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The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist


Wedding planning can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. There are countless details to consider and tasks to complete in preparation for your special day. To help you stay organized and on track, we've put together the ultimate wedding planning checklist.


12+ Months Before Your Wedding

  • Set a budget: Determine how much you can realistically spend on your wedding, and allocate funds for each aspect of the event.

  • Choose a wedding date: Consider factors such as weather, availability of venues and vendors, and personal preferences.

  • Reserve a venue: Choose a ceremony and reception venue that fits your style, guest count, and budget.

  • Hire a wedding photographer: Look for a photographer whose style and personality resonate with you, and book them for your wedding date. We highly recommend scheduling a 30-minute consultation call with our lead photographer, which is free of charge. During this call, we can discuss our process and approach to ensure that you get the best return on your investment. Whether you choose to proceed with our services or not, this call will add to your knowledge and assist you in finding the right photographer for your special day.

  • Create a guest list: Compile a list of family and friends you'd like to invite to your wedding.

  • Start shopping for wedding attire: Begin looking for your wedding dress, suits, and accessories.


8-12 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Hire wedding vendors: Find and book vendors for catering, florals, entertainment, and any other services you may need.

  • Create a wedding website: Use a wedding website builder to create a personalized site where guests can RSVP, view your registry, and access other important details.

  • Choose your wedding party: Decide who you want to stand by your side on your wedding day, and ask them to be a part of your wedding party.

  • Book accommodations: Reserve hotels or Airbnb rentals for out-of-town guests and your wedding night.

  • Plan your honeymoon: Research destinations, book travel, and arrange for any necessary documentation.


4-8 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Plan your wedding decor: Choose a theme, color scheme, and style for your wedding, and start selecting decor elements.

  • Send save-the-dates: Send out save-the-date cards to your guest list.

  • Hire a wedding planner: Consider hiring a professional wedding planner to help you with logistics and coordination.

  • Book hair and makeup services: Reserve hair and makeup artists for yourself and your wedding party.

  • Order wedding invitations: Choose and order your wedding invitations and any other stationary you may need.


2-4 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Finalize wedding details: Confirm contracts, finalize menus and music selections, and complete other remaining details.

  • Attend dress fittings: Schedule fittings for your wedding dress and any other attire.

  • Obtain marriage license: Visit your local government office to obtain a marriage license.

  • Plan rehearsal dinner: Choose a venue and menu for your rehearsal dinner.

  • Purchase wedding rings: Shop for and purchase wedding rings for you and your partner.


1-2 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Send wedding invitations: Send out formal wedding invitations to your guest list.

  • Finalize seating chart: Arrange seating arrangements for your reception.

  • Confirm details with vendors: Confirm details and logistics with all of your wedding vendors.

  • Write vows and speeches: Begin writing your wedding vows and speeches.

  • Have a wedding rehearsal: Schedule and attend a wedding rehearsal with your wedding party and officiant.


1 Week Before Your Wedding

  • Confirm final details: Confirm final details with all of your vendors and make any necessary last-minute changes.

  • Pack for your honeymoon: Pack for your honeymoon and make any necessary travel arrangements.

  • Get plenty of rest: Get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your wedding.

  • Enjoy a spa day: Take some time for self-care and relaxation before your big day.


Your Wedding Day

  • Get ready: Get dressed, do your hair and makeup, and prepare for your wedding ceremony.

  • Exchange vows: Say your wedding vows and officially tie the knot.

  • Enjoy your reception: Celebrate with your guests, enjoy your reception, and dance the night away.

  • Take photos: Work with your wedding photographer to capture special


 
 
 

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Viahdi Photography is an award-winning wedding studio based in Toronto, Canada, with a strong focus on photojournalistic and editorial wedding photography.

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