Wedding Planning 12-18 Months and 8-12 Months Before Wedding

12-18 Months Before
* Start a wedding folder or binder. Begin leaving through wedding, lifestyle, fashions, gardening, design and food magazines for inspiration start a Pinterest board and Instagram for ideas.

* Work out your budget. Determine how much you have to spend, based on your families contribution in your own.
Rate each category from 1-5 #1 is most important to spend $.

* Pick your wedding party. As soon as you’re engaged, people will start wondering who’s in the wedding party.

* Start your guest list. Make a head count database to use through your planning process, with columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts, and in other relevant information. (Hint: Want to keep costs low? It may be brutal, but the best way to do it is to reduce your guest list.)

* Reserve your date and venues. Decide whether to have a separate location for the ceremony and reception, factoring in travel time between the two places.

* Book your officiant.

* Research photographers, bands, florist and caterers. Keep their contact information in your binder or spreadsheet. For contracts, deposit and payments

* Throw an engagement party, if you wish. But remember that your invite should be on your wedding guest list as well.

8-12 Months Before Wedding

* Hire the photographer and videographer. No need to talk specifics yet —be sure that the people you hire are open to doing the shots you want. Also be sure you like the editing style that the photographer does.

* Book the entertainment DJ and/or live music for the ceremony!

* Meet the caterers. If your wedding venue catering service, be sure to look for preferred recommendations.

* Purchase a dress. You’ll need to schedule a time for at least three feedings. Real shopping can be postponed for another 2 to 3 months.

* Reserve a block of motel rooms for out of town guests. It’s great to try to get one of the room rates to sit right around $100 if possible.

* Start a gift register with a minimum of three retailers.

* Launch a wedding website. Create your personal page. Note the date of the wedding, travel information and accommodations. Then send a link to invitees.

* Visit your local formalwear stores and choose the groom’s and groomsmen‘s attire.

* Send save-the-date cards