Wedding Planning Checklist: 11 Things to Do Ahead of the Big Day

Many couples put their wedding plans on hold during the first two years of the pandemic. Social distancing, gathering limits, and mask mandates made it challenging to plan nuptials.

But 2023 is expected to see a considerable increase in the number of wedding ceremonies as people who postponed their weddings over the last couple of years finally tie the knot.

If a walk down the aisle of holy matrimony is in the cards for you and your significant other this year, here’s a checklist of 10 things you need to do to be ready for the big day.

1. Stay Organized by having a Wedding Planner Book

A wedding planner book can be a bride’s best friend when it comes to wedding planning. With so much to think about and keep track of, a wedding planner book can help a bride stay organized and on track. It can also help a bride budget her wedding by keeping track of all of the wedding expenses. In addition, the wedding planner book can serving as a reminder of all of the important details that need to be taken care of in the weeks and months leading up to the big day. For any bride who wants to have a beautiful and memorable wedding, a wedding planner book is a must-have.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning your wedding, then put your mind at ease with DELUXY The Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer. This book is designed to help you get organized and make wedding planning a breeze. It includes everything you need to know, from budgeting and setting a timeline to choosing your vendors and designing your dream wedding. There are a lot of satisfied brides who attested that this planner is a lifesaver! So if you’re looking for a way to streamline your wedding planning process, then check out DELUXY Wedding Planner & Organizer today.

2. Set a Budget

According to one source, the average price for a wedding in 2020 was $28,964. That’s a sizeable chunk of money. Before you choose a realistic budget, figure out what you both want. Do you want a big wedding with hundreds of people at a barn venue such as WhiteWillowMeadows.com? Do you want the event to occur in a large chapel and then have the reception in a rented auditorium, or do you want a small outdoor wedding and then have the reception in a reserved room at an all-you-can-eat Chinese restaurant? Figure out what you both want, and then choose a doable budget.

3. Choose the Date, Rent a Space, and Invite Guests

You’ll need to select a date for the exchange of nuptials. Once the date is nailed down, the next step is to secure the venue for the wedding and reception. If you want to do things the easy way, you might book a church facility with space for the wedding and the reception.

One of the benefits of church membership is that you might get to book the venue for a modest stipend. Otherwise, the amount you might have to pay will be affordable. You’ll also want to send invites to people you want to attend.

4. Book Musician, Photographer, Memory Book Producer, Etc.

Do you envision walking down the aisle while a violinist plays Pachelbel’s Canon in D? Whether you want someone to play music during the ceremony or a band to play music during the reception, you’ll want to book well in advance.

The same goes for the photographer. Ensure you book one well ahead of time so that you can capture the moments forever. One option you might not have thought of before is creating a picture book from PrintingCenterUSA.com to commemorate your wedding day uniquely.

You can include pictures, messages from guests, poems, words of wisdom, and even your vows. It’ll be a special memento that brings back memories. Also, don’t forget to book the officiant who’ll play a key role in marrying you and your partner.

5. Choose Attire and Accessories

You might not be as fussy about attire and accessories if you’re having a simple affair. But you should still plan. It’s a good idea to choose the bridal gown and the outfits for the maids of honor. Remember to budget for hairstyling and makeup on the big day as well. And don’t forget the attire for the groom and groomsmen. You’ll want to ensure everyone’s well-attired for the event.

6. Plan Reception

The reception cost will primarily be a function of how many people you invite. You have to consider the venue, the wedding cake, the multi-course meal, the beverages, and more. Again, you can save a boatload of money if you hold the event at a low-cost venue like a church banquet hall and limit the number of people you invite. There’s nothing wrong, for instance, with opting for a small guestlist for the reception while allowing anyone and everyone to attend the wedding.

7. Flowers and Decor

Can there be a real wedding without floral arrangements? Technically, yes, but realistically, no. In addition to finding a florist that can provide the bouquets you need to beautify the venue, you’ll also want to assign people to the decor crew.

Even the most sparse space can become majestic with the right decor and floral arrangements. Don’t wait until the last minute to find a florist that can help you–and ensure you form a decor team asap. If you have family or friends who have a knack for interior decorating or design, add them to the team.

8. Rings

How much should you spend on wedding rings? According to one report, the average amount couples spent on engagement rings was $3,756 in 2020. But how much you end up spending on engagement and wedding rings is entirely up to you and your spouse-to-be.

Some sources suggest spending several months’ salary on an engagement ring. But it’s always a better idea to spend within your means. Why start married life in debt due to the wedding?

9. Book Transportation

You’ll also want to book transportation to the wedding hall, the reception venue, wherever pictures will be taken, and even the hotel after the festivities. You might want to rent limos for you and your significant other, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and immediate family members.

10. Rehearsal Dinner

It’s customary to hold a rehearsal dinner for the bride, groom, their families, and everyone else who’ll play a role during the wedding. The first step is to rehearse the wedding. After that, you’ll want to go to a restaurant or someplace else to enjoy a fellowship meal. If you’re going to do it at a restaurant, book well ahead and ensure you know how many people to expect.

11. Book Honeymoon

Don’t forget to book your honeymoon. The chances are that you won’t need a reminder for that. Remember that you don’t have to plan your dream vacation to enjoy a fantastic honeymoon trip. Go someplace you both want to visit, get a nice hotel room at a nice hotel, and get married life started on the right foot.

Relax and Enjoy the Process

While planning your upcoming wedding, don’t forget to relax and enjoy the process. Don’t think you have to do everything yourself—delegate responsibilities to family and friends.

The ten tips mentioned above are some of the essential things that should be on your checklist, but it’s not an exhaustive list. That’s why it makes sense to start planning as soon as possible. However, what you don’t want is to get so wound up that you burn yourself out. If you start early and get some help, you’ll enjoy planning one of the most important events of your life.