to Tie Up Loose Ends with This Post-Wedding Checklist
- Use This Honeymoon Checklist to Help You Pack All the Essentials
- These Traditional + Modern Wedding Anniversary Gifts by Year will Help You Celebrate Every Milestone
We sincerely hope this blog has helped you with the crazy wedding planning process. We’re here for you and always love feedback! To make remembering all of these things even easier, we’ve created the below graphic for you to “Pin” to your wedding board. Make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more daily updates, inspiration, and tips.
photo by Lora Photography
Hi, Thanks a lot for sharing the essential wedding planning checklist that would help in making the day special and perfect. I will share it with others too. It is a helpful checklist which everyone must go through for planning their big day.
Spot on very informative. love it!
This planning guide is really elaborate and specific, definitely going to of great help to many couples and families alike that are planning for a wedding. The best thing to do is to have wedding planning checklist which will list the things to do and help them out.