How to Plan Your Wedding

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A wedding is a fun and joyful occasion, and the planning process is full of excitement and anticipation. With some time, patience, and a little flexibility, you can create a beautiful and memorable day for you and your future spouse! Planning a wedding is complicated, so you’ll need to do some in-depth research as you go. In the meantime, there are a few basic steps you can take to get started. Start by setting a firm budget, then work with your partner to set a date and put together your guest list. Once that’s done, you can start hammering out the many little (and not-so-little) details that go into making a wedding.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Developing a Budget and Setting a Date

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you set a budget and start preparing for your wedding , you and your partner will need to sit down and look at your income, savings (if you have any), and expenses . Start by writing down how much money you both make each month, then subtract your combined monthly expenses to figure out how much you will have left over. [1]
    • Try to figure out how much you can realistically save between now and when you plan to have your wedding. Then, decide how much of that money you are willing to spend on the wedding as opposed to other expenses.
    • Make sure to take all your expenses into account. This could include things like rent, groceries, cell phone bills, student loan payments, and transportation costs (e.g., gas money and car maintenance).
    • Leave room in your budget for unexpected expenses, like medical bills or vehicle repair costs.
  2. It can be difficult to ask your family for money . If you have a close relationship with your family, however, there’s a good chance that they would like to help you in some way if they can. Have a direct and forthright conversation with your parents, grandparents, or other loved ones you are close to about whether (and how much) they can chip in. [2]
    • Ask your partner to approach their family as well if they feel comfortable doing so.
    • You might say something like, “Hey, Dad, Christine and I are starting to plan our wedding! We think we can cover the costs of what we have in mind, but it would be a huge help to us if you and Mom could contribute something financially. If not, we understand—just talk it over with Mom and let me know.”
    • Your loved one(s) may want to contribute a certain percentage of the overall costs, or they may have more specific ideas about how they’d like to help. For example, maybe your favorite uncle would like to cover the cost of the wedding bands.
    • Never ask with the expectation that the person you’re asking will be able to help. [3] Be gracious if they say no, and thank them anyway.
    Advertisement
  3. Sit down with your partner and put together a guest list. This doesn’t have to be your final list—just try to get a ballpark idea of how many people are going to be at your wedding. Even if your wedding is super simple, a larger number of guests means a bigger budget. [4]
    • The number of guests you invite will affect things like your food and drink budget, the size of the venue you need to reserve, and the number of invitations and wedding favors you will need to order.
  4. Have a conversation with your partner about what aspects of the wedding are most important to each of you. Each of you can start by writing down a list of “must-haves” and narrowing them down to your top 3. Then, put your 2 lists together and see if they work together. This will help you determine where you want to spend the bulk or your budget. [5]
    • For example, maybe your top priorities are to have a beach wedding, hire an excellent photographer, and have a live band at the reception. Your partner might want to splurge on the perfect tuxedo, keep the guest list as small as possible, and have their best college buddy in the wedding party.
    • You can also make a list of things you’d like to have, but don’t consider necessary (e.g., professionally hand-lettered invitations or a cake designed by a particular baker).
  5. Once you have an idea of what you want to spend your money on, do some searching around online to find out what these things are likely to cost. You can also call vendors and venues in your area to get more accurate pricing estimates. [6]
    • Wedding planning websites like Weddingwire.com are good resources for finding typical prices for venues, vendors, and wedding professionals near you.
  6. If your budget estimates are turning out a lot higher than what you’re willing or able to spend, take some time to re-evaluate your priorities. Start by looking for items or services that you don’t feel are essential, and cutting them. [7]
    • For example, if you don’t feel the need for custom cocktails at the reception, opt for a simple beer and wine bar, instead.
    • Other ways to cut costs include streamlining your guest list, having your wedding during an off-season period (like winter), and going with sentimental hand-me-downs (like family heirloom rings or your mother’s wedding dress) instead of new designer attire.
    • Do a search online for other cost-saving ideas. Use search terms like “cut wedding costs” or “save money on wedding.”
  7. Another way to cut costs is to ask talented friends and family members to if they can step in and provide some of your wedding services (like photography, live music, or hair and makeup for the bridal party). They’ll probably be honored you asked, and will likely offer a much lower price than a professional would.
    • Don’t expect your loved ones to provide these services for free—always offer to pay something. There’s a chance they’ll offer to do it for free on their own, as a wedding gift to you.
  8. Write a budget spreadsheet . Once you have a decent idea of how much everything is going to cost you, it’s time to itemize your expenses. This will help you keep track of your costs and make sure you are not going over-budget. Make your own spreadsheet, or look for a template online using terms like “wedding budget template.” [8] Make sure you account for the cost of:
    • The venue(s) for the reception and ceremony.
    • Professional services, such as the officiant, photographers, hair and makeup, and music.
    • Food (including the cake) and beverages, including the cost of catering and bartending services, glassware, plates, etc.
    • Décor, including flowers, personalized place settings, wedding favors, table linens, and any rental furniture.
    • Attire and accessories, including the couple’s outfits, clothing for the wedding party (if they are not covering their own expenses), and the rings.
    • Invitations and save-the-dates.
  9. as early as possible. Putting together a wedding requires a lot of coordination, so try to set at least a general timeframe as soon as you can. This will make it easier for you to plan with party members, vendors, venues, and guests. [9]
    • If there is someone you absolutely have to have at your wedding, have a discussion with them before locking down a date. You may need to be flexible to work around their schedule.
    • Have a discussion with your partner and pick a few ideal dates that work for both of you.
  10. Once you’ve set a date and squared away your budget, you can make the organizational process feel a little more manageable by putting together a timeline. Make a list of all the major tasks you need to get done (e.g., “Hire an officiant,” “Secure a venue,” “Buy a dress”) and set dates or date ranges for accomplishing each one.
    • You can break your timeline down by month or week, or you can use specific dates as deadlines (e.g., “Order the cake by June 27th”).
    • Do a search online for “wedding planning timeline” or “wedding checklist calendar.” There are lots of helpful planning templates available on the web.
    • As the wedding date draws near, you’ll also benefit from having a detailed timeline of the day itself. Work with your officiant, party members, and any vendors/professional service providers to set an exact timeline and make sure everyone is on the same page.
    11. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Assembling Your Wedding Party and Guest List

PDF download Download Article
  1. right away. Have a talk with your partner about who you’d both like to have by your sides on the big day. Once you know who you’d like to be in your party, contact them as soon as you can (preferably at least 9 months in advance) to start working out the details. [10]
    • Depending on how large and elaborate your wedding is, your party may include just 1 or 2 people (e.g., a maid of honor and a best man) or several (such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, a ring bearer, and a flower girl).
    • The larger your wedding party, the more schedules you will have to coordinate. You will also need to discuss whether or not you can help cover costs such as travel and clothing expenses for your party members.
    • Don’t feel the need to have a wedding party at all, if you’d prefer to keep things really simple!
  2. Go through the list of guests that you and your future spouse put together, and decide if there is anyone else you would like to add to (or cut from) the list. Make sure you have up-to-date contact information for everyone on the list. [11]
    • As you continue the planning process, you can use this list to keep track of information such as which guests still need invitations and who has already RSVP’d.
    • Try to have your final guest list written up by at least 9 months before your wedding date.
  3. Save the date cards aren’t an absolute must, but they’re a helpful way to give family and friends a heads up and give them time to clear their schedules. It will also give anyone who can’t attend a chance to let you know well ahead of the wedding. [12]
    • If you’re having a destination wedding or planning your wedding at a time when it might be hard for many people to attend (such as during a major holiday), try to send out save-the-dates 9 months to a year in advance.
    • Do a search online for fun and creative save-the-date ideas, like custom magnets or buttons.
    • If you have a wedding website, you can put the address on your save-the-dates.
  4. Once the wedding is about 2 months away, send out invitations to all the people on your guest list. [13] Make sure you include the place, date, and time of the ceremony and reception, as well as the names of the people you are inviting.
    • If you don’t have a big budget for wedding invitations, you can save money and add a personal touch by making your own.
    • Your invitations should also include RSVP cards and additional important information, such as dress code and menu options (if applicable).
    • As you receive RSVPs, keep track of them on your guest list.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Choosing a Venue, Officiant, and Vendors

PDF download Download Article
  1. Unless you already know exactly where you want to get married, you will need to do some research to find a good venue. Start by doing an online search for venues that match your criteria and fit your budget. Make a list of a few of your favorite options, and contact them for details on pricing, amenities, and how to make reservations. [14]
    • You need not feel restricted to traditional venues, such as a cathedral or banquet hall. You can also get married in a hotel, a park, a museum, a restaurant, or even a barn!
    • Some venues may provide their own music, lighting, catering, or other services. Check with each venue to make sure you are on the same page about what you are providing versus what they are providing.
    • If you can, visit each potential venue in person well in advance of the wedding to make sure they match your expectations.
  2. Wedding ceremony and reception venues can get booked up quickly, so get your venue(s) locked down as early as you can in order to get the date and time you want. [15] It’s especially important to book early if you’ve selected a popular venue or a popular date (like a Saturday in June).
    • If you’re having a destination wedding, you may need to book your venue even earlier. You’ll need to factor in logistical issues like scheduling flights and arranging hotel rooms.
  3. You will need plenty of time to find someone who can work with your schedule, fits your budget, and can provide the kind of ceremony you want. Your officiant will also need sufficient time to prepare their script for the ceremony, especially if you want something unique and personal. [16]
    • Depending on where you live, there may be different laws and requirements regarding who can officiate a wedding and what kind of paperwork needs to be completed ahead of time. [17]
    • In some places, you can legally marry without an officiant. For example, if you live in Pennsylvania, you can opt for a Quaker wedding. All you need is 2 witnesses to sign your marriage certificate at the wedding. [18]
    • Take time to develop a rapport with your potential officiant. Make sure your values align, and help them get to know something about you as a couple.
    • If you can, look at reviews and watch videos of any potential officiants performing wedding ceremonies.
    • Need help writing your wedding vows? Check out tips from wikiHow users at our Need help writing my own wedding vows! forum .
    EXPERT TIP

    Hope Mirlis

    Wedding Officiant & Marriage Counselor
    Hope Mirlis is a registered Wedding Officiant, an Ordained Non-Denominational Minister, and a Certified Yoga Instructor specializing in pre-wedding mental health. She is the Founder of A More Perfect Union, a premarital counseling business. She has worked as a counselor and officiant for over eight years and has helped hundreds of couples strengthen their relationships. She has a MFA in Dramatic Arts from the University of California, Davis.
    Hope Mirlis
    Wedding Officiant & Marriage Counselor

    A qualified officiant is essential. Hope Mirlis, wedding officiant and pre-marital counselor, adds: "Make sure you hire an officiant that is qualified and has the authority to legally marry you. The ceremony is one of the most important parts — if not, the most important part, of the day. You need to make sure it’s done right."

  4. Do an online search for wedding photographers and videographers in your area, and take a look at some portfolios. If you find someone whose work you like and who seems to fit your budget, do a search for online reviews before reaching out to talk to them. [19]
    • Try to meet with your potential photographer/videographer in person, if you can. Bring a list of questions (e.g., about their prices, style, preferred time of day to work, and how long it will take them to return the finished photos/video to you).
    • Book your photographer and/or videographer around 8 months in advance. [20]
  5. Assuming your venue doesn’t already provide food and beverage services, you will need to book your own caterers and bartenders. Do an online search for caterers in your area, or try a site like WeddingWire.com or Thumbtack.com to help you find someone who meets your needs.
    • Start meeting with potential caterers around 8 months before the wedding. [21]
    • In addition to finding out about prices, make a list of any other questions you might have for potential caterers (e.g., if they can accommodate guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions).
  6. About 6 months before the wedding, book transportation for yourself, your future spouse, and the wedding party. If you are having your ceremony and reception at separate locations, take this into account when setting up your transportation. [22]
    • Limos and town cars are popular options for wedding transportation. If you have a large wedding party, a trolley car can be a fun way to go.
  7. . Look for a florist who can provide both general décor (such as floral centerpieces) and individual bridal and wedding party bouquets. Let your potential florists know what you are looking for in terms of colors, theme, the quantity of flowers you will need, and the nature of the venue.
    • Make sure that the florist you choose fits your budget.
    • Try to book your florist around 6 months before the wedding. [23]
  8. for the ceremony and reception. You can use websites like GigMasters.com or Thumbtack.com to search for musicians who perform in the style(s) you’re interested in. Contact a few of your favorites to talk about pricing and scheduling.
    • Try to book your musician(s) or DJ around 5 months in advance. [24]
    • If you can, see your potential musicians perform live so that you can get an idea of their sound and how they are with a crowd.
  9. Start getting in touch with hair and makeup experts in your area around 5 months in advance. Bring them pictures of what you have in mind. If you can, schedule hairstyling and makeup appointments with a few of your favorites so you can get a better idea of what they can do. [25]
    • Ask friends and family for recommendations, or look for stylists and makeup artists online.
    10. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Buying Your Supplies

PDF download Download Article
  1. Maybe you’ve already spent a lot of time thinking about what your dream wedding will look like. If not, now is the time to start. Before you start buying attire and supplies, look for inspiration in wedding magazines, wedding websites, and visual inspiration sites like Pinterest. [26] You could even look at photographs of real weddings you’ve attended to get ideas.
    • Get a scrapbook for clippings or put together a virtual vision board with images you like.
    • Consider both small details (like what you want your cake to look like) and the general look or theme you are going for. For example, if you’re having an outdoor wedding in autumn, you might go for a rustic aesthetic with warm, cozy color combinations.
  2. If you are a bride, it’s a good idea to purchase your dress about 8 months in advance. You’ll need time to do a few fittings and get any necessary adjustments done in the months leading up to the wedding. Allow at least 6 months for purchasing and fitting dresses and suits for the wedding party. [27]
    • Make sure to bring your wedding shoes along when trying on dresses or suits. This will make it easier to coordinate your outfit and make sure that your hemlines are the right length.
    • Don’t worry about sticking to traditional wedding attire if it’s not your thing. For example, if you’re a bride, maybe you’d rather wear a sleek pantsuit than a lacy wedding dress.
    • You can also consider wearing an outfit or accessory that has sentimental meaning for you, like your dad’s old suit or your grandma’s veil.
    • Consider factors like the overall look, date, and setting of the wedding. For example, you might want to wear a long-sleeved dress if you’re having an outdoor wedding in cool weather.
  3. . Go shopping for wedding bands with your future spouse at least 3 months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to make any needed adjustments, such as sizing changes or engraving.<refhttps://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/</ref>
    • If you and/or your partner wears an engagement ring, consider getting bands that match with the engagement ring.
  4. Do a search for bakeries that make wedding cakes or other wedding dessert options in your area, and write down a few options that match your style and budget requirements. Some bakers need a lot of lead time to clear their schedules and design the cake, so try to book someone at least 5 months ahead of time. [28]
    • Remember, looks aren’t everything when it comes to cake! Schedule some tastings with potential bakers so you know what you’re getting will be as delicious as it is elegant.
    • If you’d rather not go with a traditional wedding cake, consider alternatives like cupcakes, cake pops, pies, a candy buffet, a hot cocoa bar, or a chocolate fountain. You can even go savory instead of sweet with a cheese wheel cake. [29]
  5. Once you’ve ordered the essentials, consider whatever else you may need. Make sure to give your vendors a few months for custom orders, such as personalized wine glasses. For example, depending on what is provided by your venue(s), you may need:
    • Rental chairs, tables, table decorations, and place settings.
    • Decorations in addition to flowers, such as hanging lights, streamers, or banners.
    • Wedding favors, menu cards, and place cards for guests.
    • Programs for the ceremony.
    • Gifts for members of your wedding party.
    6. Advertisement

How Long Does It Take To Plan a Wedding?


Printable Wedding Budget Chart

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I plan my wedding if the bride doesn't want to marry me and the wedding has to happen?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can't have a wedding without the bride's consent. Wait on planning your wedding until you meet someone who wants to marry you.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 34
  • Question
    What does intimate mean?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    In the context of a wedding, it usually means something small and cozy, with just a few of your close family and friends present.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 25
  • Question
    Must a married couple live in the same town?
    Community Answer
    No, there are no rules about how close married or engaged couples have to live to each other.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 26
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you want to make a registry, consider doing so several months in advance. This will give your guests plenty of times to choose their gifts (and you plenty of time to decide what you want and need). [30]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • To help you keep track of all the details, put together a wedding binder. This is a good place to store your budget spreadsheet, your guest list, contact information for vendors, and ideas and inspirations for everything from flowers to your vows.
        Thanks
        Helpful 11 Not Helpful 0
      • If you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of working out all the details on your own, consider hiring a wedding planner. If you’re planning a big wedding, a planner might even be able to help you save money.
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • With something as complicated as a wedding, it’s inevitable that not everything will go exactly the way you want it to. Try not to get too stressed out , and remember that your wedding is just one day in the long journey you and your new spouse will be taking together!
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
      • You and your future spouse may have some family members with strong opinions about your wedding. It’s okay to listen to your loved ones’ requests and advice, but remember that ultimately, it is your wedding—you and your partner have final say.
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
      • Compromise is a big part of being married, so try not to get too upset if you and your future spouse don’t agree on every detail. Consider this an opportunity to practice working through your differences in a healthy way!
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Create Romance on Your Wedding Night
      How to
      Plan a Wedding Reception
      How to
      Get a Certificate of No Impediment
      How to
      Zone Agricultural Land for Use As a Wedding Venue
      How to
      Decorate a Wedding Car with Ribbon
      How to
      Prepare for a Wedding
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://apracticalwedding.com/creative-sample-wedding-budgets/
      2. ↑ https://apracticalwedding.com/creative-sample-wedding-budgets/
      3. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/who-pays-for-the-wedding-etiquette-rules
      4. ↑ https://apracticalwedding.com/creative-sample-wedding-budgets/
      5. ↑ https://apracticalwedding.com/creative-sample-wedding-budgets/
      6. ↑ https://www.brides.com/story/5-steps-to-wedding-budget
      7. ↑ https://www.brides.com/story/5-steps-to-wedding-budget
      8. ↑ https://apracticalwedding.com/creative-sample-wedding-budgets/
      9. ↑ https://www.brides.com/gallery/how-to-plan-your-own-wedding
      1. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      2. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      3. ↑ https://www.brides.com/story/save-the-dates-facts-wedding-stationery-tips
      4. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      5. ↑ https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-choose-the-perfect-wedding-venue
      6. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      7. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      8. ↑ https://www.brides.com/story/how-to-find-wedding-officiant
      9. ↑ https://www.phillymag.com/philadelphia-wedding/2018/08/01/quaker-wedding-ceremonies-pennsylvania/
      10. ↑ https://apracticalwedding.com/how-to-hire-a-wedding-photographer/
      11. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      12. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      13. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      14. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      15. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      16. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      17. ↑ https://www.brides.com/gallery/how-to-plan-your-own-wedding
      18. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      19. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/
      20. ↑ https://bridalmusings.com/56884/cheese-wheel-wedding-cake/
      21. ↑ https://wedbuddy.com/real-simple-ultimate-wedding-planning-checklist/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To plan your wedding, start by making a budget and a timeline for when everything needs to get done. Choose a way to keep track of your invoices and costs, like a wedding planning app or spreadsheet. Then, decide on your guest list, choose a venue, pick a theme or color scheme, and set the date for your big day. 6-8 months before the wedding, select your food menu and find an officiant to marry you. About 6 months in advance, make your invitations so you have ample time to send them at least 2 months before your wedding. To learn how to plan for wedding clothes and accessories, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 506,884 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Amrita Mitra

        May 17, 2016

        "I was searching for tips about how to organize a wedding for my assignment when I came across this. It proved to be ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement