12 months out: A month-by-month wedding planning guide!
You've said "yes," the ring is sparkling on your finger, and your mind is a whirlwind of confetti, love songs, and Pinterest boards.
But now what? The sheer thought of planning your dream wedding can transform even the most composed couples into a bundle of nerves. The clock is ticking, and it seems like there are a million tasks ahead of you—find the perfect venue, settle on the perfect menu, choose those perfect flowers - the list goes on!
Consider this your wedding planning bible—a month-by-month guide to mentally shift that intimidating checklist into bite-sized, manageable tasks.
And if you have less than 12 months? That fine! the only timing implication for a wedding in Australia is the completion of the Notice of Intended Marriage no less than a month before the ceremony (don’t stress, your celebrant will talk you through this). If you have less than 12 months, simply scale the table below accordingly!
Announce your engagement and celebrate with loved ones: Share the exciting news of your engagement with friends and family through phone calls, social media, or a formal announcement. Consider hosting an intimate gathering or a larger engagement party to celebrate this milestone with your loved ones.
Discuss your wedding vision and priorities with your partner: Sit down with your partner and have an open conversation about your ideal wedding. Discuss elements such as the size, formality, theme, and location. Determine your top priorities, whether it's the venue, the food, or the entertainment, and make a list to guide your planning decisions.
Set a preliminary budget: Establish a realistic budget that takes into account your savings, contributions from family members, and any additional income you may allocate towards the wedding. Be sure to factor in all aspects of the wedding, including attire, vendors, venue, and any unexpected costs.
Choose a preferred wedding date and time: Select a date for your wedding that is meaningful to you and your partner or that works best for your schedules. Consider factors such as season, weather, and any major events or holidays that may impact travel and accommodations for your guests.
Draft a preliminary guest list: Start creating a rough guest list to help guide your venue search and budget considerations. Talk to your families to ensure important relatives and friends are included, and keep in mind that your guest count may need to be adjusted later based on budget and venue constraints. Check out our article Guest List Realities: 11 harsh but fair ways to cut down your wedding invite list!
Research and book your ceremony and reception venues: Begin researching venues that align with your wedding vision and can accommodate your guest count. Schedule tours and meetings with venue coordinators to discuss availability, pricing, and any restrictions or requirements. Once you find the perfect venue, secure your date by signing a contract and paying a deposit.
Start researching wedding vendors, such as photographers, caterers, and florists: Begin researching potential wedding vendors, paying close attention to their portfolios, reviews, and pricing. Reach out to your top choices to inquire about their availability and to schedule consultations. Keep in mind that popular vendors can book up quickly, so it's important to start this process early.
Find your perfect Celebrant: Research and interview potential celebrants, focusing on their experience, style, and ability to create a personalised ceremony that reflects your relationship and values. Discuss any specific religious or cultural traditions you'd like to incorporate, and ensure the celebrant is available on your chosen wedding date. Check out our Weddings page to see if MBH Celebrations is right for you!
Hire your wedding planner, if desired: If you decide to work with a professional wedding planner, begin researching and interviewing potential candidates. Look for a planner who understands your vision, has experience with weddings of similar size and style, and offers services that match your needs and budget.
Book your photographer and videographer: After researching and consulting with potential photographers and videographers, choose the ones who best capture your desired style and are within your budget. Confirm their availability, sign a contract, and pay any necessary deposits to secure their services for your wedding day.
Choose your wedding party: Select close friends and family members to be a part of your wedding party, considering factors such as their relationship to you, their availability, and their ability to commit to the role. Officially ask them to participate and discuss any expectations or responsibilities.
Create a wedding website and registry: Design a wedding website to share important information with your guests, such as venue details, accommodations, and your love story. Set up a registry with a variety of gift options at different price points, and include a link on your website for guests to easily access.
Start shopping for your wedding attire: Begin researching and trying on wedding attire, whether it's a traditional gown, suit, or something more unique. Visit bridal boutiques, attend trunk shows, or explore custom options with designers. Be sure to account for alterations and accessories, and consider the comfort and style preferences of both you and your partner.
Explore options for wedding stationery, such as save-the-dates and invitations: Research different styles and formats for your wedding stationery, from traditional printed cards to digital designs or eco-friendly alternatives. Consider working with a professional stationer or graphic designer to create a cohesive look that reflects your wedding theme and color palette.
Finalise your guest list: Review your preliminary guest list and make any necessary adjustments based on your budget and venue capacity. Consider the relationships and dynamics among your guests to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. Once finalised, gather and organise contact information for each guest. Check out our article Guest List Realities: 11 harsh but fair ways to cut down your wedding invite list!
Send out save-the-dates: Design and order your save-the-dates, ensuring they match your wedding theme and colors. Mail them out to your guests, providing ample notice for those who may need to make travel arrangements or request time off from work. For destination weddings or weddings during peak travel times, consider sending save-the-dates even earlier.
Book your caterer, florist, and other essential vendors: After researching and meeting with potential vendors, choose the caterer, florist, and other service providers that best align with your wedding vision, budget, and priorities. Sign contracts and pay deposits to secure their services for your wedding day. Be sure to discuss any dietary restrictions or special requests with your caterer.
Choose your wedding theme and colors: Decide on a cohesive theme and color palette for your wedding that reflects your personal style and preferences. Consider factors such as the season, venue, and formality of your event when making your selections. Share your theme and color choices with your vendors to ensure a consistent look throughout your wedding.
Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests: Research and reserve hotel blocks or other accommodations for your out-of-town guests. Look for options near your venue that offer a range of price points and amenities. Provide this information on your wedding website and save-the-dates, and consider including a welcome note or local guide to make your guests feel at home.
Arrange transportation for the wedding day: Research and book transportation options for you, your wedding party, and your guests. Consider factors such as the distance between your ceremony and reception venues, the size of your guest list, and any unique transportation needs. Options may include limousines, shuttles, vintage cars, or even bicycles, depending on your wedding style and budget.
Order your wedding invitations and other stationery: Finalise the design and wording for your wedding invitations and any additional stationery, such as RSVP cards, menu cards, and programs. Ensure that the design aligns with your wedding theme and colors. Place your order with enough time to account for printing, shipping, and any potential delays.
Shop for wedding rings: Visit local jewelers or browse online to find wedding rings that suit your style and budget. Consider factors such as metal type, width, and any desired engravings or customisations. Allow ample time for resising or special orders, if necessary.
Begin planning your honeymoon: Start researching honeymoon destinations and discussing your preferences with your partner. Consider factors such as budget, travel restrictions, weather, and desired activities. Once you've chosen a location, book accommodations, flights, and any necessary tours or experiences.
Schedule hair and makeup trials: Research and book your hair and makeup artists for your wedding day. Schedule trials to test different styles and ensure you're comfortable with your chosen look. Use this opportunity to discuss any allergies or sensitivities to specific products, and provide feedback to your artists.
Arrange any necessary rental items, such as tables, chairs, or tents: Assess your venue's available amenities and determine any additional rental items needed, such as tables, chairs, linens, tents, or lighting. Contact rental companies to discuss pricing, availability, and delivery arrangements. Be sure to consider your wedding theme and colors when selecting rental items.
Attend pre-wedding counseling or workshops, if desired: If you and your partner are interested in attending pre-wedding counseling or workshops, research local offerings or online options. These sessions can help strengthen your relationship, improve communication, and provide valuable insights and tools for navigating married life.
Finalise your wedding menu and cake design: Collaborate with your caterer to create a wedding menu that reflects your tastes, dietary preferences, and any cultural or seasonal influences. Schedule a tasting to ensure the dishes meet your expectations. Meet with your cake designer to finalise your cake's flavor, size, and design, ensuring it aligns with your wedding theme and colors.
Choose and order wedding favors: Select wedding favors that are meaningful, functional, or reflective of your personality as a couple. Consider options such as personalised items, edible treats, or eco-friendly products. Place your order with enough time for production, shipping, and any necessary assembly.
Plan and book your pre-wedding events, such as engagement parties, showers, and bachelor/bachelorette parties: Coordinate with your wedding party and close family members to plan and schedule pre-wedding events. Consider factors such as guest lists, budgets, and desired activities when organising each event. Send out invitations with ample notice, and remember to express gratitude to those involved in planning and hosting.
Confirm your wedding party's attire: Finalise the attire for your wedding party, considering factors such as style, color, and comfort. Share this information with your wedding party members, allowing them enough time to purchase or rent their attire and schedule any necessary alterations.
Start preparing a wedding day timeline: Begin drafting a detailed timeline for your wedding day, including key events such as getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and any special traditions or dances. Share this timeline with your wedding party, vendors, and planner to ensure everyone is on the same page and can provide input or make adjustments as needed.
Send out wedding invitations: Send your wedding invitations to your guests, ensuring they have enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements. Include important information such as venue details, accommodations, and your wedding website. Set a clear RSVP deadline to help you finalise your guest count and seating chart.
Purchase any wedding day accessories, such as shoes, jewelry, or hairpieces: Complete your wedding look by selecting accessories that complement your attire and personal style. Consider comfort and functionality when choosing items such as shoes and hairpieces. Purchase these items in advance to have them available for dress fittings and hair and makeup trials.
Schedule dress fittings and alterations: Book appointments with a professional seamstress or tailor to ensure your wedding attire fits perfectly. Bring your undergarments, shoes, and accessories to each fitting to get an accurate representation of your final look. Allow enough time for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments.
Begin writing your vows and selecting ceremony readings: Start working on your wedding vows, reflecting on your relationship and the promises you want to make to your partner. MBH Celebrations provides custom vows drafting assistance and presentation practice, and has a comprehensive library of readings for your use!
Finalise the seating chart and any special décor elements: Once you have received all RSVPs, create a seating chart that takes into account guest relationships and dynamics. Share this information with your venue and caterer. Finalise any special décor elements, such as centerpieces, signage, or personalised touches, ensuring they align with your wedding theme and colors.
Confirm all details with your vendors: Reach out to each of your vendors to confirm their services, arrival times, and any specific requirements or requests. Provide them with your wedding day timeline and contact information for your wedding planner or designated point person. Double-check that all contracts and payments are in order.
Have a final venue walk-through: Schedule a final walk-through of your ceremony and reception venues with your wedding planner, photographer, and other relevant vendors. Discuss the layout, setup, and any logistical concerns, ensuring that everyone is clear on their roles and responsibilities. This is also an opportunity to address any last-minute changes or requests.
Create a wedding day emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit containing essential items that you might need on your wedding day, such as a sewing kit, stain remover, band-aids, pain relievers, and extra makeup. Assign a trusted member of your wedding party or family to keep the kit on hand and assist with any unexpected issues.
Write thank-you notes for gifts received: As you receive wedding gifts, write personalised thank-you notes expressing your gratitude. Sending these notes promptly shows your appreciation and helps you stay organised leading up to your wedding day. Be sure to keep a record of gifts received and thank-you notes sent.
Prepare any DIY decorations or wedding elements: If you're incorporating DIY decorations or other personalised elements into your wedding, set aside time to complete these projects. Enlist the help of friends and family if needed, and ensure that you have all necessary materials and tools. Store completed items in a safe, organised manner until your wedding day.
Send out rehearsal dinner invitations: Design and send invitations for your rehearsal dinner, providing guests with details such as the date, time, and location. Consider the size and formality of your rehearsal dinner when selecting the invitation style and wording. Be sure to include RSVP information so you can confirm attendance and finalise arrangements with your rehearsal dinner venue.
Provide your final guest count to your caterer and other vendors: Give your caterer and any other vendors who need this information your final guest count. This will help them plan accordingly and ensure they have the appropriate amount of food, drinks, and necessary supplies to accommodate all attendees.
Review your wedding day timeline with your wedding party and vendors: Share the finalised wedding day timeline with your wedding party and vendors, making sure everyone is aware of their roles, responsibilities, and timing. Address any questions or concerns to avoid confusion or delays on the big day.
Confirm all final payments: Double-check that all outstanding payments for your vendors are scheduled or made, and prepare envelopes with tips or gratuities for those who have provided exceptional service. Designate a trusted friend or family member to distribute these envelopes on the wedding day.
Pack for your honeymoon and prepare travel documents: Begin packing for your honeymoon, ensuring you have all necessary clothing, toiletries, and accessories. Check the weather forecast for your destination and make any last-minute adjustments to your packing list. Gather all required travel documents, such as passports, visas, and reservations, and keep them in a secure, easily accessible location.
Attend your final dress fitting and pick up your wedding attire: Attend your final dress fitting to ensure your wedding attire fits perfectly and make any last-minute adjustments if needed. Once you are satisfied with the fit, pick up your wedding attire and store it safely in a garment bag until the big day. Don't forget to also pick up any rented or purchased attire for your wedding party.
Attend the wedding rehearsal and dinner: Participate in the wedding rehearsal to ensure that everyone is familiar with the ceremony logistics, including the order of events, procession, and recessional. Use this opportunity to address any concerns or questions with your officiant and wedding party. After the rehearsal, enjoy a dinner with your close friends and family, celebrating your upcoming union and expressing your gratitude for their love and support.
Deliver any necessary items to the venue, such as guest book, favors, or decorations: Coordinate with your wedding planner, venue staff, or designated helpers to deliver any items that need to be set up at the venue. This may include guest book and pen, wedding favors, personalised decorations, signage, or other special elements. Providing these items in advance can help ensure a smooth setup on your wedding day.
Relax and enjoy some downtime with your partner, friends, and family: Set aside time to unwind and enjoy the company of your partner, friends, and family. Engage in relaxing activities such as a spa treatment, leisurely walk, or movie night. Remember to stay hydrated, eat well, and get a good night's sleep to feel refreshed and energised for your big day.
And there you have it! Contact MBH Celebrations to discuss how we can help you create a magical ceremony!
