12 Months Before Your Wedding
Announce Your Engagement
Get a bottle of champagne, gather your loved ones, and spread the word.
Determine Your Budget:
Figuring out your budget helps you guide your future decisions. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, couples spend an average of $28,000 for the wedding ceremony and reception. However, the cost of your wedding can vary greatly depending on your needs and how many guests you plan to have. No matter how big or small your budget is, it's a good idea to leave some room for unexpected expenses.
Create a List of Priorities:
With your partner, prioritize what's most important to you on your wedding day (for example: food, venue, or music). This will help you stay on track with your budget.
Brainstorm Themes:
A theme helps you make design decisions and create a cohesive look. Popular wedding themes include rustic, romantic, vintage, and a traditional white wedding never goes out of style.
Think About Dates:
Consider the time of year you'd like to have your wedding and select a few ideal dates to help guide you, but plan to be flexible. Keep in mind how holidays and budget can affect your choice.
Choose the Initial Guest List:
Start to think about who you want to invite to your wedding, keeping your budget in mind. You might start with a list of everyone you can imagine attending your wedding, with the intention of trimming it later.
Think About Who Will Be in Your Wedding Party:
Your closest friends and family members will want to know who's going to be a part of your wedding. Before you make any decisions, consider who you want to support you on your big day, and talk with your partner about the size of the wedding party and what your budget allows.
Consider Hiring a Planner:
If you have room in your budget, think about if you want to hire a wedding planner. They help to take care of the details and make sure everything goes smoothly. A wedding planner can be especially helpful if you and your partner have demanding schedules and little time to meet with vendors, or if you find the process too overwhelming.
Research Venues:
Start researching different venues and their package prices. Keep your budget in mind and consider whether you want to have different locations for the ceremony and the reception.
Brainstorm Your Dream Dress:
The sooner you're ready to shop for a dress the more time you have for custom alterations and fittings. If you can envision your dream gown, you already have a head start! If not, look for design inspiration on websites, in magazines, and in your own closet.
Get Organized:
Consider creating a wedding folder to keep ideas, to-do lists, and receipts in one place. You might want to use spreadsheets, apps, or other online tools to help you organize your thoughts and relevant information.