Your wedding day is one of the most anticipated and memorable days of your life. The build-up can be both thrilling and a bit daunting with a long list of tasks to complete. Proper preparation is crucial to ensure your special day unfolds smoothly. This guide provides you with a comprehensive approach to preparing for your big day.
12-18 Months Ahead
Begin your preparation by setting your budget, identifying your guest list, and choosing a potential date. Select your venue, decide on your wedding style or theme, and start researching potential vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, and bands or DJs.
9-12 Months Ahead
Once your date and venue are set, book your essential vendors. This is also the right time to start shopping for your wedding dress, as it might take several months for the dress to arrive and alterations to be made. Begin a skincare routine to ensure glowing skin on your wedding day.
6-9 Months Ahead
Finalize your guest list, send out save-the-dates, and start planning your honeymoon. Also, consider booking accommodation for out-of-town guests. Decide on bridesmaid dresses and start thinking about your hair and makeup. Now is also a good time to order your wedding cake.
4-6 Months Ahead
Order your invitations and hire your officiant. If you’re writing your own vows, start drafting them now. Schedule a tasting with your caterer and finalize your menu. Purchase your wedding rings, ensuring you leave time for any resizing or engraving.
2-3 Months Ahead
Send out your invitations, buy your wedding day accessories, and have a hair and makeup trial. Finalize your order of service and ceremony music. Also, start thinking about seating arrangements and creating a day-of timeline.
1 Month Ahead
Apply for your marriage license, finalize your vows and readings, and confirm numbers with your vendors. Have your final dress fitting and pick up your wedding rings. Create your seating chart and make sure all accessories, clothes, and speeches are ready.
1-2 Weeks Ahead
Touch base with your vendors to confirm details and give them a copy of your day-of timeline. Pack for your honeymoon and write any thank-you notes for gifts received early. Have a final haircut or color, and organize a rehearsal with your wedding party and immediate family.
The Day Before
Have your rehearsal dinner, and give out any wedding party gifts. Review your wedding-day schedule, pack a bag for the wedding venue, and try to relax. Most importantly, have an early night and get plenty of sleep.
Your Wedding Day
Eat a good breakfast, and start getting ready with plenty of time so you won’t feel rushed. Make sure you stay hydrated and take some time to yourself. This is your day, enjoy every moment.
Preparing for your wedding day can seem like an enormous task, but with organization, foresight, and patience, it can be an enjoyable and memorable part of your wedding journey. Remember to lean on your loved ones for support and cherish every step as you make your way towards one of the most significant days of your life.
This post was written by a professional at Michele Renee The Studio. Michele Renee The Studio Specializes in wedding hair and makeup in St Petersburg FL. Based in Tampa, FL, we serve a global client base for weddings, boudoir, corporate, film, television, social events, photo shoots, and more! Contact us now to schedule your appointment for your wedding hair and makeup!
