Experts in the wedding industry say the average length of time that couples take to plan their wedding is 12 months. If you are in the swing of wedding planning, just getting started or struggling with the details you gotta check out this 2020 wedding planning checklist.
We know that you are no expert in wedding planning unless you have strolled down the aisle a few times already. Thousands of details and decisions can quickly overcome any couple even if you are an avid party planner. What you really need is a fool-proof checklist to keep you on track and make sure the planning for the most important day of your life is hassle-free to keep you from becoming a bridezilla!
The 12th Month
Weddings done beautifully are all about careful scheduling so in the first month of planning your wedding you need to decide the broader details. These details include the date of the event, your maximum budget, how many guests you are inviting, and whether or not you need the services of a wedding planner.
When drafting the budget don’t attach too much importance to sources of income that are ‘in the pipeline’ so to speak. Expenses increase before and after a wedding so you’ll be spending much more than you expect to. If you are arranging money through short term loans or borrowing from parents or family, that’s also a detail that’s best dealt with now.
The Ultimate 2020 Wedding Planning Checklist
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10 & 11 Before Wedding
This is where things get specific. You decide the venue, choose a style for your wedding gown, interview possible planners and caterers (as well as other gigs like photographers) and decide on a theme for the décor.
This is nothing short then the skeleton of what your ceremony will look like in the end and this is not the place to make mistakes, no pressure though. This is also the time to take some engagement photos and tell all loved ones and close friends to save the date.
A 2020 Wedding Planning Checklist Makes Wedding Planning Easy
6 To 8 Months Ahead
This is the time to set your gift registry, make bookings for guests that may be flying in from elsewhere and will be in town for a few days, and also choose a florist and hire a band or DJ.
Bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen suits will need to be finalized and checked at the 6-month mark to prevent unexpected accidents later. The 6-month mark is ideal since dress ordering and alterations (if there is a problem) take months from a good boutique.
You can also start thinking of your honeymoon and making arrangements as the best rates for hotels and flights are only obtained before time.
3 to 5 Months Out
This is when you try on your dress (especially if it needed any fitting), attend cake tasting and menu samplings and plan out attire for special small people like the flower girls and the ring bearer.
If you haven’t booked your honeymoon you’d better do it now too. This is also the time to start thinking about what you want to say in your wedding vows. Those words will be remembered forever and they need to be original and ideally humorous to keep the audience entertained.
One A Month Away
The wedding is upon you now so make wedding favors, have your bridal shower or bachelorette party and figure out who will feed the cats while you are at your honeymoon. Celebrate!