💍the twelve-month wedding countdown

What I did for my own wedding, then refined planning four more for friends. Not gospel, just tested.

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12 months out: set the budget before anything else

figure out who's contributing before you fall for a venue you can't afford. awkward conversation, have it early anyway.

11 months out: book the venue and lock the date

popular fall Saturdays go 14 months out sometimes. if the date matters more than the venue, say so out loud.

10 months out: book the photographer

9 months out: caterer, florist, DJ or band

good photographers and bands book out earlier than you think, some of mine were full a year ahead.

8 months out: send save-the-dates

6 months out: start dress shopping, alterations take longer than you think

5 months out: get everything in writing

every vendor call, follow with an email confirming what you agreed to. learned this after a florist 'remembered' a different palette.

4 months out: order and address invitations

2 months out: final headcount and seating chart

caterers want final numbers around here, call and confirm the actual deadline. it moves every time.

3 weeks out: confirm every vendor's arrival time

the step everyone skips and the one that saves the day. confirm when vendors actually show up, not when the event starts.

day before: pack an emergency kit, hand it to someone who isn't you

safety pins, stain pen, tums, a charger. give it to a bridesmaid or your planner, you won't have access to your own bag.

6 months out: book hair and makeup trial

good ones fill up with the same saturdays the venues do

suggested by @paubodas

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