Are you getting married and wondering how long does it take to plan a wedding? Consider these tips to keep you on track of your timeline.
Planning is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life. Is there anything better than sharing and celebrating your love with the important people in your life?
There are a lot of moving parts involved in the planning process, though.
If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to plan a wedding, anyway?” you’re going to find a myriad of answers. The short answer is it can take as much or as little time as you want.
How involved do you want to be in the planning process? If you don’t know how to plan a wedding, you can ask for help from a planner or your friends. With a support group helping you, the process will be much easier and faster, too.
Keep reading for a complete timeline on how to plan a wedding ceremony and reception.
No, Really, How Long Does It Take to Plan a Wedding?
Before thinking about planning, you should determine if you have enough time to plan it right. Planning a wedding in six months is much more complicated than planning one in 12.
As a general rule, the more time you have to plan, the less stressed out you’ll be.
12+ Months Out
You’ll want to start by determining what your budget is and what your dream wedding looks like. If you’re on a shoestring budget, you’ll need to research how to plan a cheap wedding.
Next, it’s time to choose where and when you’re getting married. The destination and date may hinge on your budget.
If you have a specific Marriage Celebrant in mind, see if they’re available on your chosen date.
If you want great photos and videos of your big day, start researching these vendors. They book far in advance, so the sooner you can secure them, the better.
Make sure you ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen with plenty of notice. Being part of a wedding is expensive, and they’ll need time to save.
6-8 Months Out
With the significant details out of the way, you can now start to focus on the smaller tasks.
The biggest of the small tasks is figuring out your attire. Will you be buying a wedding dress or renting one? Renting can save you up to 85% of the retail cost of a gown, making it a no-brainer for the budget-conscious bride.
It’s best to get these details ironed out sooner than later. If your dress or tuxedo will need alterations, allow yourself plenty of time to get them done.
You should start hiring wedding vendors. Who will be playing your music? Are you going to serve food, and if so, what will your guests be eating?
What flowers are you going to carry down the aisle, if any at all? What will adorn the tables at the reception?
If you’re hiring someone to do your hair and make-up, go for trials to see what look works best.
Take your spouse with you to do cake testing. Try everything – sometimes, the most unique sounding flavors end up being the biggest hit.
2-3 Months Out
Order and send your wedding invitations. Don’t forget to include the details to RSVP. You need those final numbers to give to your vendors.
At this point, you should determine how you’ll be getting around on your wedding day. If you’re renting chauffeured transportation, you should book them soon.
If you’ll be writing your own vows, it’s time to start writing them. Give yourself plenty of time to get the words just right.
1 Week Out
Finalize the details with the help of your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and wedding planner. Check in with your vendors to ensure everything is still a-go.
Remember to relax. Your wedding is just one day of your life. If something were to go awry, you’d be the only one to notice.
Enjoy the Process
Hopefully, you now have an answer to your, “How long does it take to plan a wedding?” question. It’s a lengthy and time-consuming process, but it’s also one of the biggest days of your life. Take as much time as possible planning, and allow yourself to enjoy the process.
Check out our Health and Beauty sections for tips on how to feel your best for your big day.
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