There's no standard answer to the question "How long does it take to plan a wedding?" After all, circumstances unique to the bride and groom play a large factor in the planning timeline. Weddings have been planned in as little as a few weeks - or a few days for an elopement - or years, if the couple so chooses.
However, if you're asking "how long does it take to plan a wedding without any extra stress?" the answer is easier: At least a year. The average length of time couples are taking to plan a wedding these days is 16 months. Why so long? For one, many desirable reception venues book up far in advance. Also, weddings have become more of an event these days than they were in years past, and that takes time to plan.
For the bride who is planning approximately a year's worth of time, here's the standard timeline:
One year before.
One year before - Set a tentative date (though be aware it could change) Choose your style and formality. Work out your budget before talking to any vendors. Start a tentative guest list. Reserve your officient. Select your bridal party and let them know which events they need to be involved in. Shop for wedding reception venues. Shop for your dress, schedule fittings. Shop for bridesmaid dresses. Search for wedding vendors by starting with photographers
Nine months before - Finalize guest list and gather addresses. Register for gifts at your preferred stores. Select and order the attire for the groom and his groomsmen. Finalize vendors, put down deposits. Schedule engagement photos. Research honeymoon preferences. Select and order invitations
Six months before - Prepare documents to go inside invitations (maps, directions, additional information) Meet with all wedding vendors to finalize orders. Order wedding cake if not provided by the caterer. Coordinate parents' attire. Book honeymoon. Send save-the-date announcements. Book rehearsal dinner location. Order wedding rings
Four months before. Book block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Arrange final dress fittings. Order wedding favors and bridal party gifts.
Two months before - Send invitations. Book appointments with beauticians for day of wedding. Schedule a make-up trial. Assign your "wedding day assistant," someone who isn't in the bridal party who can help you on your wedding day.
One month before - Confirm all ceremony and reception bookings. Finalize rehearsal dinner details. Draw up seating arrangements for reception. Go to hair and make-up trial. Choose a date to get your marriage license with your fiance'. Start gathering RSVPS.
Two-three weeks before - Pick up wedding rings. Have final dress fitting. Confirm all arrival times and final arrangements with vendors.
One week before - Give caterer final head count. Pack bags for honeymoon. Ask bridal party to help with post-wedding tasks. Make arrangements for wedding gifts to be delivered to your home.
1-2 days before - Double-check honeymoon arrangements such as hotel and flight details. Write checks for vendors and give to wedding day assistant. Put together an "emergency kit" with all essentials. Attend rehearsal dinner. Create phone list of wedding vendors and give to your assistant.
However, if you're asking "how long does it take to plan a wedding without any extra stress?" the answer is easier: At least a year. The average length of time couples are taking to plan a wedding these days is 16 months. Why so long? For one, many desirable reception venues book up far in advance. Also, weddings have become more of an event these days than they were in years past, and that takes time to plan.
For the bride who is planning approximately a year's worth of time, here's the standard timeline:
One year before.
One year before - Set a tentative date (though be aware it could change) Choose your style and formality. Work out your budget before talking to any vendors. Start a tentative guest list. Reserve your officient. Select your bridal party and let them know which events they need to be involved in. Shop for wedding reception venues. Shop for your dress, schedule fittings. Shop for bridesmaid dresses. Search for wedding vendors by starting with photographers
Nine months before - Finalize guest list and gather addresses. Register for gifts at your preferred stores. Select and order the attire for the groom and his groomsmen. Finalize vendors, put down deposits. Schedule engagement photos. Research honeymoon preferences. Select and order invitations
Six months before - Prepare documents to go inside invitations (maps, directions, additional information) Meet with all wedding vendors to finalize orders. Order wedding cake if not provided by the caterer. Coordinate parents' attire. Book honeymoon. Send save-the-date announcements. Book rehearsal dinner location. Order wedding rings
Four months before. Book block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Arrange final dress fittings. Order wedding favors and bridal party gifts.
Two months before - Send invitations. Book appointments with beauticians for day of wedding. Schedule a make-up trial. Assign your "wedding day assistant," someone who isn't in the bridal party who can help you on your wedding day.
One month before - Confirm all ceremony and reception bookings. Finalize rehearsal dinner details. Draw up seating arrangements for reception. Go to hair and make-up trial. Choose a date to get your marriage license with your fiance'. Start gathering RSVPS.
Two-three weeks before - Pick up wedding rings. Have final dress fitting. Confirm all arrival times and final arrangements with vendors.
One week before - Give caterer final head count. Pack bags for honeymoon. Ask bridal party to help with post-wedding tasks. Make arrangements for wedding gifts to be delivered to your home.
1-2 days before - Double-check honeymoon arrangements such as hotel and flight details. Write checks for vendors and give to wedding day assistant. Put together an "emergency kit" with all essentials. Attend rehearsal dinner. Create phone list of wedding vendors and give to your assistant.
About the Author:
Randolph Quan is a wedding photographers London , and advises people on the Wedding Photography Surrey at his website.
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