Best Wedding Planning Checklist

Planning a wedding can be a rollercoaster of emotions. From the joy of saying "yes" to the nitty-gritty details of seating arrangements, the journey can sometimes feel overwhelming. But guess what? It doesn't have to be that way!

We've been in the wedding industry for years, and if there's one thing we've learned, it's that preparation is key. And we're not just talking about picking out your favorite flowers or choosing a cake flavor. We mean comprehensive, step-by-step planning that leaves no room for last-minute surprises or stress.

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth planning process is by choosing a venue that offers more than just a beautiful backdrop for your big day. That's where Wedgewood Weddings comes in. When you book one of our stunning venues, you're not just getting a location: you're getting a full-fledged wedding planning service at no extra cost!

• Venue Coordination:
  From the moment you book, you'll have a dedicated team working to make sure everything is in order for your special day.

• Vendor Recommendations:
  Need a florist, photographer, or a DJ? Wedgewood Weddings has a list of trusted vendors to make your search easier.

• Day-of Coordination:
  On your wedding day, a coordinator will be there to make sure everything runs smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

Say Goodbye to Wedding Stress: Your Complete Planning Checklist

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

• Research Venues
  When touring venues, take photos and notes to help you remember the pros and cons of each location.
• Budget and Financial Planning
  Always allocate about 5-10% of your budget for unexpected expenses.
• Guest List
  Create an A-list and a B-list. Send invitations to your A-list first, and as declines come in, you can invite people from your B-list.
• Choose Your Wedding Party
  Think about the dynamics of your group. You want people who will get along and make your day smoother, not add drama.

9-12 Months Before

• Hire Key Vendors
  Save time by selecting our recommended vendors and bring in extra vendors if you already have a great contact or rapport. this will save you money and stress. 
• Dress and Attire
  Your suit/dress will likely need alterations, so account for this in your timeline and budget.
• Save the Dates
  For destination weddings, the earlier you send these, the better.
• Research Accommodations
  Reserve a block of rooms but also provide other options at different price points.
  All Wedgewood Weddings clients get free access to Helms Briscoe Hotel Concierge service.

6-9 Months Before

• Invitations
  Order a few extra invitations for keepsakes and in case of mistakes.
• Registry
  Choose a range of items at different price points to give your guests options.
• Transportation
  Make sure to have a plan for getting any elderly or special needs guests to and from the venue.

3-6 Months Before

• Finalize Menu and Flowers
  Make your final selections for the menu and flowers.
• Hair and Makeup
  Wear a white shirt for your makeup trial to see how it looks against a light color.
• Officiant
  Make sure your officiant is available to do a rehearsal before the big day.
• Music Playlist
  Don't just think about the songs you want; also consider the ones you don't want to hear.

1-3 Months Before

• Final Fittings
  Bring the shoes and undergarments you'll wear on your wedding day to your final fitting.
• Confirm Vendors
  Create a contact list of all your vendors, and give this list to a trusted person who is not the bride or groom.
• Seating Chart
  Use sticky notes on a large board to easily move people around as you figure out your seating chart.
• Marriage License
  Check the expiration date on the license to make sure it doesn't expire before your wedding date.

2 Weeks to Go

• Final Headcount
  Confirm this number with your venue and caterer, and remember it's better to overestimate than underestimate.
• Day-of Timeline
  Print out copies of your timeline and distribute them to your wedding party and vendors.
• Pack for Honeymoon
  Make a packing list well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

The Big Day

• Relax and Enjoy
  Things may not go exactly as planned, and that's okay. The most important thing is that you're marrying the person you love.

We hope this wedding checklist, complete with insider tips, helps you navigate the intricate maze of wedding planning. Remember, with a venue by Wedgewood Weddings, you've got a team of experts to help you every step of the way.

6 Steps to a Smooth Wedding Planning Experience

1: Start Early
The earlier you start planning, the better. This gives you ample time to make decisions, change your mind, and tackle any unexpected challenges.

2: Budget Wisely
Before diving into the details, sit down with your partner and discuss your budget. Knowing your financial limits upfront will help you make informed decisions down the line.

3: Prioritize
What are the most important elements for you and your partner? Is it the food, the music, or maybe the photography? Prioritize these elements and allocate your budget accordingly.

4: Leverage the Experts
Take advantage of the free wedding planning service offered by us at Wedgewood Weddings. Our team will guide you through every step, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.

5: Communicate
Keep an open line of communication with your partner, your families, and your vendors. Transparency is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

6: Make Time for Yourselves
In the midst of planning, don't forget to take some time off to relax and enjoy each other's company. After all, this celebration is about your love and commitment to each other.

Why a Wedding Checklist is Your Best Friend in Planning

Let's dive into why a wedding planning checklist is not just helpful, but critical for a successful celebration. First and foremost, a checklist serves as your roadmap, outlining each step you need to take from the moment you get engaged to the day you walk down the aisle. Without this guide, it's easy to feel lost or overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished. We've seen couples who thought they could wing it, only to realize too late that they've forgotten crucial elements like applying for a marriage license or confirming vendor bookings. A checklist helps you allocate your time and resources efficiently, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.

Secondly, a well-structured checklist helps you manage your budget more effectively. Each item on the list usually comes with its own set of costs, and tracking these early on can save you from unpleasant financial surprises later. We've helped countless couples who, thanks to diligent checklist tracking, were able to reallocate funds from one budget category to another, ensuring they could afford what truly mattered to them. For instance, realizing early that the floral budget was too extravagant allowed one couple to divert funds to their dream photographer instead.

Thirdly, a checklist is a fantastic tool for communication between you, your partner, and anyone else involved in the wedding planning. It's a tangible way to delegate tasks and keep track of who is responsible for what. We've witnessed many couples experience less stress and fewer arguments when they had a checklist to refer to. It eliminates the guesswork and the "I thought you were handling that!" moments that can create tension during what should be a joyous time.

Lastly, having a checklist gives you a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind. There's something incredibly satisfying about checking off tasks as they're completed. Each check mark brings you one step closer to your big day and serves as a visual reminder of your progress. We've heard from so many couples about how their checklist became a cherished keepsake, a memento of the journey they took together towards their wedding day. It's not just a list; it's a narrative of love, commitment, and partnership.

So, if you're on the fence about whether or not you need a wedding planning checklist, we strongly recommend you use one. It's a game-changer that can make the intricate process of planning a wedding much more manageable and enjoyable.
Happy Planning!