wedding preparation

12-Month Wedding Preparation Ultimate Checklist for 2021

There is no doubt that summer is the most popular time to tie the knot. It is easier for everyone to take time off from work, there are lower chances of suffering from bad weather, and everything is just bright and beautiful. This only means that there won’t be as many things for you to worry about. We have put together a simple yet effective guide to help you make your dream wedding come true.

Now that your promise of love has been sealed by an engagement ring, what’s next? You may have thoughts in your mind on how to go about planning the wedding but do you really have an idea of where to start? Planning the big day will excite you and make you feel eager but it can also be inevitably overwhelming and daunting.

There are tons of options for you to choose from when it comes to the basics of a wedding.  Having lots of options poses the biggest challenge of all; where do you really start your wedding planning? Wedding planning may involve endless details, deadlines, and family drama. We want to help you plan your wedding in the most stress-free way as much as possible so we have created the perfect guide with a wedding checklist that can help you go through the process.

Ultimate Wedding Preparation Checklist

Wedding Preparation Checklist: 1 Year

Start by letting the most important people in your life know about your decisions. You can let your parents, close friends, and close relatives know first before announcing it to the world. It is important to share your ideas about the wedding and decide together with your partner. Think about the style and theme of the wedding, whether you like a beach wedding, a rustic wedding, or a traditional church wedding. It would all depend on the wedding customs in your country. Do not include budgeting and money in your conversation yet; just plainly talk about your dreams and plans.

Wedding Preparation Checklist 1 Year

If you do not have an idea about when the best date is to do your wedding ceremony, you can at least get an idea of when is the best summer month for the wedding. This way, you will also have an idea of the duration of wedding planning which will ensure that everything is organized.

Wedding Preparation Checklist: 6 Months

You also need to decide how big or small your wedding should be. The size of the party will also dictate the cost and time needed to plan the wedding. You can already create a list of the people you would like to invite. It is possible that you cut the number of invited people but it is good to have a basis. Make your guest list so you have guidance.

Wedding Preparation Checklist 6 Months

Once you have an idea of the theme, size, and date, you can start talking about the budget. Check if your parents can contribute or if only the two of you will shoulder all the expenses. You can also write everything in a notebook or a wedding planner for an efficient budgeting strategy. Jot down all the items or services you both wish to have and as well as their cost. Having a good summary of the budget would allow you to cut down your costs on some aspects.

Wedding Preparation Checklist: 3 Months

As your big day is coming closer more of the pressure (and fun stuff) is going to approach. At this point, you might feel a bit overwhelmed but rest assured this is only normal! Carefully analyze our checklist to make sure you got your upcoming wedding totally under control!

Wedding Preparation Checklist 3 Months

Wedding Preparation Checklist: 1 Month to 1 Week

This is it! Only 30 days to go before you go before the altar. Now is the time to get stuff done and soon you’ll enjoy your perfect day among family and friends. Here’s what’s left on your wedding checklist for the last month and week.

Wedding Preparation Checklist 1 Months Week

Wedding Decoration

If you want to be hands-on for your wedding planning, you can get your own decorations or make your own DIY decoration. If you really want to achieve the theme you have always dreamed about, it is easy to find affordable wedding decorations like cake toppers. Here are some of our favorite:

Table Number Wedding Decoration
Wedding Table Numbers – Price: $50 – Get it from Etsy
Log Flower Vase Decoration
Rustic Wedding Table Centerpiece Decoration – Price: $24 – Get it from Etsy
Banner Wedding Decoration Perfection
Just Married Wedding Banner Decoration – Price: $23 – Get it from Etsy
Guest Book Wedding Decoration Perfection
Custom Hardcover Guest Book – Price: $36.95 – Get it from Etsy
Mason Jar Light Wedding Decoration Perfection
Rustic Mason Jar Decor Wedding Centerpiece – Price: $35 – Get it from Etsy
Paper Wedding Decoration Perfection
Paper Hearts Wedding Decoration – Price: $28 – Get it from Etsy
Rhinestone Vase Candle Holder Wedding Decoration Perfection
Rhinestone Vase Candle Holder Wedding Centerpiece – Price: $24.95 – Get it from Etsy
Rustic Shabby Chic Wedding Decoration Perfection
Burlap Lace Wedding Decoration – Price: $35 – Get it from Etsy
Sweet Table Sign Wedding Decoration Perfection
Mr. and Mrs. Table Sign Wedding Decoration – Price: $70.54 – Get it from Etsy
Cake Topper Wedding Decoration
Personalized Wedding Cake Topper – Price: $16.67+ – Get it via Etsy
Wedding Centerpiece
Wedding Centerpiece – Price: $52.00+ – Get it via Etsy
Table Napkin Wedding Decoration Perfection
Wedding Napkins – Price: $29.00+ – Get it via Etsy
Wooden Flowers Wedding Decoration Perfection
Wedding Flowers – Price: $45.00+ – Get it via Etsy
Wooden Sign Wedding Decoration Perfection
Pastel Perfection ‘Just Married’ Wedding Bunting – Price: $20.21 –Get it via Etsy
Wreath Wedding Decoration Perfection
Cream Peony Wreaths Wedding Decoration – Price: $145 – Get it via Etsy

Get People Involved

You will need the help of other people to ensure nothing goes wrong with your wedding. Everything has to be perfect. If you want perfection, you can hire photographers, videographers, musicians, designers, and caterers. When looking for photographers and videographers, it is best to hire them a few months in advance. They can also do your announcement/ save the date shoot and cover the whole wedding. Depending on what you want, they should be able to offer different packages at a certain cost. Before getting your photographers and videographers, it is important to check their portfolio. Ask for friend recommendations too. These days, most people own a good DSLR camera; maybe you can seek help from friends who can take good photos to cut costs.

You can also make the wedding moment more special by hiring musicians.  When you have the location booked, you can either be hands-on in designing the venue or hire a designer to do it. Surely some of your friends would offer help. You can decide on the table arrangements and decorations. Lastly, you can hire a caterer to make things a lot easier. Before getting the service from these people, do not be afraid to haggle or bargain to cut the cost of your wedding expenditures.

Choose your Bridesmaid

Before naming your bridesmaids, you should let your prospects know their roles and responsibilities. They should know that bridesmaids are in charge of planning the bridal shower. They also need to commit time and energy to your wedding. These roles should be clear before getting the bridesmaids. They have the option to decline when they know they can’t commit to the responsibilities. You can get as many bridesmaids as you want. There is no strict rule to follow. Do not just get bridesmaids from your family, relatives, and friends. You should also get bridesmaids from the family of your groom. This will strengthen family ties and relationships. When choosing your maid of honor, its always been a good move to get your best or closest friend.

The Wedding Couple

Choose the things you need to have for the wedding. Buy the wedding dress for the bride and the clothing for the groom. Whatever party apparel or wedding accessory you need, these items would definitely help you dress for the occasion. Of course, you should not forget the wedding ring. You can either get a matching wedding ring set or get a striking wedding band for the groom and a unique wedding ring for the bride.

Buy the Wedding Dress

When buying the wedding dress, forget about all that people think and go with what you want. When you find it and feel that it is the one, then don’t second-guess yourself, even when the dress you choose is a cheaper one or you need a plus-sized wedding dress. You can set appointments to different bridal salons or keep things simple by slipping into a store and getting out with your bridal dress. Here are some of our favorite wedding dresses.

Cream Wedding Dress
Cream Lace Wedding Dress – Price: $770.04 – Get it from Etsy
Bridal Dress
Long Sleeve Wedding Dress – Price: $880.55 – Get it from Etsy

Don’t Forget Your Bridal Bouquet

Bridal Bouquet
Navy Coral Bouquet – Price: $49 – Get it from Etsy
Large Burlap Bridal Bouquet
Sola Flowers – Price: $160.00 – Get it via Etsy
Wild Flower Bridal Bouquet
Burgundy Wedding Bouquet – Price: $65 – Get it via Etsy
Wedding Boutonniere For Grooms
Groom Boutonniere – Price: $15 – Get it via Etsy

Good Stuff for the Groom

Groom Wedding Pants
Black Pants for Groom – Price: $129 – Get it from Etsy
Groom Wedding Clothing
Bow Tie and Vest Set – Price: $195 – Get it from Etsy
Mens Brown Wool Vest
Men’S Tan Adjustable Full Back Dress Vest – Price: $20.95+ – Get it via Etsy

Gifts for The Couple

Although most couples would have a registry for you to get your gifts, it is never a bad idea to have something for them which is truly from your heart. Here are unique gift ideas to give the bride and groom.

Ring Holder Wedding Gift
Personalized Wedding Ring Holder – Price: $25.86 – Get it from Etsy
Matching Keychain Wedding Gift Perfection
Matching Set Stamped Aluminum Silver Keychain – Price: $21 – Get it from Etsy
Custom Cutting Board Wedding Gift Perfection
Custom Cutting Board – Price: $73.62 – Get it from Etsy
Geometric Ring Holder Wedding Gift
Mini Glass Geometric Box – Price: $29.39 – Get it from Etsy
Wedding Photo Box Heirloom
Handmade Vintage Wood Photo Box – Price: $19.71+ – Get it via Etsy
Custom Stamp Couple Wedding Gift Perfection
Custom Dual Font Love Olive Wood Stamp – Price: $21.00+ – Get it via Etsy
Bride and Groom Wedding Gift Perfection
Mr & Mrs Wedding Gift Box – Price: $74.95 – Get it via Etsy
Couple Wedding Gift Perfection
Personalized Wedding Wine Box – Price: $16.95 – Get it via Etsy
Personalized Ring Holder Wedding Gift Perfection
Personalized Heart Ring Box – Price: $19.95 – Get it via Etsy
Ring Holder Wedding
Geometric Ring Box – Price: $55 – Get it via Etsy
Wedding Ring Holder Wedding Gift
Wedding Ring Holder – Price: $24.07 – Get it via Etsy

Tame Your Guestlist

Finalize your guest list. You may need to pay the caterer per head so you should really know the number of guests by now. To help you decide, only invite the people whom you still interact with. Do not invite the whole office. Keep your list simple by inviting the closest friends, family members, and relatives. Also, tell your parents not to invite everyone in the neighborhood or the club where they are affiliated.

Once you have finalized your list, it is time to send out your invitations. Invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before the wedding. What should you include on your invitation? Well, you can keep it simple by including the host, the place and time of the ceremony, and of course, the marrying couple. You can also get invitation cards online. Lastly, please do not include the registry information on your invitation.

Gifts for Everyone in the Wedding

Celebrate these big moments, like weddings, with appropriate gifts. Whether you want to give the marrying couple a gift, appreciate the parents of your partner with a gift, or give party favors to your guests, these gifts should be perfect for your needs. You can give thoughtful keepsakes or treasured family heirlooms to make your gift extra special. You can also give dressing gowns for men and women.

Succulent Wedding Favors Gift for Guests
Succulent Wedding Favors – Price: $3 – Get it from Etsy
Gift for Guests Wedding Favor
Wedding Favor: Thank You Tags – Price: $24 – Get it from Etsy
Soap Wedding Favors Gift for Guests
Soap Wedding Favor – Price: $100 – Get it from Etsy
Smores Wedding Favors with Tags for Guests
Sweet Favor Tags – Price: $30 – Get it from Etsy
Rustic Mason Jar gifts for Wedding Guests
Rustic Mason Jar Favors – Price: $150 – Get it from Etsy
Custom Organic Lip Balm Wedding Guest Favors
Custom Lip Balm Wedding Favor – Price: $5 – Get it from Etsy
Personalized Wine Charms Wedding Favors for Guests
Personalized Wine Charms – Price: $7 – Get it from Etsy
Round Glass Jars Wedding Favors for Guests
DIY Jar Wedding Favours – Price: $134.22 – Get it from Etsy
Personalized Monogram Candle Holders Wedding Favors for Guests
Engraved Glass Votive Holders – Price: $48.8 – Get it from Etsy
Mint Wedding Favors for Guests Perfection
Mint Rolls with Personalized Tags – Price: $38.88 – Get it from Etsy
Bridesmaid Robes Wedding
Bridesmaid Robes Wedding – Price: $24.90 – Get it via Etsy
Bridesmaid Gift Necklaces
Bridesmaid Gift – Price: $13.06 – Get it via Etsy
Personalized Lip Balm Wedding Gifts For Guests
Personalized Lip Balm Wedding Gifts For Guests – Price: $1.29 – Get it via Etsy
Mother Of Bride Wedding Gift
Mother Of The Bride Monogram Shirt – Price: $22.99+ – Get it via Etsy
Bridesmaid Keepsake Necklaces
Bridesmaid Personalized Necklace – Price: $49.00 – Get it via Etsy
Bridesmaid Gift Clutch Bag
Handmade Bridesmaid Gift Idea – Price: $10.20 – Get it via Etsy
Personalized Stemless Wine Glasses Wedding Favors Perfection
Personalized Stemless Wine Glasses – Price: $8.95 – Get it via Etsy
Favor Envelopes
Photo Booth Envelope 2×6 Photo Strips Cardstock – Price: $2 – Get it via Etsy
French Macaroon Gift for Guests Wedding Favor
French Macaroon Soaps Paris Favors – Price: $20 – Get it via Etsy
Lotus Flower Earrings Wedding Gift
Gold Lotus Bud Ear Jacket Earrings – Price: $10 – Get it via Etsy
Mother of Bride Mug Wedding Gift
Customized 11oz or 15oz Mother of the Bride Mug – Price: $25.14 – Get it via Etsy
Mother Of Bride Or Groom Bracelet Gift
Mother of The Groom Gift – Price: $23 – Get it via Etsy

Wedding Accessories & Necessities

You may need a few more party apparel and wedding accessories so we have compiled more for you!

Tutu Dresses for Flower Girls Perfect for Weddings
Tutu Dresses for Flower Girls – Price: $109.95 – Get it from Etsy
Silver Leaf Bracelets for Bridesmaids Wedding Perfection
Personalized Silver Leaf Branch Bracelet for Bridesmaids – Price: $20 – Get it from Etsy
Flower Crown Perfect for Flower Girls
Blush Flower Girl Crown – Price: $38 – Get it from Etsy
Silver Bridesmaid Jewelry Ring Wedding Perfection
Kiwi Lollipop Bridesmaid Jewelry – Price: $69.53 – Get it from Etsy
Rustic Bridal Accessories Boho Earrings for Weddings
Rustic Bridal Accessories Boho Earrings – Price: $16.51 – Get it from Etsy
Clutch Bag Perfect for Brides Weddings
Navy Clutch Bag Perfect for Brides – Price: $75 – Get it from Etsy
Rose Boutonniere Wedding Flowers Perfect for Groomsmen
Rose Boutonniere Wedding Flowers Perfect for Groomsmen – Price: $15 – Get it from Etsy
Ring Bearer Pillow and Flower Girl Basket Wedding Accessories and Necessities
Dyed Blush Flower Girl Baskets and Ring Bearer Pillow – Price: $89 – Get it from Etsy
Perfect Bridal Hair Accessories for Weddings
Bridal Hair Accessories for Weddings – Price: $43 – Get it from Etsy
Ivory Lace Flower Girl Dress Perfect for Weddings
Ivory Lace Flower Girl Dress – Price: $115 – Get it from Etsy
Dresses For Flower Girls
Flower Girl Dress – Price: $34.95 – Get it via Etsy
Chic Rustic Beige Vest For Ring Bearers Wedding Perfection
Ring Bearer Vest – Price: $24.53+ – Get it via Etsy
Flower Headband For Toddler Flower Girls Wedding Perfection
Flower Girl Ivory Headband – Price: $9.95 – Get it via Etsy
Hairpins Bridal Hair Accessories Wedding Perfection
Rhinestone Bridal Hair Accessories – Price: $7.88 – Get it via Etsy
Peach Mens Bowtie Perfection for Groom Weddings
Peach Wedding Bow Tie – Price: $14.4 – Get it via Etsy
Tweed Flat Cap For Ring Bearers Wedding Perfection Accessories
Toddler Newsboy Cap – Price: $34 – Get it via Etsy

Choosing your Wedding Venue Tips

Typically, you will need to look for two venues. First, the place where the ceremony will be held. Second, the place where the wedding reception will take place. This will still vary depending on the theme of your wedding. For example, you want to do a beach or garden wedding.

Wedding Venue Preparations

Typically, the ceremony and the reception can both be set on the beach or the garden. Always keep the weather in mind when you are deciding if you want to be outdoors or not. This is important not only for you in your beautiful dress, but also for your guests and pictures! Always have a plan B in case it does rain like a nice tent set up outside if that is where you decide you will be holding the weather.

Planning your Wedding

Planning a wedding is not an easy-breezy task that you can do in one sitting but with guidance and proper budgeting, you should be able to get the wedding of your dreams to come true. You can be the couple who envisioned a grand summer wedding in Long Island State or the simple couple who tied the knot in a summer camp, regardless of your taste and preference, we are here to help you succeed! Let us know in the comments how your wedding planning is going!

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