Planning your wedding is an exciting journey, and starting early can make all the difference. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or a more intimate gathering, having a solid plan in place will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Here’s a friendly guide to help you get started!
Start Early
The sooner you begin planning, the better! Ideally, start at least 12 to 18 months before your big day. This gives you plenty of time to book your dream venue, secure the best vendors, and make important decisions without feeling rushed.
Prioritise the Key Details
Begin with the essentials:
✅ Venue – Secure your dream location early.
✅ Date – Pick a date that works for you and your loved ones.
✅ Guest List – Get an idea of numbers before moving forward with other plans.
Once these big decisions are made, you can focus on details like your dress, décor, and entertainment.
Create a Planning Timeline
Breaking down your planning into monthly milestones can keep things manageable. Start with the major tasks, like booking vendors and sending out save-the-dates, and gradually work your way to smaller details like seating arrangements and favours.
Stay Organised
A wedding planning binder or a planning app can be a lifesaver. Keep all your important documents, contracts, and inspiration in one place. Whether you prefer a digital checklist or a physical folder, find a system that works for you!
Set a Budget (and Stick to It!)
Setting a realistic budget early on will guide your decisions. Allocate funds for key expenses like the venue, catering, and attire, and track your spending to avoid surprises.
Book Vendors Early
Photographers, florists, and caterers can get booked up fast—sometimes a year or more in advance! Lock in your favourites as soon as possible to secure your dream team.
Delegate Tasks
You don’t have to do it all yourself! Get your wedding party, family, or close friends involved. Assign tasks based on their strengths to make the process more enjoyable.
Keep Track of RSVPs
Whether you use a simple spreadsheet or an app, tracking guest responses will help with finalising numbers for catering and seating.
Check In Regularly
Set aside time each week to review your progress, update your to-do list, and make sure everything is on track.
Plan for the Unexpected
Things don’t always go perfectly, so having a backup plan is key. Think about alternatives for outdoor venues in case of bad weather, and prepare an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, a sewing kit, and pain relievers for any last-minute hiccups.
Finalise Details Early
Try to have all major plans finalised at least a month before the wedding. This way, you can focus on smaller details and actually enjoy the countdown to your big day.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Map out when key events will happen, from getting ready to the last dance. Share this with your vendors and wedding party to keep everything running smoothly.
Relax & Enjoy!
Amidst all the planning, take time for yourselves. Whether it’s a spa day, a quiet dinner, or just some downtime, make sure to enjoy the moments leading up to your wedding.
At Roundwood, we understand how important a stress-free wedding is. That’s why all our wedding packages include a dedicated Wedding Coordinator to guide you through every step. Take a look at our tailor-made packages here: Roundwood Weddings
Happy planning! 💍✨