Making a wedding-planning checklist brings sanity to brides and grooms. It is the grand timeline that keeps everyone on the same page- no pun intended. Read this week’s blog to get organized for the perfect stress-free wedding planning process.
Partner of your dreams:
Even if a man or woman has not been asked the big question yet, it is very acceptable to start daydreaming about her ideal wedding. The same goes for men. Many brides and grooms have ideas for what they desire for the day of their wedding, but not all know how to get it while staying in budget.
Twelve months out on the wedding-planning checklist:
Decide on a budget twelve months before the wedding. This is rarely a fun conversation to have. Because 
it might be the first large financial decision the couple is making together, take time to truly understand what each other would like to spend.
Going over budget is one of the largest stresses on couples planning a wedding. Nothing is romantic about dishing out loads of cash. Let it be the first testament of your teamwork by staying under budget and having ongoing communication about the wedding-planning checklist.
For example, make a priority list to ensure your dream wedding cake is not being compromised because the getaway vintage car was double its allocated budget. Bride and grooms should pick their number one must-haves. Start with the must-haves and then allocate the budget accordingly.
After the budget is set, there is an idea of how many guests can be invited. Parents from both sides and the couple should write their own guest list. Combine the lists and cut, cut, and cut until reaching a reasonable head count.
Twelve months out will also be the time to hire a wedding planner. Depending on your budget, you may hire a wedding planner or a wedding day coordinator. Planners and coordinators will assist with budgeting, hiring vendors, and managing just about everything.
Pour a glass of bubbly and have an in depth conversation for the vision of your wedding. Brides and grooms should brainstorm on themes and the formality. Pick what is important to the both of you, not what will make others happy.
Select the venue once the formality is decided on. The venue is a crucial factor for deciding catering and bar needs. Many venues include this in package price or require in-house caterers, so never hire a caterer before locking down a venue. Caterers should be hired twelve months out.
Eleven months before the big day:
It’s time for the fun stuff! Select a color palette and overall theme for a beautiful wedding. This will be the inspiration for the rest of the decor planning. Events By Jaclyn planners recommend following wedding Instagram pages and looking in wedding magazines to find your wedding style.
Picture what would be your dream wedding day. Wedding planners are sure to make this a nice balance between the happy couple’s visions. Next on the wedding-planning checklist, create a vision board to keep ideas and thoughts organized.
Hire the vendors that tend to book up quickly such as the DJ, a band, or photographer. Ask thorough questions about their services to get a good feel of their personalities. Most importantly, you want to mesh well with a photographer because, they will be documenting your day. Going back to prioritizing, hire your must-haves first to avoid major bridezilla vibes.
Ten month check point:
For most brides, this is the most anticipated part of the planning process. Time to go dress shopping! 
Designer dresses take months to come in, and fittings can take another month or so.
Time for another shopping trip. Pick out a nice outfit for the happy couple and take engagement photos with your photographer or family member. These images may be used for save-the-dates, reception signs, and thank you cards.
An optional part of the wedding-planning checklist is to book a hotel-room block for guests. These blocks rates are discounted from normal hotel rates. Time to design a wedding website.
Create a catchy or romantic URL for the wedding website. It will be shared on your save-the-dates and even the invitations for an RSVP section. This leads us to invitations.
Time to order. When guests open their invitations, it will set the expectation, formality, and theme of your wedding. Keep in mind any theme and any dress code decided on previously should be obviously stated, so no one feels uncomfortable.
Thank you for reading this week’s blog, and inquire today for Event By Jaclyn’s wedding coordination to make your dream wedding become a reality! Check in soon for the rest of the planning, nine months out all the way to the day before to do’s.
