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Get a jump-start on your to-do list and plan the perfect day

Wedding planning is an exciting endeavor, filled with countless decisions, each one playing its part in creating your perfect day. From attire to invitations to venues, take this crash course on wedding know-how to ensure your big day reflects your love story, personality and style. It’s as easy as A-B-C!

 

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A  |  Attire

Your wedding attire, be it the bride’s dress or the groom’s suit, is like the centerpiece of your wedding. Take time to find the garment that resonates with your personality, yet coordinate with your partner to ensure your styles align. As much as we want to look our best, don’t forget about comfort, as you will be wearing it throughout the day. Don’t forget to consider the weather and location, as both may influence your attire choices. Remember, your attire should not only look stunning but also make you feel amazing on your big day.

 

B  |  Budget

The number you set will impact every decision you make from now until your big day. Sit down with family and determine who will be contributing to the budget and for how much. Do you want a big wedding with all the bells and whistles or a smaller affair with just your closest friends and family? What can you really afford? These are questions you need to consider before you start moving into the actual planning phase. It’s important to nail down a solid overall budget before making any big decisions, and definitely before signing any agreements with vendors. 

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C  |  Ceremony Venue

Your ceremony venue should align with your vision, create a meaningful atmosphere, and accommodate your guest list comfortably. Consider its location, aesthetics, and any restrictions. Whether you opt for a house of worship, a tranquil garden, an elegant ballroom, a private home or a mountain top, make sure it feels right for you.

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D  |  Decorations

Decor plays a significant role in transforming your venue, so ensure your chosen decorations harmonize with the venue’s existing style or enhance it according to your theme. From arrangements and table settings to lighting and signage, every detail should contribute to the overall ambiance you desire. But don’t go overboard. You want to strike a balance between aesthetics and practicality, making sure your decor doesn’t obstruct the flow of the event.  Regardless of whether you have a specific wedding theme or not, you’ll more than likely decorate your wedding ceremony and reception with beautiful accessories. Plan ahead and check that your wedding venue allows all of your ideas before you make any expensive purchases.

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E  |  Entertainment

Entertainment keeps your guests engaged and sets the mood for the celebration, making it a wedding planning essential. DJ, band, singer, magician, whatever you’re planning to entertain your guests with during and after your wedding ceremony, it’s important to book early. The average time for planning a wedding is between 13 and 18 months so make sure you leave enough time to get the entertainment of your choice. Don’t forget entertainment for children if you decide to have little ones present. Consider the flow of your event, such as background music during dinner and energetic tunes for dancing. Plan entertainment that resonates with your love story and ensures your guests have an unforgettable time.

 

F  |  Flowers

Wedding flowers will probably play a huge role at your wedding – from the bridal bouquet that you’ll toss at the end of the night, to the floral décor in both the ceremony room and on your wedding reception tables. When it comes to flowers, choose blooms that complement your color scheme, theme and season. Aside from the traditional bouquet and table settings, flowers can also be used as accents for chairs, walls, dance floors and more, so go ahead and get creative when it comes to your floral arrangements. TIP: Different flowers will be available in different seasons. Speak to a floral specialist regarding the flowers that may be more available during the season you choose to get married.

 

G  |  Guest List

Prior to looking at wedding venues, you must have an idea of approximately how many guests will be in attendance. Helpful hint: 10-20 percent of the RSVPs may decline – remember this when giving a minimum guarantee to your venue. To create your guest list, begin by identifying your must-invite loved ones and essential friends. Remember that your venue’s capacity and your budget will influence the final list. Be prepared for sensitive decisions, such as plus-ones and children, and maintain clear communication with guests throughout the process.

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H  |  Honeymoon

After all the planning and arranging that you’ll be doing ahead of your big day, you definitely deserve a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. Choose a destination and experience that aligns with your interests, whether it’s a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural exploration, or an adventurous trek. Flights are generally available to book 12 months in advance if you plan on going abroad. Some couples choose to go on a mini-moon right after their wedding and then plan a bigger honeymoon later down the line. Make necessary reservations and create a special itinerary during the wedding planning.

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I  |  Invitations

Invitations give guests a sample of what they can expect to experience. This means deciding on your theme and wedding concept before sending out your invitations. Your invites should incorporate your wedding color palette and give the invitees a taste of the overall wedding theme. Don’t forget to send out Save the Dates ahead of your official invitations. Save-the-date cards are mailed out six to eight months before the wedding, but can also be sent as soon as you've come up with a complete guest list and confirmed your wedding date.

 

J  |  Jewelry 

Wedding jewelry, from the rings to other pieces you choose to wear, is a meaningful choice. So feel free to choose those accessories that hold sentimental value and contribute to your special day’s beauty, whether it’s family heirlooms or something new. Some couples like to choose matching wedding rings, some couples choose to have their wedding rings custom-made, and others may choose to wear heirloom rings.

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K  |  Kid’s Entertainment

When children are part of your guest list, don’t forget about kid-friendly activities while wedding planning. Some tot-friendly ideas: Put a coloring book and crayons at each place setting or provide each child with a goodie bag of small treats like stickers, mini games, crayons and cookies. Consider their ages and preferences to ensure the little ones enjoy the celebration as much as the adults. Enlist a willing teenage guest, or hire a local babysitter, to supervise the little ones.

 

L |  Lighting

One of the most dramatic ways to transform a room is with lighting. It can alter the mood, imbue a sense of ambience, and help move the event from a classy affair to the hottest club in town. If hiring a professional is within your budget (they can be more affordable than you might think!), they can really help up the drama – from projecting your initials onto the back wall to creating a romantic effect that feels like dancing under a starry sky. Uplighting and pin spotlighting are also popular ways to draw attention to the special touches a bride has included in her décor. 

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M  |  Menu

Your wedding menu should cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Collaborate with your caterer to craft a diverse selection of dishes that reflect your preferences and the overall theme. Consider dietary restrictions and allergies, and remember to taste the dishes beforehand to ensure they meet your expectations.

 

N  |  Notebook

It is always good to keep a notebook of your wedding contracts and other material. Three ring binders with pockets are great for this. Store fabric swatches, magazine cutouts, and photos of flowers, cakes, dresses, etc. that you like and put them under the appropriate sections. Take these with you when visiting vendors and deciding on selections.

 

O  |  Outdoor Wedding

Always dreamed of saying “I do” outdoors? A glorious breeze, the sun setting in the background - the beauty of an outdoor wedding can be hard to top. Just be sure to have a solid backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate with your plans. Ideally, you should have an alternate indoor location that you feel comfortable with, but there are other options if you want to ensure that you keep the event outdoors: Have large tents on hold at the party rental store in case of rain; heaters in case of cold; and fans in case you need to create a cooling breeze.

 

P  |  Photography

Good photographers are worth their weight in gold so book quickly, especially during the popular months. Invest in a skilled wedding photographer who can capture the essence of your day, from candid moments to formal portraits. Choose a photographer whose style matches your preferred style. Ask yourself: Do you like their work? Is it memorable, different, fun and a reflection of your wedding and your taste? As you take time to get to know your photographer before the wedding day, look through their photos, not just their price list. People often lose focus by worrying about price when they should be concerned about the most critical element: Getting great photos. After all, when the cake is gone and the guests are gone, the wedding photos are the one thing you’ll have to remember that day.

 

Q  |  Quiet Time

Wedding days can be very overwhelming, so it’s important to carve out moments through the day for you and your partner to center yourselves and savor the significance of the day. Make sure you plan to take a step out with your new husband to just be to together even if it’s just for five minutes during the day – you’ll need it! Whether it’s a private moment before the ceremony or a quiet interlude during the reception, including these moments in your wedding planning can keep you mindful and relaxed. “Enjoy the day/night and take the time to take a walk with your new husband – away from everyone,” advises bride Elise. “The peace the two of you will experience is priceless and it is one of the marriage memories you will cherish.”

 

R  |  Reception Venue

Your reception venue should cater to your guest count and offer the desired atmosphere, so be sure to consider its location, convenience, and amenities. From a grand ballroom to a rustic barn, remember that the venue should be a place that matches the aesthetic of your wedding while providing a comfortable space for your celebration. Keep your budget, the size of your guest list, and the formality of the event in mind. Make sure to book your venues as far in advance as possible, as many popular wedding and reception venues can be booked a year or more out.

 

S  |  Send-Offs

Traditionally, wedding guests send the newlyweds off in a shower of rice. These days, most couples have expanded on this tradition and opted for more creative options. Why not end the reception with a bang. At the end of the night, invite your guests outside for your big send-off, and surprise them with a dramatic light and firework show (in your wedding colors, of course). Or, for a grand getaway, race through a tunnel of swords, ski poles, boat oars, LED balloons, glowing light sabers or wedding sparklers.

 

T  |  Transportation

Arrange transportation logistics for you and your close guests, especially if your ceremony and reception are at different locations. Ensure everyone arrives safely and on time. Depending on the distance and the number of guests, consider options such as shuttle services, limousines, or even vintage cars to add a touch of elegance to your day. For a unique – and exciting – experience, consider renting a helicopter for a pre- or post-wedding glacier trip!

 

U  |  Ushers and Usherettes

Ushers set the tone for the ceremony as they assist your wedding guests to their places. Make sure yours are well-informed about the venue’s layout and seating plan so they help guests with ease and courtesy. Often friends or family members of the couple, these gents (and sometimes ladies!) let guests know which seats are reserved and whether there is a bride’s and groom’s side of the aisle. Sometimes, they also hand out ceremony programs. You might have them dress to match the groomsmen or wear their own coordinated attire, but don’t forget to get them boutonnieres so they stand out from the crowd.

 

V  |  Vows

Your wedding vows are a heartfelt and intimate part of the ceremony. Write or select vows that express your love, commitment, and promises to each other. Personalize them to make the moment memorable, emotional, and deeply meaningful. Writing your own vows can be a sweet way to personalize your ceremony. You and your fiancé should both speak from the heart, but try to make the style of your vows similar. For example, decide whether you'll be serious or humorous, or both.

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W  |  Wedding Planner

Are you a busy couple? Do you have the time but not sure what you want your big day to look like? Consider hiring a wedding planner. A wedding planner can give you ideas and suggestions to help bring your vision to life, help with the planning details and appropriately allocate your budget to give you the most bang for your buck. These days, you can hire a pro at different price points, depending on the level of service you need. You can enlist a coordinator to orchestrate the entire event or hire one just for the big day itself, to ensure that things run smoothly. 

 

X  |  X-tra Special Touches

Consider incorporating unique and personalized elements into your wedding that make your wedding uniquely yours. These small, quirky details can leave a lasting impression on your guests. It could be shared hobbies, inside jokes, or special symbols that represent your relationship. Think about personalized favors, creative guest book alternatives, or thematic surprises that reflect your personality. These details add personality and warmth to your celebration.

 

Y |  Your Love Story

Every couple has their own unique "how we met" story, proposal, and even challenges that have brought them to this pivotal moment. Find opportunities to share the story of your journey as a couple with your guests and bring them closer to the celebration. Incorporate speeches, songs, anecdotes, milestones, and shared experiences into the wedding planning that creates a narrative that celebrates your unique bond.

 

Z  |  Zero Regrets

Throughout all the planning, embrace the highs and lows, stay true to yourselves, and enjoy the process. Then, on your big day, be sure to savor the moment. Even if the weather isn’t what you'd hoped for, or there are a few road bumps along the way, don’t sweat the small stuff, says bride Crystal. “Don’t worry about the little imperfections that you have no control over. Sure, there will be snafus, but those will add to the richness of your memories.” Look back on your day with zero regrets – and look forward to your new life together!